Raspberry Pi facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Raspberry Pi

Various Raspberry Pi computers. Clockwise from top: Pi 400, Pico, Zero 2W, Pi 5, and original Model B.
Developer	Raspberry Pi Holdings
Manufacturer	Sony (under contract)
Type	Single-board computers
Release date	29 February 2012; 13 years ago (2012-02-29)
Units sold	68 million (as of March 2025)
Operating system	Raspberry Pi OS (default)
Storage	MicroSD slot

The Raspberry Pi (pronounced "pie") is a series of small, affordable single-board computers (SBCs). These are like tiny computers on a single circuit board. They were first made in the United Kingdom by the Raspberry Pi Foundation and Broadcom. To help sell more and meet demand, the Foundation created a company called Raspberry Pi Holdings. This company is now listed on the London Stock Exchange.

The Raspberry Pi was first designed to help teach computer science in schools. But it quickly became popular for many other things. This is because it's cheap, small, and very flexible. Today, people use Raspberry Pi in many areas. These include controlling machines, robotics, home automation, and IoT (Internet of Things) devices. It's also a favorite for hobbyist projects.

The company makes different products. Some are simple microcontrollers. Others are powerful enough to work as a regular computer. These computers use a special chip called a system on a chip. They have features like HDMI for video and sound, USB ports, wireless networking, and special pins called GPIO for connecting other electronics. Some models even have up to 16 GB of RAM. You usually store files on a microSD card.

By 2015, the Raspberry Pi became the best-selling British computer ever, beating the ZX Spectrum. As of March 2025, over 68 million units have been sold worldwide.

History

How Raspberry Pi Started (2008–2012)

The Raspberry Pi Foundation was started in 2008. Eben Upton and others noticed fewer students were applying for computer science at University of Cambridge Computer Laboratory. Also, these students had fewer computer skills. The Foundation wanted to fix this. Their goal was to create a cheap computer. This computer would help get schoolchildren excited about programming again.

This idea was inspired by the BBC Micro computer from the 1980s. That computer was made to help people in the UK learn about computers. The names "Model A" and "Model B" for Raspberry Pi were a tribute to the BBC Micro. The name "Raspberry Pi" mixes a fruit theme, like old computer companies used, with a nod to the Python programming language.

An early test board of the Raspberry Pi

The first test versions looked like small USB sticks. By August 2011, fifty working "alpha" boards were made for testing. They showed these boards running a basic computer desktop and playing 1080p video. In late 2011, twenty-five "beta" boards were ready. To get people excited, ten of these were sold on eBay in early 2012.

The first Raspberry Pi for sale, the Model B, came out on February 29, 2012. It cost $35. So many people wanted one that the websites of the sellers crashed! The first batches sold out very fast. One seller reported over 100,000 pre-orders on the first day. The cheaper $25 Model A came out later, on February 4, 2013.

The Raspberry Pi didn't come with an operating system (OS) already installed. People could use RISC OS 5 or Fedora Linux. But a version of Debian called Raspbian quickly became the most popular. It came out in July 2012. Raspbian was made to work very well with the Raspberry Pi's hardware. Raspberry Pi soon made it the official recommended OS. By September 2013, the company took over developing Raspbian.

Company Changes

In 2012, the Foundation changed its structure. It created Raspberry Pi (Trading) Ltd. to handle engineering and sales. Eben Upton became its CEO. This allowed the Raspberry Pi Foundation to focus only on its charity and education work. Raspberry Pi (Trading) Ltd. changed its name to Raspberry Pi Ltd. in 2021. In June 2024, the company became a public company on the London Stock Exchange. It is now called Raspberry Pi Holdings.

Making More Raspberry Pis (2012–2014)

After the launch, the first units reached buyers in April 2012. To meet the huge demand, the Foundation increased production to 4,000 units per day by July. The first 10,000 boards were made in Taiwan and China. A big change happened in September 2012. Production started moving to a Sony factory in Pencoed, Wales. During this time, the hardware also got better. The Model B Revision 2.0 board was announced with small fixes. In October, its RAM (memory) was doubled to 512 MB.

