Raspberry Pi
The Raspberry Pi is a family of low-cost, credit-card-sized single-board computers and microcontroller boards developed by the UK-based Raspberry Pi Foundation and its commercial arm, Raspberry Pi Ltd., primarily to advance computer science education and enable accessible computing for hobbyists, educators, and industrial applications.[1][2] Founded in 2008 by Eben Upton and a small team at the University of Cambridge to address declining interest in computer programming among young people in the UK, the project culminated in the launch of the first Raspberry Pi model in 2012, which quickly became a bestseller due to its affordability—starting at $25—and versatility in running Linux-based operating systems on ARM architecture.[3][4] Over the years, the product line has expanded to include models like the Raspberry Pi 5 (released in 2023 with up to 8 GB RAM and enhanced performance for desktop use), the compact Raspberry Pi Zero series (as low as $5), microcontroller boards such as the Raspberry Pi Pico (priced at $4), and recent keyboard-integrated models like the Raspberry Pi 500 (2024), supporting a wide range of projects from educational coding to IoT devices and industrial automation.[1][2][5] As of September 2025, more than 70 million Raspberry Pi units have been sold worldwide, with industrial and embedded systems now accounting for over two-thirds of sales, reflecting its evolution from an educational tool to a cornerstone of global innovation.[6] The Raspberry Pi Foundation, a registered charity, uses proceeds from sales to fund free educational resources, coding clubs, and programs like Code Club and CoderDojo, impacting millions of learners and fostering a vibrant open-source community.[3] In June 2024, Raspberry Pi Ltd. went public on the London Stock Exchange through an initial public offering (IPO), raising funds to accelerate product development while directing a portion to the Foundation's charitable mission.[3]History
Origins and Development (2006–2011)
The Raspberry Pi project originated in 2006 at the University of Cambridge, where Eben Upton, then a researcher and Director of Studies in computer science at St John's College, observed a marked decline in programming proficiency and interest among incoming undergraduate students. Motivated by this trend, Upton began conceptualizing a low-cost, programmable computer to revive hands-on computing education in UK schools, drawing inspiration from earlier single-board computers such as the BBC Micro that had successfully engaged young learners in the 1980s. To formalize the effort, Upton co-founded the Raspberry Pi Foundation in 2008 alongside Rob Mullins, Jack Lang, and Alan Mycroft, all affiliated with Cambridge's Computer Laboratory; the charity was established to promote computer science education globally by developing affordable hardware that encouraged experimentation and creativity.[7][8][9] The foundation's vision centered on creating a credit-card-sized device priced under $35, emphasizing programmability, durability, and accessibility to counter the shift toward abstracted computing experiences in modern education. Upton's personal background played a key role; having taught himself to code on a BBC Micro as a child, he sought to replicate that direct interaction with hardware for a new generation, prioritizing fun and educational value over commercial features. Early development faced technical hurdles, including the need to integrate multimedia capabilities while keeping costs low, leading to a focus on essential peripherals like USB ports and video output.[7][10][9] Prototyping commenced in 2006 with the Alpha board, which utilized an Atmel ATmega644 microcontroller clocked at 22.1 MHz, 512 KB of SRAM, and generated a basic 320x240 video signal, all within a $25 budget to test core concepts like low-power operation and simple graphics. By 2008, the team advanced to the Beta board, shifting toward ARM architecture and incorporating Broadcom's VideoCore GPU for enhanced multimedia testing, though this introduced significant challenges due to Broadcom's restrictive non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that limited documentation and support for the proprietary components. Upton's prior experience on Broadcom's architecture team facilitated initial access, but navigating the NDA constraints and adapting to ARM's ecosystem delayed progress and required iterative hardware revisions.