Raspberry Pi
Raspberry Pi computers include several generations and form factors. CPU architecture, core count, RAM, networking and connectors vary: early models and Pi Zero do not have the same specifications as Pi 5. Pico boards are microcontrollers rather than Linux-class Raspberry Pi computers.
A supported operating system runs from storage and uses drivers to access the board's hardware. GPIO software depends on the model and software stack. Some boards use a 40-pin header, early boards use 26 pins, and Compute Modules need a carrier board. Mechanical fit alone does not establish HAT, driver or electrical compatibility.
In plain terms
A compact desktop computer with a workshop connector. The operating system handles complex tasks while the GPIO header provides carefully limited electrical connections.
Why designers use it
- Running applications that need a full operating system, storage and networking.
- Learning Linux, programming and hardware interfacing.
- Combining a host computer with separate controllers for specialised real-time tasks.
Best for
- Edge AI
- Linux projects
- Education
Key specifications
- CPU and RAM: Model-specific; not all boards are multicore, 64-bit or gigabyte-memory designs
- Pi 5 example: Quad Cortex-A76 at 2.4 GHz; RAM variants up to 16 GB
- GPIO: Use the exact header or carrier-board drawing; signal GPIO uses 3.3 V logic
- Networking: Model-specific; Pi 5 lists 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0
- Power and cooling: Select for the board, attached peripherals and workload
When not to use it
- When the application requires guarantees about startup, timing or power that the selected hardware and software cannot meet.
- When a smaller microcontroller already meets the task.
- When the product's environmental, reliability or supply requirements have not been checked.
Common mistakes
- Applying 5 V to 3.3 V GPIO; use a suitable interface and the exact electrical documentation.
- Assuming every model has Wi-Fi, Ethernet, gigabytes of RAM or a populated 40-pin header.
- Assuming a physically fitting add-on is compatible without checking software and electrical requirements.
- Ignoring power-supply quality, storage integrity and shutdown requirements.
Where you will find it
- Pi 5 documentation lists a quad-core Cortex-A76 processor at 2.4 GHz, RAM options up to 16 GB, 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0.
- The original Pi Zero has 512 MB RAM and no wireless connectivity; W models add wireless functions.
- Compute Module 4 and 5 use dual 100-pin high-density connectors, whereas several earlier Compute Modules and CM4S use a SODIMM form factor.
A short history
Raspberry Pi's hardware documentation records a family that expanded across full-size boards, Zero boards, keyboard computers and Compute Modules. Their specifications and connectors differ. Reading the model tables is more reliable than treating the newest board's capabilities as the specification of every Raspberry Pi.
Good to know
- A SODIMM-shaped Compute Module is not a DDR2 memory module and must not be treated as one.
- The W suffix on a Pi Zero identifies a wireless model; the original Zero has no built-in wireless.
- Pico and a Linux-class Raspberry Pi computer are useful for different jobs, despite sharing the brand.