This period also focused on software. In August 2012, the Foundation allowed faster H.264 video encoding. They also started selling licenses for MPEG-2 and VC-1 video formats. A big step for open-source software happened in October 2012. The Foundation released the VideoCore IV graphics driver as free software. This was praised by many. In February 2014, they released full details for the graphics core. They also released the complete graphics software under a special license.

New Products (2014–Present)

In 2014, the Raspberry Pi family started to grow. In April, the Compute Module was released. This was a tiny Raspberry Pi for industrial and specialized uses. It quickly became the biggest market for these computers. In July, the Model B+ came out. It had more USB ports and a better design. This design became the standard for future models. A smaller, cheaper ($20) Model A+ was released in November. A big jump in power came in February 2015 with the Raspberry Pi 2. It had a faster quad-core CPU and 1 GB of RAM. After it came out, the Model B+ price dropped to $25.

The Raspberry Pi Zero, launched in November 2015, was a game-changer. It cost only $5! In February 2016, the Raspberry Pi 3 was another big step. It had a 64-bit processor, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth built-in. The product line kept growing. This included the wireless Raspberry Pi Zero W (February 2017), the faster Raspberry Pi 3B+ (March 2018), Raspberry Pi 3A+ (November 2018), and Compute Module 3+ (January 2019).

The Raspberry Pi 4, launched in June 2019, brought another huge performance boost. It had a faster processor, up to 8 GB of RAM, support for two monitors, and USB 3.0 ports. A Compute Module version (CM4) came out in October 2020. This time also saw more variety. The Raspberry Pi 400 (a computer built into a keyboard) came out in November 2020. The Raspberry Pi Pico followed in January 2021. The Pico uses a special chip called RP2040, designed by Raspberry Pi. It was their first product for the low-cost microcontroller market. The Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, released in 2021, had a faster processor. It kept the low cost and small size.

The global chip shortage and high demand affected Raspberry Pi starting in 2020. This caused problems with getting enough units. The company explained in 2021 and April 2022 that they were giving priority to businesses and industrial customers.

The Raspberry Pi 5 was released in October 2023. It has an upgraded CPU and GPU. It offers up to 16 GB of RAM. It also has a PCIe interface for fast accessories and a special chip designed by Raspberry Pi. Newer versions of the Compute Module (CM5) and keyboard computer (Pi 500) based on the Pi 5 were announced later. The Raspberry Pi Pico 2, released in 2024, uses the RP2350 microcontroller. It has two 32-bit ARM Cortex-M33 or RISC-V processors, 520 KB of RAM, and 4 MB of flash memory.

Sales Milestones

Raspberry Pi sales grew incredibly fast. The one-millionth Pi was sold by October 2013. This number doubled just a month later. By February 2016, sales reached eight million units. It became the best-selling British computer ever. Sales hit ten million in September 2016. They reached thirty million by December 2019. By May 2021, forty million units were sold. On its tenth birthday in February 2022, 46 million Raspberry Pis had been sold. As of March 2025, 68 million units have been sold.

Types of Raspberry Pi Computers

There are five main types of Raspberry Pi computers. Each type has several generations. Most models use a Broadcom system on a chip (SoC). This chip includes an ARM-based central processing unit (CPU) and a graphics processing unit (GPU). The Pico series is different. It's a microcontroller that uses the RP2040 chip. This chip has an ARM-compatible CPU but no GPU.

Flagship Series

Original Raspberry Pi Model B (2012)

Raspberry Pi Model A+ (2014)

Raspberry Pi 5 (2023)

The main Raspberry Pi series is often just called "Raspberry Pi." These models offer strong performance. They run a full Linux operating system. They also have many common ports. They are about the size of a credit card.