[11][9][10] A pivotal milestone came in 2011 when the foundation secured the Broadcom BCM2835 system-on-chip (SoC), featuring an ARM11 CPU and VideoCore IV GPU, which became the heart of the first production model and enabled full Linux compatibility. Initial funding was sourced through the foundation's charitable structure, with contributions from individual donors and UK-based organizations supporting educational initiatives, allowing the team to bootstrap development without commercial pressures. These efforts laid the groundwork for transitioning to manufacturing by late 2011.[9][7][12]Launch and Early Production (2012–2013)
The Raspberry Pi officially launched on February 29, 2012, when the Model B became available for general sale through licensed distributors at an initial price of £22 (approximately $35), with the lower-spec Model A priced at £16 (approximately $25) and slated for release later in the year.[13] The launch generated immense interest aligned with the Raspberry Pi Foundation's educational mission to promote programming among youth, but demand far exceeded expectations, with initial stock selling out within hours and websites of distributors crashing under traffic.[14] This rapid uptake resulted in over 700,000 units sold in the first year alone, highlighting the device's appeal to hobbyists, educators, and developers.[15] Distribution was handled exclusively by Element 14 (part of Premier Farnell) and RS Components, who managed global sales and ensured compliance with the Foundation's licensing terms.[16] Initial production occurred in Taiwan and China, primarily through partner Egoman Technology for early batches, before shifting to Sony's facility in Pencoed, Wales, UK, starting in September 2012 to meet surging demand and support local manufacturing.[17] By late 2012, Sony's UK plant was producing tens of thousands of units monthly, marking a key step in scaling operations.[18] The first models featured the Broadcom BCM2835 system-on-chip (SoC), incorporating a single-core ARM11 processor at 700 MHz and a VideoCore IV graphics processing unit (GPU) capable of 1080p video decode.[19] Memory configurations started at 256 MB of RAM for the Model B (upgraded to 512 MB later in 2012), with the Model A using 256 MB; storage relied on removable SD cards, while video output supported HDMI for high-definition displays and composite via a 3.5 mm jack for legacy TVs.[20] These specifications enabled basic computing tasks like web browsing, media playback, and programming, all powered by a 5 V micro-USB supply. Post-launch challenges included persistent supply shortages, as production struggled to keep pace with demand peaking at around 700 orders per second in early 2012, leading to months-long waitlists for consumers.[21] While genuine counterfeit Raspberry Pi boards were rare due to the proprietary Broadcom SoC limiting replication, fake accessories such as power supplies emerged, prompting Foundation warnings about compatibility risks.[22] The community responded proactively, developing overclocking guides to boost the ARM11 core beyond 700 MHz—often to 800–900 MHz with minimal voltage adjustments—for improved performance in resource-intensive applications, shared via forums and early tutorials without voiding warranties if undervolted.[23]Corporate Evolution and Growth
The Raspberry Pi Foundation was established in 2009 as a UK-registered charity (number 1129409) with the mission to advance education in computer science and digital technologies, particularly for young people.[24] To separate its educational objectives from commercial operations and address growing demand for its products, the Foundation incorporated Raspberry Pi (Trading) Ltd in September 2012 as a wholly owned trading subsidiary responsible for design, manufacturing, and sales.[25][26] Leadership has been central to the organization's development, with Eben Upton serving as a founder and CEO of Raspberry Pi Holdings plc (the parent company post-IPO), guiding strategic expansions in staff and infrastructure.[27] The company grew its workforce to over 100 employees by 2020, reflecting sustained organizational scaling amid increasing global impact.