Raspberry Pi
Encyclopedia
The Raspberry Pi is a single-board computer
developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation. Scheduled for public release in December 2011, the foundation plans to release two versions that range from US$25 to $35 (GBP £16 to £22). It is intended to stimulate the teaching of basic computer science in schools.
The design includes an ARM1176JZF-S
700-megahertz (MHz) processor, 128-256 megabyte
s (MiB
) of memory, intended to run Linux
or RISC OS
. The design does not include a built-in hard disk or solid-state drive
, instead relying on an SD card
for long-term storage.
registered with the Charity Commission
. The foundation was founded on 5 May 2009 in Caldecote, South Cambridgeshire, UK
. Its aim is to "promote the study of computer science and related topics, especially at school level, and to put the fun back into learning computing." The named trustees are David Braben
, Jack Lang, Pete Lomas, Robert Mullins, Alan Mycroft
and Eben Upton. A podcast
of an interview with Eben Upton was made available in June 2011. An early prototype version of the computer was mounted in a package the same size as a USB memory stick, and had a USB port on one end with an HDMI
port on the other; shipping versions are planned to be credit card sized.
A prototype board made in 2006 used the Atmel
ATmega644 microcontroller. The Foundation has made these board schematics available.
Fifty Alpha boards were delivered in August 2011. These boards are functionally identical to the planned model B, only larger to accommodate debug headers. Demos of the board have shown it running the LXDE desktop
on Debian, Quake 3 at 1080p
, and Full HD H.264 video over HDMI.
Raspberry Pi community forum administrators have mentioned that XBMC developers are also in development of a port of XBMC media center software to Broadcom
BCM2835 SoC
based devices using the Raspberry Pi board as its reference platform.
The logo was selected from a number submitted by members of the community. A shortlist of 6 was drawn up, with the final judging taking several days. The chosen design was created by Paul Beech, and is based on a buckyball.
The board runs the Linux kernel
. A development version of is being worked on and was seen publicly in October 2011.
memory, one USB port and no Ethernet controller, and costs US$25, while the US$35 model contains 256 MiB
memory, two USB ports and a 10/100 Ethernet
controller. The Raspberry Pi will use the Linux
operating system
. Debian GNU/Linux
, Iceweasel
, KOffice
and Python
are bundled with the Raspberry Pi.
Technical Information
In The News
Single-board computer
A single-board computer is a complete computer built on a single circuit board, with microprocessor, memory, input/output and other features required of a functional computer. Unlike a typical personal computer, an SBC may not include slots into which accessory cards may be plugged...
developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation. Scheduled for public release in December 2011, the foundation plans to release two versions that range from US$25 to $35 (GBP £16 to £22). It is intended to stimulate the teaching of basic computer science in schools.
The design includes an ARM1176JZF-S
ARM11
ARM11 is an ARM architecture 32-bit RISC microprocessor family which introduced the ARMv6 architectural additions. These include SIMD media instructions, multiprocessor support and a new cache architecture...
700-megahertz (MHz) processor, 128-256 megabyte
Megabyte
The megabyte is a multiple of the unit byte for digital information storage or transmission with two different values depending on context: bytes generally for computer memory; and one million bytes generally for computer storage. The IEEE Standards Board has decided that "Mega will mean 1 000...
s (MiB
Mebibyte
The mebibyte is a multiple of the unit byte for digital information. The binary prefix mebi means 220, therefore 1 mebibyte is . The unit symbol for the mebibyte is MiB. The unit was established by the International Electrotechnical Commission in 2000 and has been accepted for use by all major...
) of memory, intended to run Linux
Linux
Linux is a Unix-like computer operating system assembled under the model of free and open source software development and distribution. The defining component of any Linux system is the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released October 5, 1991 by Linus Torvalds...
or RISC OS
RISC OS
RISC OS is a computer operating system originally developed by Acorn Computers Ltd in Cambridge, England for their range of desktop computers, based on their own ARM architecture. First released in 1987, under the name Arthur, the subsequent iteration was renamed as in 1988...