• The Model B (2012) had a 700 MHz single-core 32-bit ARM11 CPU. It also had a VideoCore IV GPU, 512 MB RAM, and a 26-pin GPIO header.
• The Model A (2013) was a cheaper version. It had 256 MB RAM, no Ethernet, and fewer USB ports.
• The Model B+ and Model A+ (2014) added a 40-pin GPIO header. They also supported microSD cards. They replaced the RCA video connector with a combined 3.5 mm audio/video jack.
• The Raspberry Pi 2 Model B (2015) included a 900 MHz quad-core Cortex-A7 CPU and 1 GB of RAM.
• The Raspberry Pi 3 Model B (2016) featured a 1.2 GHz quad-core 64-bit Cortex-A53 CPU. It also had Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and could start from a USB drive.
• The Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ (2018) upgraded to a 1.4 GHz CPU. It had faster Ethernet, dual-band Wi-Fi, and Power over Ethernet (PoE) support.
• The Raspberry Pi 3 Model A+ (2018) was the last A-series model. It had the same features as the 3B+, but with 512 MB RAM and a smaller size.
• The Raspberry Pi 4 (2019) introduced a 1.5 GHz quad-core Cortex-A72 CPU. It had a VideoCore VI GPU, USB 3.0 ports, and true Gigabit Ethernet. It could support two 4K monitors. It came with 1, 2, 4, or 8 GB of RAM.
• The Raspberry Pi 5 (2023) features a 2.4 GHz quad-core Cortex-A76 CPU. It has a VideoCore VII GPU, PCIe support, and options for 2, 4, 8, or 16 GB of RAM. It does not have the 3.5 mm audio/video jack.

Keyboard Series

Raspberry Pi 400 (2020)

The Keyboard series puts Raspberry Pi parts and ports into a keyboard computer. This gives you a complete Linux desktop system in one device.

• The Raspberry Pi 400 (2020) has a special board based on the Pi 4. It includes a 1.8 GHz quad-core Cortex-A72 processor and 4 GB of RAM. It also has a large built-in heat sink to keep it cool. It supports two 4K monitors using two micro HDMI ports and has gigabit Ethernet.
• The Raspberry Pi 500 (2024) is based on the Pi 5. It replaces the Pi 400. It features a 2.4 GHz quad-core Cortex-A76 processor and 8 GB of RAM. Unlike the Raspberry Pi 5, it does not have a PCIe interface.

Zero Series

The Raspberry Pi Zero (2015)

The Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W (2021)

The Raspberry Pi Zero series are tiny, cheap, and use little power. They are single-board computers that offer basic functions. They can run Linux for small, simple computer projects.

• The Raspberry Pi Zero (2015) cost US$5. It had a 1 GHz single-core ARM11 CPU and 512 MB of RAM. It used mini HDMI and micro USB ports for data and power. It had a 40-pin GPIO header that you could solder pins to.
  • The Zero v1.3 (2016) added a camera connector.
  • The Zero W (2017) added built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for US$10.
  • The Zero WH (2018) came with GPIO pins already soldered on for US$15.
• The Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W (2021) cost US$15. It had a quad-core 64-bit ARM Cortex-A53 CPU and wireless connectivity. The Zero 2 WH version added pre-soldered GPIO pins for US$18.

Pico Series

The Raspberry Pi Pico (2021)

The Pico series are small microcontroller boards. They use chips designed by Raspberry Pi. Unlike other models, they don't run Linux or use removable storage. Instead, you program them by putting code directly onto their built-in flash memory.

• The Raspberry Pi Pico (2021) was the first board with the RP2040 microcontroller. It has a dual-core 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0+ CPU running at 133 MHz. It also has 264 KB of RAM and 2 MB of flash memory. It cost US$4. The Pico W (2022) added Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and launched at US$6. The board has special edges for soldering it directly onto another board. Versions are available with pins already soldered on the bottom. These are the Pico H for US$5 and the Pico WH for US$7.
• The Raspberry Pi Pico 2 (2024) introduced the RP2350 microcontroller. It has two 32-bit ARM Cortex-M33 or RISC-V processors. You can choose which one to use when it starts. It runs at 150 MHz. It has 520 KB of RAM and 4 MB of flash memory. It costs US$5. The Pico 2 W adds Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for US$7.