[28] In parallel, it relocated its headquarters to 194 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, enhancing proximity to innovation hubs and supporting operational growth.[29] Funding for the Foundation has drawn from diverse sources, including early grants and support from technology partners such as ARM, which provided initial resources for development, alongside later investments like the $45 million raised in 2021 to bolster hardware innovation and marketing.[30][31] No formal crowdfunding campaigns were conducted for initial product development, with resources instead secured through founder contributions and partner backing. A pivotal financial structure emerged in 2017 through a profit-sharing model between Raspberry Pi Ltd and the Foundation, under which the subsidiary directs 100% of royalties from certain intellectual property licenses—such as those for Broadcom's VideoCore GPU technology, secured via a 2013 licensing agreement—to support charitable activities.[32][33] Key milestones underscore this evolution, including the 2013 Broadcom IP licensing deal that enabled broader hardware customization and the Foundation's response to the 2021 global supply chain crisis by pursuing vertical integration, such as in-house PCB assembly and closer supplier partnerships, to ensure production resilience.[33][34] These steps, amid early production challenges like component shortages, fortified the organization's sustainability and capacity to fulfill its educational mandate.[35]Product Line Expansion (2014–2025)
In 2014, the Raspberry Pi lineup expanded with the introduction of the Model A+, a slimmer, more compact variant of the original Model A designed for space-constrained projects, featuring a reduced footprint of 65mm x 30mm while retaining the BCM2835 processor and 256MB RAM.[36] This release marked the beginning of efforts to diversify form factors beyond the standard Model B series, targeting embedded applications and cost-sensitive designs.[37] The following year, 2015, saw the launch of the Raspberry Pi 2 Model B on February 2, equipped with a 900MHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 processor for significantly improved performance over the single-core Model B+.[38] Concurrently, the Zero series debuted with the Raspberry Pi Zero on November 26, a $5 ultra-compact board with a 1GHz single-core ARM11 processor and 512MB RAM, enabling broader accessibility for hobbyists and IoT prototypes.[39] These developments were supported by the Raspberry Pi Foundation's growing organizational infrastructure, which facilitated faster iteration and production scaling.[38] By 2016, the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B arrived on February 29, integrating Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity via a Broadcom BCM43438 chip, alongside a 1.2GHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor, to enhance wireless capabilities for networked applications.[40] This model solidified the flagship series' evolution toward mainstream desktop and connectivity features. In 2019, the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B was released on June 24, introducing USB 3.0 ports for faster data transfer and support for dual 4K display output through two micro-HDMI ports, powered by a 1.5GHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A72 processor.[41] The Compute Module series advanced in 2020 with the Compute Module 4, launched on October 19, offering the Raspberry Pi 4's capabilities in a modular form factor starting at $25, with options for eMMC storage and enhanced I/O for industrial integration.[42] In 2021, the Pico series emerged on January 21 as the first microcontroller-focused product, built around the custom RP2040 chip with dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ processors at 133MHz, priced at $4 to target embedded programming and maker projects.[43] The flagship line continued to progress with the Raspberry Pi 5, announced on September 28, 2023, and available from October 23, featuring a 2.4GHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A76 processor and PCIe interface for expanded peripherals, alongside the new RP1 southbridge chip to offload I/O processing from the main CPU.