Radxa Taco: Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 carrier board launches with numerous expansion options

Radxa has introduced a new carrier board for the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (CM4). Serving as a replacement for the Rock Pi SATA HAT, the Radxa Taco supports the CM4, CM4 Lite and the Radxa CM3. As CNX Software notes, other Rockchip RK3566-based SoMs could share compatibility with the Radxa Taco too. Please note that while a 60 W 12V power supply is included, you must purchase a compatible SoM separately, as well as any SATA or M.2 drives.

As the company’s images show, the Radxa Taco contains 5 SATA connectors on its rear, plus the same number of Activity LEDs and a MASKROM key. For reference, while the Radxa Taco supports up to 15 mm tall 2.5-inch drives natively, the carrier board can accommodate 3.5-inch drives via cable adapters and a standard ATX power supply. Additionally, Radxa has included an M.2 2280 slot, an M.2 2230 slot for a Bluetooth/Wi-Fi card and an RTC (CR1225) battery slot.

Moreover, the 110 x 85 mm board has a micro SD card reader, two Ethernet connections, a USB 2.0 Type-A port, an HDMI connection, a user-configurable button and DC input. Incidentally, a lack of support for the Radxa Taco’s PCIe switch in the Raspberry Pi bootloader means that you cannot boot from an M.2 SSD. The Radxa Taco is orderable from ALLNET China for US$95, plus shipping and taxes. More details about the Taco carrier board can be found in Radxa’s wiki.

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