Compute Module Series

Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3

Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4

The Compute Module (CM) series offers Raspberry Pi's main hardware in a small size. It's made for industrial and specialized uses. It doesn't have built-in ports or GPIO pins. Instead, it connects to a special "carrier board." Compute Modules come in two shapes. One matches the size of a DDR2 SO-DIMM RAM module. The other is smaller with two 100-pin connectors for more connections.

• Compute Module 1 (2014) – Based on the original Raspberry Pi. It has a single-core ARM11 CPU, 512 MB RAM, and 4 GB eMMC flash storage. It uses the SO-DIMM shape.
• Compute Module 3 (2017) – Based on the Pi 3. It includes a quad-core 64-bit Cortex-A53 CPU, 1 GB RAM, and 4 GB eMMC. A "Lite" version without eMMC is also available. It uses the SO-DIMM shape.
• Compute Module 3+ (2019) – Based on the Pi 3+. It offers 0 (Lite), 8, 16, or 32 GB eMMC options. It uses the SO-DIMM shape.
• Compute Module 4 (2020) – Based on the Pi 4. It includes a quad-core 64-bit Cortex-A72 CPU. It has 1, 2, 4, or 8 GB RAM. It also has 0 (Lite), 8, 16, or 32 GB eMMC. Optional Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are available. It uses the high-density connector shape. The CM4S version uses the SO-DIMM shape.
• Compute Module 5 (2024) – Based on the Pi 5. It features a quad-core 64-bit Cortex-A76 CPU. It has 2, 4, 8, or 16 GB RAM. It also has 0 (Lite), 16, 32, or 64 GB eMMC. Optional Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are available. It uses the high-density connector shape.

Model/Series Comparison Table

Notes

Hardware Features

Since it first came out, Raspberry Pi hardware has been made to be cheap and easy to get. The creators wanted it to work with common, used items. For example, you could use a TV as a screen, USB devices for typing, and phone chargers for power. Over time, the hardware has grown to support more advanced setups and very low-cost versions. The company also tries to keep products available for up to ten years.

The Raspberry Pi has changed a lot over time. It has different processors, memory sizes, networking features, and ways to connect other devices. All models have a processor, memory, and various ways to connect things on one circuit board. Most have an HDMI output, USB ports, and a GPIO (general-purpose input/output) header. Networking features vary. Newer versions have built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. You usually store files on a microSD card. Newer models can also start up from USB or PCIe drives.

Processors and System-on-Chip

BCM2836 chip on a Pi 2 board

Raspberry Pi models use different system on a chip (SoC) designs. These are made with Arm and Broadcom. Each new generation has brought better CPU speed, graphics, and overall performance.

The first Raspberry Pi and the Pi Zero use the Broadcom BCM2835. This chip has a single-core 32-bit ARM11 CPU and a VideoCore IV GPU. The CPU runs at 700 MHz on the original Pi. It runs at 1 GHz on the Zero and Zero W.

The Raspberry Pi 2 introduced the BCM2836. It had a 900 MHz quad-core 32-bit Cortex-A7 CPU. Later versions used the 64-bit BCM2837 with Cortex-A53 cores. The Raspberry Pi 3 kept the BCM2837. It increased the CPU speed to 1.2–1.4 GHz, depending on the model. The Pi Zero 2 uses the RP3A0. This is a special package that combines the quad-core Cortex-A53 processor (1 GHz) with 512 MB of RAM.

The Raspberry Pi 4 introduced the BCM2711. This is a 64-bit SoC with a quad-core Cortex-A72 CPU and VideoCore VI GPU. Its speed was first 1.5 GHz, then increased to 1.8 GHz. The Raspberry Pi 5 uses the BCM2712. It has a quad-core Cortex-A76 CPU at 2.4 GHz. It also has an 800 MHz VideoCore VII GPU. It includes a separate RP1 southbridge chip, designed by Raspberry Pi.

Raspberry Pi has also made its own chips. The Raspberry Pi Pico uses the RP2040. It has two 32-bit Cortex-M0+ processors running at 133 MHz. It also has 264 kB of RAM built into the chip. The Pico 2 uses the RP2350. This chip can use either two Cortex-M33 or two Hazard3 RISC-V CPUs. You choose at startup. They run at 150 MHz and have 520 kB of RAM.