. The design does not include a built-in hard disk or solid-state drive
Solid-state drive
A solid-state drive , sometimes called a solid-state disk or electronic disk, is a data storage device that uses solid-state memory to store persistent data with the intention of providing access in the same manner of a traditional block i/o hard disk drive...
, instead relying on an SD card
Secure Digital
Secure Digital is a non-volatile memory card format developed by the SD Card Association for use in portable devices. The SD technology is used by more than 400 brands across dozens of product categories and more than 8,000 models, and is considered the de-facto industry standard.Secure Digital...
for long-term storage.
Development
Development of the device is undertaken by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, a charitable organizationCharitable organization
A charitable organization is a type of non-profit organization . It differs from other types of NPOs in that it centers on philanthropic goals A charitable organization is a type of non-profit organization (NPO). It differs from other types of NPOs in that it centers on philanthropic goals A...
registered with the Charity Commission
Charity Commission
The Charity Commission for England and Wales is the non-ministerial government department that regulates registered charities in England and Wales....
. The foundation was founded on 5 May 2009 in Caldecote, South Cambridgeshire, UK
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
. Its aim is to "promote the study of computer science and related topics, especially at school level, and to put the fun back into learning computing." The named trustees are David Braben
David Braben
David John Braben is a British computer programmer, best known for co-writing Elite, a hugely popular and influential space trading computer game, in the early 1980s.-Life and work:...
, Jack Lang, Pete Lomas, Robert Mullins, Alan Mycroft
Alan Mycroft
Alan Mycroft is a reader at the University of Cambridge Computer Laboratory. He is a Fellow of Robinson College, Cambridge, where he is also director of studies for computer science.With Arthur Norman, he co-created the Norcroft C compiler...
and Eben Upton. A podcast
Podcast
A podcast is a series of digital media files that are released episodically and often downloaded through web syndication...
of an interview with Eben Upton was made available in June 2011. An early prototype version of the computer was mounted in a package the same size as a USB memory stick, and had a USB port on one end with an HDMI
HDMI
HDMI is a compact audio/video interface for transmitting uncompressed digital data. It is a digital alternative to consumer analog standards, such as radio frequency coaxial cable, composite video, S-Video, SCART, component video, D-Terminal, or VGA...
port on the other; shipping versions are planned to be credit card sized.
A prototype board made in 2006 used the Atmel
Atmel
Atmel Corporation is a manufacturer of semiconductors, founded in 1984. Its focus is on system-level solutions built around flash microcontrollers...
ATmega644 microcontroller. The Foundation has made these board schematics available.
Fifty Alpha boards were delivered in August 2011. These boards are functionally identical to the planned model B, only larger to accommodate debug headers. Demos of the board have shown it running the LXDE desktop
LXDE
LXDE is a free and open source desktop environment for Unix and other POSIX compliant platforms, such as Linux or BSD. The goal of the project is to provide a desktop environment that is fast and energy efficient...
on Debian, Quake 3 at 1080p
1080p
1080p is the shorthand identification for a set of HDTV high-definition video modes that are characterized by 1080 horizontal lines of resolution and progressive scan, meaning the image is not interlaced as is the case with the 1080i display standard....
, and Full HD H.264 video over HDMI.
Raspberry Pi community forum administrators have mentioned that XBMC developers are also in development of a port of XBMC media center software to Broadcom
Broadcom
Broadcom Corporation is a fabless semiconductor company in the wireless and broadband communication business. The company is headquartered in Irvine, California, USA. Broadcom was founded by a professor-student pair Henry Samueli and Henry T. Nicholas III from the University of California, Los...
BCM2835 SoC
System-on-a-chip
A system on a chip or system on chip is an integrated circuit that integrates all components of a computer or other electronic system into a single chip. It may contain digital, analog, mixed-signal, and often radio-frequency functions—all on a single chip substrate...
based devices using the Raspberry Pi board as its reference platform.