[44][45] This shift to the RP1 enabled more efficient handling of GPIO, USB, and display functions, improving overall system performance.[46] Recent expansions include the keyboard-integrated Raspberry Pi 500, released on December 9, 2024, which embeds an 8GB Raspberry Pi 5 into a compact keyboard chassis for an all-in-one desktop experience at $90.[5] In 2025, the Raspberry Pi 500+ followed on September 25, upgrading to 16GB RAM and adding an M.2 slot for NVMe SSD storage, priced at $200, to support demanding workloads like content creation.[47] As of November 2025, no Raspberry Pi 6 has been released, with the current lineup emphasizing refinements to existing series rather than a new flagship generation.[48]Sales and Production Milestones
The Raspberry Pi achieved its first major sales milestone with one million units sold by January 2013, just under a year after its initial launch in February 2012.[49] By February 2015, cumulative sales had reached over five million units, reflecting rapid adoption among hobbyists, educators, and developers.[50] Sales continued to accelerate, surpassing ten million units by September 2016 and approximately 20 million by late 2018, driven by expanded product availability and global distribution.[51] By the end of 2024, total units sold exceeded 68 million, underscoring the platform's enduring market penetration.[2][52] Production of the Raspberry Pi initially occurred in Taiwan before shifting to Sony's manufacturing facility in Pencoed, South Wales, UK, starting in August 2012, which enabled localized assembly and supported over 300,000 units in the first year.[17] This partnership with Sony UK has continued to the present, with the facility handling the majority of global production volumes.[53] In 2023, Raspberry Pi deepened its collaboration with Sony Semiconductor Solutions through a strategic investment, enhancing access to advanced components and supporting in-house chip design efforts like the RP1 I/O controller for the Raspberry Pi 5, though full vertical integration for chip assembly remained centered at the Sony UK site.[54] Key production and sales milestones include the February 2016 launch of the Raspberry Pi 3, which aligned closely with the ten-million-unit sales threshold reached later that year, boosting momentum through improved wireless connectivity.[51] The October 2023 debut of the Raspberry Pi 5 occurred amid ongoing global component shortages, yet it quickly became a top seller despite initial supply constraints.[44] In September 2025, the introduction of the Raspberry Pi 500+, a keyboard-integrated model with 16GB RAM and built-in SSD storage priced at $200, further enhanced accessibility for computing and educational applications.[55] The 2021–2022 global chip shortage severely impacted Raspberry Pi production, leading to allocation systems and delays, but by 2024, supply chains had stabilized through increased manufacturing capacity at Sony UK—reaching 90,000 units per week for the Pi 5—and diversified component sourcing, allowing sales to normalize at seven million units for the year.[56][57] As of November 2025, cumulative sales have exceeded 72 million units.Product Lines
Flagship Series
The flagship series of Raspberry Pi represents the core line of single-board computers optimized for general-purpose computing, education, and hobbyist projects, evolving from the original Model B launched in 2012 to the high-performance Raspberry Pi 5 introduced in 2023.[58] The series began with the Raspberry Pi 1 Model B, featuring a Broadcom BCM2835 system-on-chip (SoC) with a 700 MHz single-core ARM11 processor and 256 MB or 512 MB of RAM, establishing the foundational 26-pin GPIO header and Ethernet connectivity for networked applications.[59] Subsequent iterations, including the Raspberry Pi 2 Model B (2015) with a quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 at 900 MHz and 1 GB RAM, and the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B (2016) with a 1.2 GHz quad-core Cortex-A53 and integrated Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, expanded to a 40-pin GPIO header while maintaining backward compatibility for peripherals.[60] These early models prioritized affordability and accessibility, with production of the Pi 2 reaching end-of-life for certain revisions by 2020 due to SoC discontinuation.