The normal computing world has gone smaller unlike the old times when a single computer spanned across a whole room. In the 21st century the most recent and groundbreaking invention in the field of computing is that of the "Raspberry pi".
The Raspberry Pi is a credit-card sized computer that plugs into your TV and a keyboard. It is a capable little computer which can be used in electronics projects, and for many of the things that your desktop PC does, like spreadsheets, word-processing and games. It also plays high-definition video. We want to see it being used by kids all over the world to learn how computers work, how to manipulate the electronic world around them, and how to program.
The Raspberry Pi is a credit-card sized computer that plugs into your TV and a keyboard. It is a capable little computer which can be used in electronics projects, and for many of the things that your desktop PC does, like spreadsheets, word-processing and games. It also plays high-definition video. We want to see it being used by kids all over the world to learn how computers work, how to manipulate the electronic world around them, and how to program.
Specifications
| Model A | Model B | Model B+ | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target price: | US$25 | US$35 | |
| SoC: | Broadcom BCM2835 (CPU, GPU, DSP, SDRAM, and single USB port) | ||
| CPU: | 700 MHz ARM1176JZF-S core (ARM11 family, ARMv6 instruction set) | ||
| GPU: | Broadcom VideoCore IV @ 250 MHz OpenGL ES 2.0 (24 GFLOPS) MPEG-2 and VC-1 (with license]), 1080p30 h.264/MPEG-4 AVC high-profile decoder and encoder | ||
| Memory (SDRAM): | 256 MB (shared with GPU) | 512 MB (shared with GPU) as of 15 October 2012 | |
| USB 2.0 ports:[ | 1 (direct from BCM2835 chip) | 2 (via the on-board 3-port USB hub) | 4 (via the on-board 5-port USB hub) |
| Video input: | 15-pin MIPI camera interface (CSI) connector, used with the Raspberry Pi Camera Addon | ||
| Video outputs: | Composite RCA (PAL and NTSC) –in model B+ via 4-pole 3.5 mm jack, HDMI (rev 1.3 & 1.4),[raw LCD Panels via DSI
14 HDMI resolutions from 640×350 to 1920×1200 plus various PAL and NTSC standards.
| ||
| Audio outputs: | 3.5 mm jack, HDMI, and, as of revision 2 boards, I²S audio (also potentially for audio input) | ||
| Onboard storage: | SD / MMC / SDIO card slot (3.3 V card power support only) | MicroSD | |
| Onboard network: | None | 10/100 Mbit/s Ethernet (8P8C) USB adapter on the third/fifth port of the USB hub | |
| Low-level peripherals: | 8× GPIO,UART, I²C bus, SPI bus with two chip selects, I²S audio +3.3 V, +5 V, ground | 17× GPIO | |
| Power ratings: | 300 mA (1.5 W) | 700 mA (3.5 W) | 600 mA (3.0 W) |
| Power source: | 5 V via MicroUSB or GPIO header | ||
| Size: | 85.60 mm × 56 mm (3.370 in × 2.205 in)– not including protruding connectors | ||
| Weight: | 45 g (1.6 oz) | ||
History :
In 2006, early concepts of the Raspberry Pi were based on the Atmel ATmega644 microcontroller. Its schematics and PCB layout are publicly available.Foundation trustee Eben Upton assembled a group of teachers, academics and computer enthusiasts to devise a computer to inspire children. The computer is inspired by Acorn's BBC Micro of 1981.Model A, Model B and Model B+ are references to the original models of the British educational BBC Micro computer, developed by Acorn Computers.The first ARM prototype version of the computer was mounted in a package the same size as a USB memory stick.It had a USB port on one end and an HDMI port on the other.
The Raspberry Pi Components :
The Raspberry Pi device looks like a motherboard, with the mounted chips and ports exposed (something you'd expect to see only if you opened up your computer and looked at its internal boards), but it has all the components you need to connect input, output, and storage devices and start computing.
You'll encounter two models of the device:Model A and Model B. The only real differences are the addition of Ethernet and an extra USB port on the more expensive Model B.
Here are the various components on the Raspberry Pi board:
- ARM CPU/GPU -- This is a Broadcom BCM2835 System on a Chip (SoC) that's made up of an ARM central processing unit (CPU) and a Videocore 4 graphics processing unit (GPU). The CPU handles all the computations that make a computer work (taking input, doing calculations and producing output), and the GPU handles graphics output.
- GPIO -- These are exposed general-purpose input/output connection points that will allow the real hardware hobbyists the opportunity to tinker.
- RCA -- An RCA jack allows connection of analog TVs and other similar output devices.
- Audio out -- This is a standard 3.55-millimeter jack for connection of audio output devices such as headphones or speakers. There is no audio in.
- LEDs -- Light-emitting diodes, for all of your indicator light needs.
- USB -- This is a common connection port for peripheral devices of all types (including your mouse and keyboard). Model A has one, and Model B has two. You can use a USB hub to expand the number of ports or plug your mouse into your keyboard if it has its own USB port.
- HDMI -- This connector allows you to hook up a high-definition television or other compatible device using an HDMI cable.
- Power -- This is a 5v Micro USB power connector into which you can plug your compatible power supply.
- SD cardslot -- This is a full-sized SD card slot. An SD card with an operating system (OS) installed is required for booting the device. They are available for purchase from the manufacturers, but you can also download an OS and save it to the card yourself if you have a Linux machine and the wherewithal.
- Ethernet -- This connector allows for wired network access and is only available on the Model B.
Many of the features that are missing, such as WiFi and audio in, can be added using the USB port(s) or a USB hub as needed. Next: More details on the device itself and its compatible operating systems.
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