Electronic Products & Technology

More than makers adopting Raspberry Pi into designs

Stephen Law   

Electronics Embedded Systems Engineering Supply Chain Raspberry Pi Raspberry Pi

The new Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ is increasingly being adopted for volume production by small and medium-sized OEMs, recognizing the modular computing device for its suitability in professional designs of an end product. 

This feedback was uncovered by global component distributor Newark element14, which shared insights from its customers using the Raspberry Pi for such examples as controllers for prepaid TV sets in hospitals and advertising screens in cinemas, to elevator monitoring systems in smart buildings.

Newark element14 customers choose the Raspberry Pi over other Single Board Computers in the market because of its strong quality versus price point, the stability of the product over time, powerful processing capabilities, ease of use, and reliable sourcing.  Customers also cited the quality of support and documentation available on the element14 Community and other forums as a key factor in their choice, with support available “far better than any other proprietary board.”

Existing professional users have expressed faster CPU, onboard eMMC, Power over Ethernet, dual band wireless LAN and a commitment to manufacture for an extended period as wishes for the next model.  The recently launched Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ delivers on these wishes:

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  Raspberry Pi 3 Model B NEW Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+
CPU 1.2GHz 1.4 GHz, a 15% increase
Power over Ethernet/

onboard eMMC

Not available Power over Ethernet (PoE) enabled RJ45 providing PoE support via a new PoE HAT enabling users to boot over Ethernet and run without an SD card
Wireless 2.4 GHz only 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz IEEE 802.11ac wireless, Bluetooth 4.2, BLE with modular certification
Extended commitment to manufacture no commitment made at launch Commitment to manufacture until at least 2023 (5 years from launch)

The board also importantly retains the same mechanical footprint and pin out as both the Raspberry Pi 2 Model B and Raspberry Pi 3 Model B easing upgrade to this faster, more capable board and reducing potential costs related to redesign.

Other functionality enhancements which enhance suitability for embedded applications include improved thermal management and faster ethernet.  The Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ also comes with modular compliance certification, allowing the board to be designed into end products with significantly reduced wireless compliance testing saving both time and money.

Eben Upton, CEO Raspberry Pi Trading said: “The launch of the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ is about providing the industry with a board that is perfectly suited for use in embedded products.  The Raspberry Pi has already proven itself to have strong stability, high quality and ease of use, combined with an attractive price point for all markets.  This supercharged Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ takes it one step further, easing compliance certification, reducing cost and time to market and all at the same price of $35, making it perfect for all applications.”

Peter Wenzel, global director of software and single board computing for Premier Farnell and Newark element14 added: “As we speak to customers about how they use the Raspberry Pi, the growing demand for the board for use as an embedded product in professional applications is becoming increasingly evident.  As the leading manufacturer and distributor of the Raspberry Pi with a broad ecosystem of professional Raspberry Pi accessories and design and manufacturing services, we support our professional design customers at every stage of their journey.  The new Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+, jam packed with features for professional use, means our customers can now bring their products to market faster, and with fewer resources, than ever before.”

 

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