Overclocking and Cooling

Most Raspberry Pi models let you make them run faster. This is called overclocking. You do it by changing a system configuration file. Newer models can change their CPU speed on their own. This is based on how much work they are doing. This helps balance speed and heat. If the CPU gets too hot (over 85 °C) or doesn't get enough power, it will slow down automatically. For long periods of high performance, you might need extra cooling. This could be a heat sink or a fan.

RAM (Memory)

The first Raspberry Pi Model B had 512 MB of random-access memory (RAM). Like later models, this memory is shared between the CPU and the GPU (graphics processor). All Raspberry Pi boards can change how much memory each part uses. This depends on what the computer is doing or what you set it to. The original Model A had 256 MB of RAM.

Newer models have more memory. The Pi 2B and 3 B/B+ models have 1 GB of RAM. The smaller 1A+ and 3A+ models have 512 MB. The Pi Zero and Zero 2 W also have 512 MB. The Pi 4 comes with 1, 2, 4, or 8 GB of RAM. The Pi 5 has even more options: 2, 4, 8, or 16 GB. This is the most memory offered so far.

Storage and Connections

The Model 2B boards have four USB Type-A ports for connecting devices.

You usually store files on a microSD card. But some Compute Modules have built-in eMMC flash storage. Newer models can start up from a USB drive. The Pi 5 also supports NVMe SSDs (fast storage drives) using PCIe.

Boards also have USB ports. You can use these to connect things like keyboards, mice, and external storage drives.

Video Output

Raspberry Pi devices can send video to screens. They support both digital and older analog video.

Early models had a full-size HDMI port. They also had an RCA connector for older analog video. Later boards removed the RCA jack. But they still had analog video through the 3.5 mm TRRS jack or special solder points. The Raspberry Pi Foundation says analog support helps people in developing countries who might not have modern screens.

To fit more features on the small boards, video connectors have gotten smaller. The Pi Zero series uses a mini-HDMI connector. The Pi 4 and 5 use two micro-HDMI ports. This lets them support multiple screens. The Pi 4 can run two 4K screens at 30 frames per second. Or it can run one 4K screen at 60 frames per second. The Pi 5 is even better. It can run two 4K screens at 60 frames per second.

Older Raspberry Pi models usually support common screen resolutions like 720p and 1080p. Some can do higher resolutions depending on their hardware. Sometimes, older hardware can even output in 4K, but it might not run smoothly.

GPIO Header

Most Raspberry Pi models have a 40-pin connector. This is called the GPIO (general-purpose input/output) header. Not all pins are for GPIO functions. The header, called J8, has the same pin layout on most models.

The header provides 3.3 V and 5 V power. It also has various low-speed connections. These include UART, SPI, I²C, I²S, and PCM. GPIO pins can be set as inputs or outputs. As an output, a pin can send a high (3.3 V) or low (0 V) signal. As an input, it can read if a voltage is high (3.3 V) or low (0 V).

The original Raspberry Pi 1 Model A and B only had the first 26 pins of this header. On some Pi Zero models, the header doesn't have pins soldered on. But you can solder them yourself. The Pico models have a unique design. They have holes you can solder through. They also have special edges. This lets you solder them directly onto another board. Compute Module boards don't have GPIO headers. Instead, their connectors expose the GPIO signals.

Networking

Networking features are different for each model. The Model B and B+ have an Ethernet port. Starting with the Raspberry Pi 3, most models have built-in WiFi and Bluetooth. The Raspberry Pi 3B+ adds faster Ethernet and dual-band WiFi. The Raspberry Pi 4 and 5 offer full gigabit Ethernet. The "A" models and the Pi Zero series do not have Ethernet ports. Built-in wireless support is optional for them. You can use a USB adapter for wired or wireless connections.

Special Features

Some Raspberry Pi models can act like a USB device. This includes the Zero, 1A, 3A+, and 4. When plugged into another computer, they can work as a virtual keyboard, network adapter, or serial device. This uses the USB On-The-Go protocol.

