Raspberry Pi: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 06:33, 16 June 2025

Revision as of 06:50, 16 June 2025

Line 327:

== Hardware ==

Since its introduction, Raspberry Pi hardware has been designed to provide low-cost computing platforms. The founders intended it to be an affordable and accessible system, even for users in developing countries, by making it compatible with widely available second-hand peripherals—such as televisions for displays, USB input devices, and cellphone chargers for power. Over time, the hardware has expanded to support both advanced configurations and ultra-low-cost variants.<ref>{{Cite webThe |last=Khaliqcompany |first=Azziefhas |date=27also Aprilcommitted 2024to |title=Thekeeping Evolutionproducts Ofin Raspberryproduction Pi:for Fromup Prototypeto Toten Single-Board Computing Workhorse |url=https://wwwyears.slashgear.com/1566508/raspberry-pi-history-evolution-small-single-board-computer/ {{cn|access-date=26June November 2024 |website=SlashGear2025}}</ref>

The Raspberry Pi has undergone multiple hardware revisions, with changes in processor type, memory capacity, networking features, and peripheral support.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Khaliq |first=Azzief |date=2024-04-27 |title=The Evolution Of Raspberry Pi: From Prototype To Single-Board Computing Workhorse |url=https://www.slashgear.com/1566508/raspberry-pi-history-evolution-small-single-board-computer/ |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=SlashGear}}</ref> All models include a processor, memory, and various input/output interfaces on a single circuit board. Most include an HDMI output, USB ports, and a GPIO ([[general-purpose input/output]]) header. Networking capabilities vary by model, with later versions featuring integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.<ref>{{cite web |date=15 September 2016 |title=Raspberry Pi 3 Model B WiFi & Bluetooth Setup |url=https://www.deviceplus.com/raspberry-pi/raspberry-pi-3-model-b-wifi-bluetooth-setup/ |access-date=17 November 2020 |website=Device Plus}}</ref> Storage is typically provided via a microSD card, with newer models supporting USB or [[PCI Express|PCIe]]-based boot options.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web cn|last=Geerling |first=Jeff |title=I'm booting my Raspberry Pi 4 from a USB SSD |url=https://www.jeffgeerling.com/blog/2020/im-booting-my-raspberry-pi-4-usb-ssd |access-date=14 July 2021 |website=JeffGeerling.com}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Geerling |first=Jeff |date=14 May 2024 |title=microSD cards' SBC days are numbered |url=https://www.jeffgeerling.com/blog/2024/microsd-cards-sbc-days-are-numbered |access-date=8 June 2025 |website=JeffGeerling.com}}</ref>

Raspberry Pi hardware is also known for its long-term availability, with the company committing to keep products in production for up to ten years, a significantly longer life span than typical in the electronics sector.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Product Lifecycles Shrinking |url=https://www.cta.tech/articles/product-lifecycles-shrinking/ |access-date=2025-06-16 |website=www.cta.tech |language=en}}</ref> This approach is particularly valued by business customers, as the devices are often integrated into embedded systems and long-lived equipment. This industrial and embedded-use market accounted for 72 per cent of sales in 2023, while the company’s original target markets—education and hobbyist users—represented the remaining 28 per cent.<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 June 2024 |title=Prospectus |url=https://investors.raspberrypi.com/ipo/documents/11 |access-date=20 May 2025 |website=Raspberry Pi Holdings |page=47}}</ref>

All models include a processor, memory, and various input/output interfaces on a single circuit board. Most include an HDMI output, USB ports, and a GPIO ([[general-purpose input/output]]) header. Networking capabilities vary by model, with later versions featuring integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.<ref>{{cite web |date=15 September 2016 |title=Raspberry Pi 3 Model B WiFi & Bluetooth Setup |url=https://www.deviceplus.com/raspberry-pi/raspberry-pi-3-model-b-wifi-bluetooth-setup/ |access-date=17 November 2020 |website=Device Plus}}</ref> Storage is typically provided via a microSD card, with newer models supporting USB or [[PCI Express|PCIe]]-based boot options.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Geerling |first=Jeff |title=I'm booting my Raspberry Pi 4 from a USB SSD |url=https://www.jeffgeerling.com/blog/2020/im-booting-my-raspberry-pi-4-usb-ssd |access-date=14 July 2021 |website=JeffGeerling.com}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Geerling |first=Jeff |date=14 May 2024 |title=microSD cards' SBC days are numbered |url=https://www.jeffgeerling.com/blog/2024/microsd-cards-sbc-days-are-numbered |access-date=8 June 2025 |website=JeffGeerling.com}}</ref>

=== Processors and system-on-chip ===