The logo was selected from a number submitted by members of the community. A shortlist of 6 was drawn up, with the final judging taking several days. The chosen design was created by Paul Beech, and is based on a buckyball.
The board runs the Linux kernel
Linux kernel
The Linux kernel is an operating system kernel used by the Linux family of Unix-like operating systems. It is one of the most prominent examples of free and open source software....
. A development version of is being worked on and was seen publicly in October 2011.
Features
The low-end model has 128 MiBMebibyte
The mebibyte is a multiple of the unit byte for digital information. The binary prefix mebi means 220, therefore 1 mebibyte is . The unit symbol for the mebibyte is MiB. The unit was established by the International Electrotechnical Commission in 2000 and has been accepted for use by all major...
memory, one USB port and no Ethernet controller, and costs US$25, while the US$35 model contains 256 MiB
Mebibyte
The mebibyte is a multiple of the unit byte for digital information. The binary prefix mebi means 220, therefore 1 mebibyte is . The unit symbol for the mebibyte is MiB. The unit was established by the International Electrotechnical Commission in 2000 and has been accepted for use by all major...
memory, two USB ports and a 10/100 Ethernet
Ethernet
Ethernet is a family of computer networking technologies for local area networks commercially introduced in 1980. Standardized in IEEE 802.3, Ethernet has largely replaced competing wired LAN technologies....
controller. The Raspberry Pi will use the Linux
Linux
Linux is a Unix-like computer operating system assembled under the model of free and open source software development and distribution. The defining component of any Linux system is the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released October 5, 1991 by Linus Torvalds...
operating system
Operating system
An operating system is a set of programs that manage computer hardware resources and provide common services for application software. The operating system is the most important type of system software in a computer system...
. Debian GNU/Linux
Debian
Debian is a computer operating system composed of software packages released as free and open source software primarily under the GNU General Public License along with other free software licenses. Debian GNU/Linux, which includes the GNU OS tools and Linux kernel, is a popular and influential...
, Iceweasel
Iceweasel
In 2006, a branding issue developed when Mike Connor, representing the Mozilla Corporation, requested that the Debian Project comply with Mozilla standards for use of the Thunderbird trademark when redistributing the Thunderbird software...
, KOffice
KOffice
Calligra Suite is a graphic art and office suite by KDE created from KOffice in 2010. It is available for desktop PCs, tablet computers, and smartphones...
and Python
Python (programming language)
Python is a general-purpose, high-level programming language whose design philosophy emphasizes code readability. Python claims to "[combine] remarkable power with very clear syntax", and its standard library is large and comprehensive...
are bundled with the Raspberry Pi.
Specifications
| Model A | Model B | |
|---|---|---|
| Target price: | US$25 (GBP £16) | US$35 (GBP £22) |
| SoC System-on-a-chip A system on a chip or system on chip is an integrated circuit that integrates all components of a computer or other electronic system into a single chip. It may contain digital, analog, mixed-signal, and often radio-frequency functions—all on a single chip substrate... : |
Broadcom Broadcom Broadcom Corporation is a fabless semiconductor company in the wireless and broadband communication business. The company is headquartered in Irvine, California, USA. Broadcom was founded by a professor-student pair Henry Samueli and Henry T. Nicholas III from the University of California, Los... BCM2835 VideoCore VideoCore is a low-power mobile multimedia processor architecture originally developed by Alphamosaic Ltd, now owned by Broadcom. Its two-dimensional DSP architecture makes it flexible and efficient enough to decode as well as encode a number of multimedia codecs in software, while maintaining low... (CPU + GPU + DSP + SDRAM) |
|
| CPU: | 700 MHz ARM11 ARM11 ARM11 is an ARM architecture 32-bit RISC microprocessor family which introduced the ARMv6 architectural additions. These include SIMD media instructions, multiprocessor support and a new cache architecture... |