Many newer models can also start up directly from a USB drive. This means they don't need a microSD card. This feature is not on older models. These include the original Raspberry Pi, Pi Zero, or early versions of the Pi 2.

Real-Time Clock

Most Raspberry Pi models do not have a built-in real-time clock. This means they need an internet connection to set the correct time. They use the Network Time Protocol when they start up. If there's no internet, you have to set the time manually. Or the system assumes no time has passed since it was last used. You can buy add-on clock modules. These are for times when you need accurate time without internet. The Raspberry Pi 5 is the first model with a built-in clock. It uses a battery to keep time when the power is off.

Software

Operating Systems

Raspberry Pi OS "Bookworm", showing the file manager and Chromium, the default web browser.

The best operating system (OS) for Raspberry Pi is Raspberry Pi OS. This is a Debian-based Linux distribution. It's made to work well with Raspberry Pi hardware. It also uses very little memory. It comes in 32-bit and 64-bit versions. There are different editions: a standard one, a "Lite" version without a desktop, and a "Full" version with lots of software.

You can buy Raspberry Pi OS already on a microSD card. Or you can download it and install it using Raspberry Pi Imager. This tool came out in March 2020. It makes it easy to install operating systems onto SD cards for Raspberry Pi devices. Imager works on macOS, Raspberry Pi OS, Ubuntu, and Windows. It lets you download and write OS images in one app. Besides Raspberry Pi OS, it supports many other operating systems. These include Alpine Linux, Armbian, Emteria.OS (Android based), FreedomBox, Kali Linux, LibreELEC, RetroPie, RISC OS, SatNOGS, and Ubuntu.

Firmware

The Raspberry Pi uses official firmware. This software is proprietary, meaning its source code is not public. But the compiled version can be freely shared. There's also an experimental open-source alternative. It has limited features. But it shows that you can start the Raspberry Pi's ARM processors and run a basic Linux without the proprietary parts. This is important for developers who want fully open systems.

Driver APIs

How the APIs work: OpenMAX IL, OpenGL ES and OpenVG

Raspberry Pi systems use Broadcom's VideoCore GPU. This needs a special piece of software to load when it starts. At first, all the software for it was proprietary. Later, some parts of the code were released. Most of the driver still stays hidden inside the GPU firmware. You access it using libraries like OpenMAX IL, OpenGL ES, and OpenVG. These libraries connect to an open-source driver in the kernel. That driver then talks to the hidden GPU firmware. Programs use OpenMAX IL for video, OpenGL ES for 3D graphics, and OpenVG for 2D graphics. All these graphics libraries use EGL.

In February 2020, Raspberry Pi announced a Vulkan graphics driver. A test version showed good performance in Quake III Arena on a Raspberry Pi 3B+ later that year. On November 24, 2020, the Raspberry Pi 4's Vulkan driver met the Vulkan 1.0 standard. It later met standards for versions 1.1 and 1.2.

Official Accessories

Cameras

Camera Module (original)

High Quality Camera Module

Raspberry Pi offers several official camera modules. They connect using the Camera Serial Interface. These cameras are used for taking photos, recording videos, and for machine vision projects.

• Camera Module (2013) – A 5-megapixel (MP) camera. It used the OmniVision OV5647 sensor. It could record video up to 1080p. A version without an infrared filter (NoIR) was available. This was for night-vision when used with infrared lights. This model is no longer made.
• Camera Module 2 (2016) – 8 MP Sony IMX219 sensor. Also available in a NoIR version.
• High Quality Camera (2020) – 12.3 MP Sony IMX477 sensor. It supports changeable C/CS mount or M12 mount lenses. It also has a tripod thread. It's not available in a NoIR version, but you can remove the IR filter.
• Camera Module 3 (2023) – 12 MP Sony IMX708 sensor. It supports autofocus and high dynamic range. It comes in four types: standard, wide field of view (FoV), NoIR, and NoIR wide FoV.
• Global Shutter Camera (2023) – 1.6 MP Sony IMX296 sensor with a global shutter. This is for high-speed imaging. It supports C/CS mount lenses and has a tripod mount. It's not available in a NoIR version, but you can remove the IR filter.
• AI Camera (2024) – 12.3 MP Sony IMX500 sensor. It has built-in processing for AI applications.

