Raspberry Pi - Components and Peripherals (Detailed Notes)
Voltages and Power Pins
The Raspberry Pi board provides multiple power pins:
- Two 5V pins - deliver constant 5 volts to connected components.
- Two 3.3V (3V3) pins - deliver 3.3 volts, commonly used for sensors.
- Ground pins (GND) - act as the 0V reference and return path for current.
All GPIO pins operate at 3.3V logic levels. Connecting 5V directly can damage the board.
GPIO Pins (General Purpose Input/Output)
Programmable pins used to connect components like LEDs, sensors, etc.
- Output mode: Set pin High (3.3V) or Low (0V).
- Input mode: Reads external signals as High or Low.
Supports protocols like I²C, SPI, UART.
Processor and RAM
Built on an ARM11 processor with clock speeds around 700 MHz.
RAM varies by model: Model A has 256MB; Model B has 512MB.
Newer models can have up to 4GB RAM. The processor handles all computations.
Ethernet
Standard RJ45 Ethernet port allows connection to routers for internet access.
Used for wired networking and communication with devices.
USB Ports
Usually two USB 2.0 ports (newer models may have more).
Each provides up to 100mA. Use a powered hub for high-power devices.
HDMI Output
Full-size or mini HDMI ports provide high-definition audio and video output.
Used to connect to monitors or TVs.
Composite Video Output
Older models include an RCA jack for composite output.
Supports PAL and NTSC standards for old TVs.
Audio Output
3.5mm jack for analog audio output. Can be used with RCA for old TVs.
Also supports HDMI audio output.
SD Card Slot
Used to store OS and programs. Early models use SDHC; later models use MicroSD.
Acts as the main storage for Raspberry Pi.
Power Input
Powered via micro-USB (old models) or USB-C (new models).
Requires 5V supply with at least 2.5A for stable operation.
Display Serial Interface (DSI)
Used to connect official Raspberry Pi touchscreen displays.
Camera Serial Interface (CSI)
Used to connect Raspberry Pi camera modules.
Ideal for camera-based projects like surveillance, face detection.
Status LEDs
5 onboard LEDs:
- ACT: SD card access
- PWR: Power status (3.3V present)
- FDX: Full duplex LAN
- LNK: Network activity
- 100: 100 Mbps Ethernet connection