[60] The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B (2019) marked a significant leap in performance, incorporating a Broadcom BCM2711 SoC with a 1.5 GHz quad-core 64-bit ARM Cortex-A72 processor (upgradable to 1.8 GHz), RAM options from 1 GB to 8 GB of LPDDR4, Gigabit Ethernet, dual micro-HDMI ports supporting 4K resolution, and dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11ac with Bluetooth 5.0.[61] It retains the 40-pin GPIO header for hardware interfacing, enabling seamless integration with sensors, motors, and displays.[62] The Raspberry Pi 5 (2023) further advances the series with a Broadcom BCM2712 SoC featuring a 2.4 GHz quad-core 64-bit ARM Cortex-A76 processor, RAM configurations of 2 GB, 4 GB, 8 GB, or 16 GB of LPDDR4X, a PCIe 2.0 interface for high-speed storage expansion, and enhanced USB 3.0 bandwidth, while continuing support for the 40-pin GPIO.[63] Active cooling is recommended for the Pi 5 under sustained loads to manage thermal output, as its higher clock speeds generate more heat than predecessors.[63] These flagship models serve as versatile desktop replacements, media centers, and development platforms for running full Linux distributions like Raspberry Pi OS, supporting tasks from web browsing and office productivity to home automation and multimedia playback.[58] Pricing reflects their performance tiers, starting at $35 for the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B with 2 GB RAM and reaching $80 for the Raspberry Pi 5 with 8 GB RAM, making them accessible for educational and prototyping use.[62] While the Pi 3 Model B remains available for legacy projects with its 1 GB RAM and 100 Mb/s Ethernet, older variants like the Pi 1 and certain Pi 2 revisions have been phased out, with the focus shifting to the Pi 4 and Pi 5 for modern applications.[64]Zero and Compact Series
The Raspberry Pi Zero series comprises small-form-factor single-board computers designed for embedded systems, prototyping, and low-cost computing applications. Introduced in November 2015, the original Raspberry Pi Zero features a 1GHz single-core ARM11 processor based on the Broadcom BCM2835 SoC, 512MB of LPDDR2 SDRAM, and a compact 65mm × 30mm footprint at a price of $5, making it the most affordable entry in the Raspberry Pi lineup without built-in wireless connectivity or Ethernet.[39][65] In February 2017, the Raspberry Pi Zero W variant was released for $10, retaining the same processor and memory as the original Zero while adding 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1 with Low Energy (BLE) support via a CYW43438 chip, enabling wireless networking for headless setups.[66][67] The series culminated with the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W in October 2021, priced at $15 and featuring a quad-core 64-bit ARM Cortex-A53 CPU at 1GHz within the RP3A0 system-in-package (incorporating the BCM2710A1 SoC), delivering up to five times the performance of the original Zero while maintaining 512MB of SDRAM and the same wireless capabilities upgraded to Bluetooth 4.2.[68][69] Common specifications across the Zero series include a mini HDMI port for 1080p video output, micro USB ports for power (5V) and On-The-Go (OTG) data connectivity, a microSD card slot for storage, and a CSI camera connector (v1.3 on original Zero, CSI-2 on Zero 2 W) for compatible modules like the Raspberry Pi Camera.[65][67][69] The boards support composite video output via solder points and include an unpopulated 40-pin GPIO header compatible with HATs and the broader Raspberry Pi ecosystem, though headers must be soldered separately on most models.[65][69] No DSI display port is present, limiting direct ribbon-cable display connections to HDMI adaptations.[65] All models run Raspberry Pi OS and are intended for production through at least January 2030.[65][67][69] These boards excel in ultra-low-power scenarios, typically consuming 1–2W under load, which supports battery-powered and headless operation in remote or portable deployments.[60] They are widely used in IoT prototypes, such as security cameras and Bluetooth audio devices, due to their minimal size, cost efficiency, and wireless options on W models.[69] However, the absence of onboard Ethernet requires USB adapters for wired networking, and the optional GPIO headers may necessitate additional assembly for expansion.[65][67]Keyboard-Integrated Series