Displays

Raspberry Pi also offers official screens. These are for graphical and touchscreen uses:

• Raspberry Pi Touch Display (2015) – A 7-inch touchscreen that responds to touch.
• Raspberry Pi Touch Display 2 (2024) – An updated version of the original 7-inch touchscreen. It has better performance and compatibility.
• Raspberry Pi Monitor (2024) – A 15.6-inch Full HD IPS screen. It has built-in speakers and a folding stand.

Add-on Boards (HATs)

Raspberry Pi 4 Model B with a "TV Hat" card attached

Official Raspberry Pi HATs (Hardware Attached on Top) and expansion boards add more features to Raspberry Pi computers. The HAT standard was introduced in July 2014. Many boards use an EEPROM for automatic setup.

• AI HAT+ (2024) – A HAT for the Raspberry Pi 5. It has a built-in Hailo chip. This chip provides 13 or 26 TOPS of AI acceleration.
• M.2 HAT+ (2024) – A HAT for the Raspberry Pi 5. It has a connection for M.2 devices. These include NVMe SSDs and AI accelerators.
  • AI Kit (2024) – A package that includes the M.2 HAT+ and a Hailo AI accelerator module.
  • SSD Kit (2024) – A package that includes the M.2 HAT+ and an NVMe SSD.
• Sense HAT (2015) – Includes sensors for temperature, humidity, pressure, and movement. It also has an 8×8 LED matrix and a joystick. It was first part of the Astro Pi project.
• PoE+ HAT – Lets models with PoE support get power over the Ethernet cable.
• Build HAT – Designed to connect with Lego Technic motors and sensors.
• TV HAT (2018) – Allows you to receive and decode digital DVB-T2 television broadcasts.
• DAC+ / DAC Pro / DigiAMP+ – A range of audio HATs. They offer high-quality digital-to-analog sound. The DigiAMP+ includes a built-in amplifier.
• Codec Zero – A small audio input/output board made for the Raspberry Pi Zero.

Power Supplies

• Build HAT Power Supply – A 48 W power supply. It provides 8 V at up to 6 A. It's made for use with the Build HAT. It gives enough power for connected Lego Technic motors and sensors, and the Raspberry Pi.
• PoE+ Injector (2018) – Provides Power over Ethernet (up to 30W) for compatible models using a PoE HAT.
• USB Power Supplies – Available in different versions. They deliver 5.1V at various power levels. These include 12.5W via Micro-USB for older models. There's 15W via USB-C for Pi 4. Also 27W via USB-C for Pi 5. And 45W via USB-C for other laptops.

Other Accessories

• Active Cooler (2023) – A heatsink and fan that changes speed with temperature. It helps keep the Pi 5 cool.
• Cables and adapters – Includes HDMI (micro for Pi 4/5, mini for Zero). Also USB (micro‑USB and USB‑C). And various adapters for screens and other connections.
• Cases – Plastic covers for Raspberry Pi A+, 3, 4, 5, and Zero series. They have vents and sometimes fans to help with heat. A simple "bumper case" made of silicone is also offered for the Pi 5.
• Keyboard and Mouse – Official USB keyboard (with a built-in hub with three USB 2 Type-A ports) and optical mouse. They are designed for use with Raspberry Pi.
• SD Cards – Officially tested microSD cards. They support A2 command queueing, C10 card speeds, and SDR104 bus speeds.
• USB 3 Hub – Adds four more USB 3 Type-A ports. It also has a USB-C power input to support devices that need a lot of power.

Debugging and Utility Tools

• Debug Probe (2022) – An RP2040-based tool for finding and fixing problems on Raspberry Pi and RP2040 development boards.
• RTC Battery (2024) – A rechargeable lithium battery. It powers the real-time clock on Raspberry Pi 5 when the main power is off.

See also

In Spanish: Raspberry Pi para niños

• Arduino
• BBC micro:bit
• Calliope mini
• Plug computer