In the two years since we launched the current Raspberry Pi Model B, we’ve often talked about our intention to do one more hardware revision to incorporate the numerous small improvements people have been asking for. This isn’t a “Raspberry Pi 2?, but rather the final evolution of the original Raspberry Pi. Today, I’m very pleased to be able to announce the immediate availability, at $35 – it’s still the same price, of what we’re calling the Raspberry Pi Model B+.
The Model B+ uses the same BCM2835 application processor as the Model B. It runs the same software, and still has 512MB RAM; but James and the team have made the following key improvements:
- More GPIO. The GPIO header has grown to 40 pins, while retaining the same pinout for the first 26 pins as the Model B.
- More USB. We now have 4 USB 2.0 ports, compared to 2 on the Model B, and better hotplug and overcurrent behaviour.
- Micro SD. The old friction-fit SD card socket has been replaced with a much nicer push-push micro SD version.
- Lower power consumption. By replacing linear regulators with switching ones we’ve reduced power consumption by between 0.5W and 1W.
- Better audio. The audio circuit incorporates a dedicated low-noise power supply.
- Neater form factor. We’ve aligned the USB connectors with the board edge, moved composite video onto the 3.5mm jack, and added four squarely-placed mounting holes.
If you’re interested in precise measurements, or want to find out what the new GPIO does, check out the diagrams below.
We think you’re going to love Model B+, but to ensure continuity of supply for our industrial customers we’ll be keeping Model B in production for as long as there’s demand for it.
The B+ is available from this morning from many of the regular Raspberry Pi stockists. If you want to go direct to our two main manufacturing partners, you’ll find it at Farnell/element14/Newark here, and at RS/Allied Components here.
More Stories
Choosing a Portable All-Band Radio for Emergencies
After a recent conversation among friends over choosing a portable all-band radio suitable for emergencies....
theHamStop.com Introduces theCleatV
theHamStop.com has a new item in the shop just in time for 2024 Field Day!!. The announcement from theHamStop.com...
theCleatV and theSkyHookx3x8 are available
theHamStop.com has been at it AGAIN!! with 2 new products added to their inventory. The announcement from theHamStop.com of the...
E-beam atomic-scale 3-D ‘sculpting’ could enable new quantum nanodevices
koi phys.org/news/2020-09-e-beam-atomic-scale-d-sculpting-enable.amp
Facebook Paying Social Media Users to Suspend Accounts Ahead of November Elections
Facebook is offering money to those who are willing to stop using Facebook and Instagram in the weeks before the...
Updates to WeatherRoom and Amateur Radio Links
Quick updates to Weather Room and Amateur Radio links. WeatherRoom: Added a Realtime weather loop to the page. Likely will...