The Keyboard-Integrated Series comprises compact personal computers where a Raspberry Pi single-board computer is embedded directly into a keyboard chassis, providing an all-in-one solution for computing without requiring separate assembly. The inaugural model, the Raspberry Pi 400, was released in November 2020 and is based on the Raspberry Pi 4 hardware platform. It features a quad-core 64-bit Arm Cortex-A72 processor clocked at 1.8 GHz, 4 GB of LPDDR4 RAM, dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, and a full-sized USB keyboard with chiclet-style keys. Priced at $70 for the bare unit or $100 as a complete kit including power supply, microSD card, HDMI cable, and mouse, the Pi 400 supports dual 4K display output via micro HDMI ports and includes USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports for peripherals.[70] Succeeding the Pi 400, the Raspberry Pi 500 launched in December 2024, incorporating the more powerful Raspberry Pi 5's quad-core 64-bit Arm Cortex-A76 processor at 2.4 GHz and RP1 I/O controller for enhanced performance in a similar keyboard-integrated form factor. Equipped with 8 GB of LPDDR4X RAM, it maintains the series' focus on seamless integration while adding a built-in power switch and a one-piece aluminum heatsink for improved thermal management. The Pi 500 is available for $90 as a standalone unit or in a $120 desktop kit with 32 GB microSD card, power supply, and HDMI cable, supporting built-in Gigabit Ethernet and wireless networking.[71] In September 2025, the Raspberry Pi 500+ was introduced as an upgraded variant, featuring 16 GB of LPDDR4X RAM, an integrated M.2 slot for NVMe SSD storage (including a pre-installed 256 GB Raspberry Pi SSD option), and enhanced thermals through an advanced heatsink design. It employs a premium mechanical keyboard with low-profile Gateron Blue switches and an integrated trackpad for precise input, priced at $200 for the unit. The model retains compatibility with the 40-pin GPIO header for expansion while prioritizing faster boot times and data transfer via the SSD.[55] Common across the series, these devices integrate essential ports such as dual micro HDMI for video output, multiple USB ports (including USB 3.0 for high-speed data), a USB-C power input, and a 3.5 mm audio jack, alongside built-in wireless capabilities for immediate connectivity. They boot directly into Raspberry Pi OS, a Debian-based operating system optimized for the hardware, making them suitable for educational applications, home offices, and light productivity tasks like web browsing, document editing, and coding. The design emphasizes portability and ease of use, with the keyboard serving as the primary enclosure to minimize desk space.[72] Accessories for the Keyboard-Integrated Series include official Raspberry Pi cases for added protection and ventilation, as well as compatible monitors like the 15.6-inch Raspberry Pi Monitor with Full HD IPS display for a complete setup. These models support standard Raspberry Pi peripherals, such as HATs via the exposed GPIO pins, enhancing their versatility for hobbyist projects.[70]Pico Microcontroller Series
The Raspberry Pi Pico series consists of low-cost microcontroller boards designed for embedded projects, powered by custom Raspberry Pi silicon and distinct from the Linux-capable single-board computers in the broader product line. Launched in January 2021, the original Raspberry Pi Pico is priced at $4 and features the RP2040 microcontroller with a dual-core Arm Cortex-M0+ processor running at 133 MHz, 264 KB of on-chip SRAM, and 2 MB of QSPI flash memory. It includes 26 GPIO pins and the innovative Programmable I/O (PIO) subsystem, which enables the creation of custom peripherals through state machines for tasks like protocol emulation without burdening the main CPU. A USB bootloader simplifies firmware updates, allowing drag-and-drop programming directly from a host computer. In June 2022, Raspberry Pi introduced the Pico W for $6, adding wireless connectivity via a CYW43439 chip supporting 2.4 GHz 802.11n Wi-Fi, expanding applications