The Raspberry Pi is a single-board computer developed in the UK by the Raspberry Pi Foundation. The Raspberry Pi is a credit-card sized computer that plugs into your TV and a keyboard. It’s a capable little PC which can be used for many of the things that your desktop PC does, like spreadsheets, word-processing and games. It also plays high-definition video. The design is based around a Broadcom BCM2835 SoC, which includes an ARM1176JZF-S 700 MHz processor, VideoCore IV GPU, and 128 or 256 Megabytes of RAM. The design does not include a built-in hard disk or solid-state drive, instead relying on an SD card for booting and long-term storage. This board is intended to run Linux kernel based operating systems.
The foundation plans to release two versions; Model A & Model B. Model A will have 128 Megabytes (MB) RAM memory, one USB port and no Ethernet controller, while model B will contain 256MB RAM memory, two USB ports and a 10/100 Ethernet controller.
Though the Model A doesn't have an RJ45 Ethernet port, it can connect to a network by using a user supplied USB Ethernet or Wi-Fi adapter. As typical of modern computers, generic USB keyboards and mice are compatible with the Raspberry Pi. The Raspberry Pi use Linux-kernel based operating systems. Debian GNU/Linux, Iceweasel, Calligra Suite and Python are planned to be bundled with the Raspberry Pi. The Raspberry Pi does not come with a real-time clock, so an OS must use a network time server, or ask the user for time information at boot time to get access to time and date info for file time and date stamping. However a real time clock (such as the DS1307) with battery backup can be easily added via the I2C interface.
On February 19, 2012 the Raspberry Pi Foundation released its first proof of concept SD Card image that can be loaded onto an SD Card to produce a preliminary operating system. The image is based upon Debian 6.0 (Squeeze), with the LXDE desktop and the Midori browser, plus various programming tools. The image can also run on QEMU allowing the Raspberry Pi to be emulated on various other platforms. The Raspberry Pi Foundation plans to release a version of Fedora later.
Learning Center
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| User Manual | Raspberry Pi: Quick User Guide for Raspberry Pi Single Board Computer |
| Datasheet | Broadcom: Datasheet for BCM2835 SoC used in Raspberry Pi |
| Training Videos | Raspberry Pi Training Videos |
| Images | Raspberry Pi RAW Beta Board |
| Peripherals | Raspberry Pi GPIO Expansion - Low Level Peripherals |
Design Elements
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Schematic | Raspberry Pi: Schematic for Raspberry Pi Model B Board |
Video
| Video 1 | Video 2 | Video 3 |
|---|---|---|
Features
| Model A | Model B | |
|---|---|---|
| SoC | Broadcom BCM2835 (CPU, GPU, DSP, and SDRAM) | |
| CPU: | 700 MHz ARM1176JZF-S core (ARM11 family) | |
| GPU: | Broadcom VideoCore IV, OpenGL ES 2.0, 1080p30 h.264/MPEG-4 AVC high-profile decoder | |
| Memory (SDRAM): | 128 Megabytes (shared with GPU) | 256 Megabytes (shared with GPU) |
| USB 2.0 ports: | 1 | 2 (via integrated USB hub) |
| Video outputs: | Composite RCA, HDMI | |
| Audio outputs: | 3.5 mm jack, HDMI | |
| Onboard storage: | SD, MMC, SDIO card slot | |
| Onboard network: | None | 10/100 Ethernet (RJ45) |
| Low-level peripherals: | 8 × GPIO, UART, I²C bus, SPI bus with two chip selects, +3.3 V, +5 V, Ground | |
| Power ratings: | 500 mA (2.5 W) | 700 mA (3.5 W) |
| Power source: | 5 volt via MicroUSB or GPIO header | |
| Size: | 85.60 × 53.98 mm (3.370 × 2.125 in) | |
| Operating Systems: | Debian GNU/Linux, Fedora, Arch Linux | |
Kit Contents
- 1 x Raspberry Pi single-board computer
- Leads (optional)
- Power Supply (optional)
- Pre-loaded SD Card (optional)