What is Raspberry Pi (AKA RPi)?

What is Raspberry Pi (AKA RPi)? 

The Raspberry Pi, abbreviated as RPi and also known as RasPi or RPI, is a miniature computer about the size of a credit card. It is designed for teaching computer programming and is based on the Linux operating system. With the release of Windows 10 IoT, users can now run Windows on the Raspberry Pi.

Since its inception, the Raspberry Pi has garnered significant attention from computer enthusiasts and makers, often in high demand. Despite its compact appearance, its internal capabilities are robust, encompassing features like video and audio functions. It can be aptly described as "small in size, but comprehensive in functionality."

Catalog

Product Introduction

The Raspberry Pi is a creation of the "Raspberry Pi Foundation," a registered charity based in the United Kingdom, with Eben Upton as its leading figure. In March 2012, Eben Upton from the University of Cambridge officially introduced the world's smallest desktop computer, often referred to as a credit card-sized computer. Despite its physical dimensions akin to a credit card, it encompasses all the fundamental features of a computer. This remarkable device is none other than the Raspberry Pi computer board, known as "树莓派" in Chinese. The core objective of the foundation is to elevate education in computer science and related fields within schools, making computers an engaging subject. The foundation envisions the continuous development and application of this computer in various fields, both in developing and developed nations.

In its early concept in 2006, the Raspberry Pi was based on Atmel's ATmega644 microcontroller. The initial batch of 10,000 Raspberry Pi boards was manufactured by companies in Taiwan and mainland China. This microcomputer, based on ARM architecture, features an SD/MicroSD card for memory storage. The card-sized board is equipped with 1/2/4 USB ports and a 10/100 Ethernet port (Model A lacks an Ethernet port), allowing for connections to keyboards, mice, and Ethernet cables. Additionally, it features both an analog video signal TV output and an HDMI high-definition video output interface. All of these components are integrated onto a board slightly larger than a credit card. It possesses the fundamental functions of a PC and can execute various tasks such as spreadsheets, word processing, gaming, and HD video playback with just a TV and a keyboard connected. The Raspberry Pi Model B provides only the computer board without memory, power supply, keyboard, case, or cables.

Some developers have also attempted to install Windows 10 ARM edition [8] and Windows 11 ARM edition on the Raspberry Pi.

Key Features

Similar to any other desktop or portable computer running a Linux system, the Raspberry Pi can perform a multitude of tasks. However, there are a few unique aspects to consider. While conventional computer motherboards rely on hard drives for data storage, the Raspberry Pi employs an SD card as its "hard drive," and you can also connect external USB hard drives. With the Raspberry Pi, you can engage in activities like editing Office documents, browsing the web, and even gaming—such as playing games like "Quake."

The affordability of the Raspberry Pi means its applications are incredibly diverse, making it an excellent choice for creating a versatile multimedia center. Utilizing the Raspberry Pi, you can not only play videos but also power it through the USB port of a television. This feature allows for a wide range of multimedia experiences and functionalities.

Specifications

Version Differences in Early Raspberry Pi Models

During its early stages, the Raspberry Pi had two main models, A and B, with the following distinctions:

Model A:

1 USB port

No wired network interface

Power consumption: 2.5W, 500mA

256MB RAM

Model B:

2 USB ports

Supports wired networking

Power consumption: 3.5W, 700mA

512MB RAM

In July and November of 2014, the Raspberry Pi introduced the B+ and A+ models, with the following key differences:

Model A+:

No network interface

Reduced USB ports to 1

Smaller memory capacity compared to Model B

Smaller form factor

Model B+:

More GPIO pins (40 pins compared to the previous 26)

Additional USB ports (total of 4)

Micro SD slot instead of the old SD slot

Lower power consumption (reduced by about 0.5W to 1W)

Audio improvements with a dedicated low-noise power supply

Sleeker design with aligned USB ports and board edges, removal of AV interface, and added mounting holes

Raspberry Pi 2, compared to its predecessor:

Single-thread CPU performance improved by 1.5x

Sunspider benchmark score improved by 4x

NEON-based multi-core video decoding speed improved by 20x

SysBench overall multi-thread CPU score improved by 6x

Differences between Raspberry Pi 2B and 3B:

900MHz quad-core processor (Cortex-A7) for 2B, 1.2GHz 64-bit quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 CPU for 3B

1GB LPDDR2 SDRAM for 2B, 1GB LPDDR2 SDRAM for 3B

Full compatibility with the previous generation

Raspberry Pi 3B compared to 2B:

1.2GHz 64-bit quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor for 3B

Added 802.11 b/g/n wireless card

Added low-power Bluetooth 4.1 adapter

Maximum current increased to 2.5A

Differences between Raspberry Pi 4B and 3B+:

1.5GHz 64-bit quad-core ARM Cortex-A72 processor for 4B

VideoCore VI GPU with H.265 (4Kp60 decode), H.264 (1080p60 decode, 1080p30 encode), and OpenGL ES 3.0 graphics

1GB/2GB/4GB LPDDR4 memory options

Gigabit Ethernet with PCI-E channel

Bluetooth 5.0, BLE support

Two USB 3.0 and two USB 2.0 ports

Dual micro HDMI outputs supporting 4K resolution

microSD storage with doubled data rate support

USB Type-C interface replacing microUSB for power input

Current increased to 3A

Raspberry Pi 4B Rev1.2 (8GB RAM version):

Released on May 28, 2020

8GB LPDDR4 RAM version

Optimized 64-bit OS to utilize 8GB RAM

Improved power-related issues compared to the previous version

These version differences highlight the evolution of the Raspberry Pi models, showcasing improvements in processing power, memory capacity, connectivity, and other features over the years.

Product Accessories

When setting up and using a Raspberry Pi, you may need a range of accessories to fully utilize its capabilities. Here are some common accessories that you might consider:

★SD Card (Preloaded with System): 

An SD card is required to store the operating system and your data. Many Raspberry Pi kits come with an SD card preloaded with the necessary system.

★USB Keyboard and Mouse: 

A standard USB keyboard and mouse are essential for interacting with your Raspberry Pi, especially during the initial setup.

★Monitor or TV with HDMI Port: 

You'll need a display device with an HDMI port to connect to the Raspberry Pi and view its output.

★HDMI Cable: 

This cable connects the Raspberry Pi to an HDMI-equipped display, such as a monitor or TV.

★USB Power Supply: 

The Raspberry Pi needs a stable power supply to operate. A USB power supply with sufficient output is required for proper functioning.

★Micro-USB Cable: 

This cable connects the USB power supply to the Raspberry Pi's micro-USB port.

★WiFi Adapter (USB Wireless Card): 

If your Raspberry Pi doesn't have built-in Wi-Fi, a USB Wi-Fi adapter can be added for wireless connectivity.

★USB Hub: 

A USB hub can be useful if you need to connect multiple USB devices to your Raspberry Pi, such as a keyboard, mouse, and other peripherals.

★HDMI to VGA Adapter: 

If you're using a monitor or display that only supports VGA input, an HDMI to VGA adapter can allow you to connect your Raspberry Pi.

★Ethernet Cable (Network Cable): 

While many Raspberry Pi models have built-in Ethernet ports, you might need an Ethernet cable to establish a wired network connection.

★Case: 

A protective case can help keep your Raspberry Pi safe from dust and physical damage. It's especially useful if you plan to use it in various environments.