to IoT without significantly increasing cost or size. The series evolved further with the Raspberry Pi Pico 2, released in August 2024 at $5, incorporating the RP2350 microcontroller with dual Arm Cortex-M33 cores (selectable as dual RISC-V Hazard3) clocked at 150 MHz, 520 KB SRAM, and 4 MB flash. The RP2350 enhances the PIO with a third block—providing 12 state machines total—for more complex custom hardware interfaces, alongside improved power efficiency and security features like Arm TrustZone. The Pico 2 W variant, launched in November 2024 for $7, integrates the original Pico W's wireless module with these upgrades. Programming the Pico series emphasizes real-time control without an operating system, using the official C/C++ SDK for low-level development or MicroPython for rapid prototyping. The C SDK supports integration with tools like CMake and provides libraries for hardware abstraction, while MicroPython offers an interactive REPL over USB or UART for immediate testing. Unlike full Raspberry Pi models that run Linux, the Pico boards focus on bare-metal execution for deterministic timing in embedded scenarios. Representative applications include interfacing with sensors via the built-in ADC for environmental monitoring and controlling motors or servos in robotics projects, as demonstrated in official examples like temperature sensing and PWM-driven actuators. By 2024, the series had contributed to millions of units shipped across Raspberry Pi's portfolio, underscoring its popularity in education and hobbyist prototyping.Compute Module Series
The Raspberry Pi Compute Module series consists of system-on-module (SoM) variants designed for integration into custom hardware, providing the core computing capabilities of Raspberry Pi single-board computers in a compact form factor suitable for industrial and embedded applications. The first model, Compute Module 1 (CM1), was released on April 7, 2014, featuring the Broadcom BCM2835 processor from the original Raspberry Pi Model B, 512 MB of LPDDR2 RAM, and 4 GB of eMMC flash storage.[73] It was priced at $30 for bulk orders and targeted original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) seeking to embed Pi-like functionality without the standard I/O peripherals. Subsequent releases built on this foundation: Compute Module 3 (CM3) launched on January 16, 2017, with the BCM2837 quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor at 1.2 GHz, 1 GB RAM, and optional eMMC storage of 0, 8, 16, or 32 GB, priced from $25.[74] Compute Module 3+ followed in 2019 with minor thermal and power improvements while retaining the same core specifications.[75] Compute Module 4 (CM4), introduced on October 19, 2020, marked a significant upgrade by adopting the BCM2711 SoC from Raspberry Pi 4, a 1.5 GHz quad-core 64-bit ARM Cortex-A72 processor, up to 8 GB LPDDR4-3200 RAM, and optional onboard eMMC storage (0, 8, 16, or 32 GB), with prices ranging from $25 for the 1 GB Lite variant to $90 for the 8 GB model with wireless connectivity and storage.[42] It introduced optional integrated Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 5.0, along with enhanced interfaces including dual HDMI outputs supporting up to 4K resolution, Gigabit Ethernet, and USB 2.0 ports via carrier board. The module measures 55 mm × 40 mm and uses a 200-pin high-density board-to-board connector for flexibility in custom designs, departing from the earlier SODIMM mechanical compatibility of CM1 and CM3.[76] High-speed MIPI CSI and DSI ports (up to two lanes each) enable camera and display integration, while the PCIe Gen 2.0 interface (one lane) supports high-bandwidth expansions like NVMe storage. Compute Module 5 (CM5), released on November 27, 2024, further advances the series with the BCM2712 SoC from Raspberry Pi 5, featuring a 2.4 GHz quad-core 64-bit ARM Cortex-A76 processor, 2, 4, or 8 GB LPDDR4X-4267 RAM, optional eMMC, and PCIe Gen 2.0 x1 for improved performance in demanding applications, starting at $45.[77][78] These modules require a custom carrier board to access GPIO pins (similar in pinout to flagship models for compatibility), power, and peripherals, enabling OEMs to tailor I/O for specific needs without excess components.