|
| GPU: | Broadcom VideoCore VideoCore VideoCore is a low-power mobile multimedia processor architecture originally developed by Alphamosaic Ltd, now owned by Broadcom. Its two-dimensional DSP architecture makes it flexible and efficient enough to decode as well as encode a number of multimedia codecs in software, while maintaining low... IV, OpenGL ES 2.0, 1080p30 H.264 high-profile decode |
|
| Memory (SDRAM): | 128 MiB Mebibyte The mebibyte is a multiple of the unit byte for digital information. The binary prefix mebi means 220, therefore 1 mebibyte is . The unit symbol for the mebibyte is MiB. The unit was established by the International Electrotechnical Commission in 2000 and has been accepted for use by all major... |
256 MiB Mebibyte The mebibyte is a multiple of the unit byte for digital information. The binary prefix mebi means 220, therefore 1 mebibyte is . The unit symbol for the mebibyte is MiB. The unit was established by the International Electrotechnical Commission in 2000 and has been accepted for use by all major... |
| USB 2.0 ports: | 1 | 2 (via integrated USB hub) |
| Video outputs: | Composite RCA Composite video Composite video is the format of an analog television signal before it is combined with a sound signal and modulated onto an RF carrier. In contrast to component video it contains all required video information, including colors in a single line-level signal... , HDMI HDMI HDMI is a compact audio/video interface for transmitting uncompressed digital data. It is a digital alternative to consumer analog standards, such as radio frequency coaxial cable, composite video, S-Video, SCART, component video, D-Terminal, or VGA... |
|
| Audio outputs: | 3.5 mm jack TRS connector A TRS connector is a common family of connector typically used for analog signals including audio. It is cylindrical in shape, typically with three contacts, although sometimes with two or four . It is also called an audio jack, phone jack, phone plug, and jack plug... , HDMI |
|
| Onboard Storage: | SD Secure Digital Secure Digital is a non-volatile memory card format developed by the SD Card Association for use in portable devices. The SD technology is used by more than 400 brands across dozens of product categories and more than 8,000 models, and is considered the de-facto industry standard.Secure Digital... / MMC MultiMediaCard The MultiMediaCard is a flash memory memory card standard. Unveiled in 1997 by Siemens AG and SanDisk, it is based on Toshiba's NAND-based flash memory, and is therefore much smaller than earlier systems based on Intel NOR-based memory such as CompactFlash. MMC is about the size of a postage... / SDIO card slot |
|
| Onboard Network: | None | 10/100 wired Ethernet Ethernet Ethernet is a family of computer networking technologies for local area networks commercially introduced in 1980. Standardized in IEEE 802.3, Ethernet has largely replaced competing wired LAN technologies.... (RJ45) |
| Low-level peripherals: | GPIO pins, SPI Serial Peripheral Interface Bus The Serial Peripheral Interface Bus or SPI bus is a synchronous serial data link standard named by Motorola that operates in full duplex mode. Devices communicate in master/slave mode where the master device initiates the data frame. Multiple slave devices are allowed with individual slave select ... , I²C I²C I²C is a multi-master serial single-ended computer bus invented by Philips that is used to attach low-speed peripherals to a motherboard, embedded system, cellphone, or other electronic device. Since the mid 1990s, several competitors I²C ("i-squared cee" or "i-two cee"; Inter-Integrated Circuit;... , UART Universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter A universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter, abbreviated UART , is a type of "asynchronous receiver/transmitter", a piece of computer hardware that translates data between parallel and serial forms. UARTs are commonly used in conjunction with communication standards such as EIA RS-232, RS-422 or... |
|
| Real-time clock Real-time clock A real-time clock is a computer clock that keeps track of the current time. Although the term often refers to the devices in personal computers, servers and embedded systems, RTCs are present in almost any electronic device which needs to keep accurate time.-Terminology:The term is used to avoid... : |
None | |
| Power ratings: | 500mA, (2.5 Watt) | 700mA, (3.5 Watt) |
| Power source: | 5V via Micro USB or GPIO header | |
