NanoCluster-Basic-Package User Giode

1. Introduction

NanoCluster is an ultra-miniature cluster board developed by Sipeed, featuring 7 SOM slots interconnected via a RISC-V-based Gigabit switch. It supports USB-C PD power supply and optional PoE expansion. Additionally, NanoCluster provides independent UART and power control, making it an ideal entry-level platform for HomeLab users exploring distributed computing, Kubernetes, Docker, and edge computing.

NanoCluster is compatible with Sipeed's Longan Module 3H (4 × Cortex-A53), M4N (4 × Cortex-A55 + NPU), as well as the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (4 × Cortex-A72) and Compute Module 5 (4× Cortex-A76). Users can freely choose compute modules based on performance needs and budget, or mix and match different architectures to build a highly customized and heterogeneous computing cluster.

The NanoCluster adopts an open SOM interface standard, supporting both official core modules and custom adapter boards for third-party SOM solutions. This design greatly enhances the platform's flexibility.

2. Technical Specifications

2.1. Baseboard

Hardware Specifications
SOM Slots	7× Dual M.2 M-Key vertical slots
Power Supply	USB-C 20V PD (Max 60W), Optional 60W PoE module
Ethernet	Integrated RISC-V Gigabit switch chip JL6108 for high-speed interconnection, supporting web-based management and SDK-based custom feature development
USB Ports	USB-A Host (Top), USB-A OTG (Bottom), connected to Slot 1
Display Interface	HDMI, connected to Slot 1
Cooling System	Equipped with a 60mm 2-pin fan for efficient cooling
Status Indicators	7× SYS LED indicators for node status monitoring
Serial Communication	7× independent UARTs for easy debugging and control, optional quad-serial USB module available
Power Management	Slot1 centrally manages other Slots and switch power through IO expansion chip
Power Consumption	3.6 W
Dimensions	PCBA: 88x57mm, approximately 100x60x60mm with SOMs installed and fan mounted

2.2. SOM

SOM	LM3H	M4N	CM4	CM5
SoC	H618	AX650N	BCM2711	BCM2712
Memory	2GB ~ 4GB	8GB	1GB ~ 8GB	1GB ~ 16GB
eMMC	32GB	32GB	0GB ~ 64GB	0GB ~ 64GB
CPU	4 × A53 1.5 GHz	8 × A55 1.6 GHz	4 × A72 1.5 GHz	4 × A76 2.4 GHz
GPU	Mali-G31	-	VideoCore VI	VideoCore VII
NPU	-	18TOPS INT8	-	-
Network	100M	1G	1G	1G
Additional Interfaces	None	Download interface + M.2 SSD + USB 3.0	Download interface + M.2 SSD	Download interface + M.2 SSD + USB 3.0
Power Idle / Full Load / Peak	1.2W/2.6W/3.7W	3W/8.3W/9W	3W/4.5W/4.6W	4W/7.6W/8W

3. Interface Diagram

3.1. Baseboard Interfaces

3.2. SOM

The LM3H SOM connects directly to the baseboard via 7 × dual M.2 M-Key vertical slots.

The M4N SOM connects to a dedicated adapter board through a BTB connector, which then interfaces with the baseboard.

SOM	LM3H	M4N
Front Side
Back Side

3.3. Adapter Boards

The CM4 / CM5 adapter board features a BTB connector on the front side, supporting CM4 and CM5 SOMs. It also includes a Boot button and a Type-C port for flashing.
The back side includes an SD card slot, an M.2 NVMe SSD connector (compatible with 2242 or 2230 size), and a reserved USB pad for optional CM5 USB 3.0 support.

The M4N adapter board features a BTB connector for Sipeed M4N SOMs, a Boot button, and a Type-C flashing port on the front side.
The back side includes an M.2 NVMe SSD connector (2242 or 2230), and a reserved USB pad for optional USB 3.0 support.