[79] They are widely used in industrial automation, digital signage, point-of-sale systems, and server clustering, where the modular design facilitates scalable, long-lifecycle deployments.[80] For instance, CM4 has been integrated into blade servers for edge computing and thin clients in enterprise environments. Production emphasizes reliability for embedded markets, with over four million Compute Modules sold cumulatively by August 2023 and annual volumes exceeding one million units to meet industrial demand.[81] Extended temperature variants (-40°C to +85°C) ensure suitability for harsh conditions, and Raspberry Pi guarantees long-term availability, such as at least until 2036 for CM4.[82]Model Comparison
The Raspberry Pi lineup encompasses diverse series tailored for different applications, from high-performance computing to embedded microcontroller tasks. The following table provides a comparative overview of key specifications for representative models across the flagship, compact, keyboard-integrated, Pico microcontroller, and Compute Module series, highlighting evolutionary improvements such as increased RAM capacities and enhanced processing power in newer iterations.[83][60]| Model | Release Year | SoC/CPU | RAM Options | Connectivity (Ethernet/Wi-Fi/Bluetooth) | Ports (USB/HDMI/GPIO) | Price Range | Form Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flagship Series | |||||||
| Raspberry Pi 5 | 2023 | Broadcom BCM2712, quad-core Arm Cortex-A76 @ 2.4 GHz | 2 GB, 4 GB, 8 GB, 16 GB | Gigabit Ethernet, dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0 | 2× USB 3.0, 2× USB 2.0, 2× micro HDMI, 40-pin GPIO | $50–$100 | Credit-card sized SBC |
| Raspberry Pi 4 Model B | 2019 | Broadcom BCM2711, quad-core Arm Cortex-A72 @ 1.5 GHz | 1 GB, 2 GB, 4 GB, 8 GB | Gigabit Ethernet, dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0 | 2× USB 3.0, 2× USB 2.0, 2× micro HDMI, 40-pin GPIO | $35–$75 | Credit-card sized SBC |
| Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ | 2018 | Broadcom BCM2837B0, quad-core Arm Cortex-A53 @ 1.4 GHz | 1 GB | Gigabit Ethernet, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi 802.11n, Bluetooth 4.2 | 4× USB 2.0, HDMI, 40-pin GPIO | $35 | Credit-card sized SBC (discontinued) |
| Zero and Compact Series | |||||||
| Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W | 2021 | Broadcom BCM2710A1, quad-core Arm Cortex-A53 @ 1 GHz | 512 MB | No Ethernet, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi 802.11n, Bluetooth 4.2 | 1× USB 2.0 OTG (micro), mini HDMI, 40-pin GPIO | $15 | Ultra-compact SBC |
| Keyboard-Integrated Series | |||||||
| Raspberry Pi 500 | 2024 | Broadcom BCM2712, quad-core Arm Cortex-A76 @ 2.4 GHz | 8 GB | Gigabit Ethernet, dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0 | 2× USB 3.0, 2× USB 2.0, 2× micro HDMI, 40-pin GPIO | $90 | Keyboard-integrated SBC |
| Raspberry Pi 500+ | 2025 | Broadcom BCM2712, quad-core Arm Cortex-A76 @ 2.4 GHz | 16 GB | Gigabit Ethernet, dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0 | 2× USB 3.0, 2× USB 2.0, 2× micro HDMI, 40-pin GPIO | $200 (with SSD) | Keyboard-integrated SBC |
| Pico Microcontroller Series | |||||||
| Raspberry Pi Pico 2 | 2024 | Raspberry Pi RP2350, dual-core Arm Cortex-M33 or RISC-V Hazard3 @ 150 MHz | 520 KB SRAM | No Ethernet/Wi-Fi/Bluetooth (base) | Micro USB, 40-pin GPIO | $5 | Microcontroller board (21 × 51 mm) |
| Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W | 2024 | Raspberry Pi RP2350, dual-core Arm Cortex-M33 or RISC-V Hazard3 @ 150 MHz | 520 KB SRAM | No Ethernet, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi 802.11n, Bluetooth 5.2 | Micro USB, 40-pin GPIO | $7 | Microcontroller board (21 × 51 mm) |
| Compute Module Series | |||||||
| Compute Module 4 | 2020 | Broadcom BCM2711, quad-core Arm Cortex-A72 @ 1.5 GHz | 1 GB, 2 GB, 4 GB, 8 GB | Optional Gigabit Ethernet, dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0 | Depends on carrier board (up to 2× HDMI, 2× USB 2.0, 40-pin GPIO) | $25–$100 (varies with eMMC) | 55 × 40 mm module (200-pin connector) |
| Compute Module 3+ | 2019 | Broadcom BCM2837B0, quad-core Arm Cortex-A53 @ 1.2 GHz | 1 GB | No built-in (Gigabit Ethernet optional via carrier) | Depends on carrier board (HDMI, USB 2.0, 40-pin GPIO) | $35 (discontinued October 2025) | SODIMM module (67.6 × 30 mm) |