| Size: | 85.60mm x 53.98mm (3.370 × 2.125 inch) | |
| Supported software: | Debian GNU/Linux Debian Debian is a computer operating system composed of software packages released as free and open source software primarily under the GNU General Public License along with other free software licenses. Debian GNU/Linux, which includes the GNU OS tools and Linux kernel, is a popular and influential... , Fedora Fedora (operating system) Fedora is a RPM-based, general purpose collection of software, including an operating system based on the Linux kernel, developed by the community-supported Fedora Project and sponsored by Red Hat... , Arch Linux Arch Linux Arch Linux is an independently developed, Linux-based operating system for i686 and x86-64 computers. It is composed predominantly of free and open source software, and supports community involvement.... |
|
| Unsupported software: | Other FLOSS Free and open source software Free and open-source software or free/libre/open-source software is software that is liberally licensed to grant users the right to use, study, change, and improve its design through the availability of its source code... software (Iceweasel Iceweasel In 2006, a branding issue developed when Mike Connor, representing the Mozilla Corporation, requested that the Debian Project comply with Mozilla standards for use of the Thunderbird trademark when redistributing the Thunderbird software... , KOffice KOffice Calligra Suite is a graphic art and office suite by KDE created from KOffice in 2010. It is available for desktop PCs, tablet computers, and smartphones... , Python Python (programming language) Python is a general-purpose, high-level programming language whose design philosophy emphasizes code readability. Python claims to "[combine] remarkable power with very clear syntax", and its standard library is large and comprehensive... ), (shared source) |
|
See also
- ARM ArchitectureARM architectureARM is a 32-bit reduced instruction set computer instruction set architecture developed by ARM Holdings. It was named the Advanced RISC Machine, and before that, the Acorn RISC Machine. The ARM architecture is the most widely used 32-bit ISA in numbers produced...
, List of ARM microprocessor cores - LinuxLinuxLinux is a Unix-like computer operating system assembled under the model of free and open source software development and distribution. The defining component of any Linux system is the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released October 5, 1991 by Linus Torvalds...
, Linux kernelLinux kernelThe Linux kernel is an operating system kernel used by the Linux family of Unix-like operating systems. It is one of the most prominent examples of free and open source software.... - PandaBoardPandaBoardThe PandaBoard is a low-power, low-cost single-board computer based on the Texas Instruments OMAP4430 processor. The board has been available to the public at the subsidized price of US$174 since 27 October 2010...
- Beagleboard
- ArduinoArduinoArduino is an open-source single-board microcontroller, descendant of the open-source Wiring platform, designed to make the process of using electronics in multidisciplinary projects more accessible. The hardware consists of a simple open hardware design for the Arduino board with an Atmel AVR...
- MilkymistMilkymistThe Milkymist project is an informal organization of people and companies who develop, manufacture and sell a comprehensive open source solution for the live synthesis of interactive visual effects for VJs...
- One Laptop per Child
- Aakash tablet
External links
Official WebsiteTechnical Information
- Collected technical information about Raspberry Pi, eLinux.org
- Broadcom BCM2835 Media Processor:
- Broadcom SoC:
- Boardcom BCM2835 Website
- Datasheet and GPU / DSP core technical information isn't available for public download. (requires Non-disclosure agreementNon-disclosure agreementA non-disclosure agreement , also known as a confidentiality agreement , confidential disclosure agreement , proprietary information agreement , or secrecy agreement, is a legal contract between at least two parties that outlines confidential material, knowledge, or information that the parties...
)
- ARM1176JZF-S CPU core:
- ARM1176 Processor Website
- ARM1176JZF-S r0p7 Technical Reference Manual (HTML and PDF)
- ARM Architecture Reference Manual ARMv6 (requires registration)
- Broadcom SoC:
In The News
- BBC: Article and Video, Article
- The Register: Article
- Robots.net: Article