Raspberry Pi has unveiled a $600 Programming Jig to take the faff out of preparing batches of Compute Module 5 (CM5) boards for deployment.

The device combines the provisioning host and module interface in one box, eliminating the need for a separate IO board.

The IO board is, of course, considerably cheaper, but serves a different purpose: it exposes a CM5's interfaces for development and prototyping. It can also be used during provisioning, albeit through a more involved setup. The Programming Jig is designed to install an operating system and security configuration, then move straight on to the next module.

Weighing just under 1.8 kg, the single-head device accepts one CM5 at a time. Clamp the computer in place and provisioning begins automatically. A typical installation takes about 90 seconds, after which a green status LED indicates that the module can be removed and replaced with the next one. It is a straightforward procedure that industrial users may welcome when faced with a stack of CM5s destined for embedded systems.

Initial setup involves writing the jig's own operating system and configuring it with Raspberry Pi Imager. Raspberry Pi recommends using Connect to access the jig's desktop remotely, after which operators can upload the images destined for their CM5 boards.

Raspberry Pi had already tackled part of the mass-provisioning problem with rpi-sb-provisioner, which automates operating system installation and security configuration. The remaining challenge was hardware: each CM5 still had to be connected to a provisioning host, perhaps through an IO board attached to a separate Raspberry Pi or other computer.

The Programming Jig integrates the controller and pogo-pin interface into a single unit. Once configured, the operator need only place a CM5 in the clamp and close the lid.

Sadly, there is no satisfying ping when the job is done, but we don't doubt that some enterprising soul will fix that before long. ®