Electronics

Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ (Plus) Development Board

Out Of Stock

1

Description

The Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ is a versatile single-board computer for hobbyists and professionals. It offers advanced features and improved performance for learning and experimentation. It's compact size and extensive capabilities enable exploration in electronics, programming, and digital creativity. With applications ranging from home automation to media centers and IoT devices, the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ empowers users to turn ideas into reality. It features a powerful processor, wireless connectivity, GPIO pins, and a supportive community, making it an accessible platform for beginners and experienced enthusiasts alike.

 

Package Includes:

  • 1 x Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+

 

Features:

  1. Enhanced Processing Power: The RPi 3B+ is powered by a 1.4GHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor, providing a significant boost in computing power compared to previous models. This enables smoother multitasking and faster execution of tasks.
  2. Dual-Band Wireless Connectivity: It incorporates built-in dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz IEEE 802.11b/g/n/ac wireless LAN, allowing for improved wireless connectivity and faster data transfer rates. This makes it easier to connect to Wi-Fi networks and access online resources.
  3. Gigabit Ethernet: The RPi 3B+ features a Gigabit Ethernet port, enabling faster wired network connectivity compared to previous models. This is beneficial for applications requiring high-speed data transfer or low-latency network connections.
  4. Power over Ethernet (PoE) Support: The RPi 3B+ includes the option for Power over Ethernet (PoE) support through a separate PoE HAT accessory. This allows the board to receive power and network connectivity through a single Ethernet cable, simplifying deployment in certain scenarios.
  5. Improved Thermal Management: The RPi 3B+ incorporates a heat spreader and improved thermal management, allowing it to handle higher workloads without overheating. This helps maintain stable performance even during demanding tasks.
  6. Bluetooth 4.2: It includes Bluetooth 4.2 support, enabling easy connectivity with various Bluetooth devices such as keyboards, mice, speakers, and other peripherals.
  7. GPIO Pins: The RPi 3B+ offers a 40-pin GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) header, allowing for easy interfacing with a wide range of external devices and sensors. This facilitates the creation of custom electronic projects and enables interaction with the physical world.
  8. Multimedia Capabilities: The RPi 3B+ has HDMI and composite video outputs, enabling connection to displays and TVs. It also supports hardware-accelerated video playback, making it suitable for multimedia applications such as media centers or digital signage.
  9. Expandability: The RPi 3B+ provides multiple USB 2.0 ports for connecting peripherals like keyboards, mice, external storage devices, and more. It also has a microSD card slot for storage expansion and runs on a Linux-based operating system, giving users access to a wide range of software and tools.
  10. Community and Support: The Raspberry Pi has a large and active community of enthusiasts, makers, and developers. This means extensive documentation, tutorials, and a wealth of shared knowledge are available, making it easier to get started and explore various projects and applications.

 

Description:

The Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ is a highly capable single-board computer that caters to a wide range of users, including hobbyists, educators, and professionals. With its compact size and versatile features, it provides an ideal platform for various projects and applications. One of the notable aspects of the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ is its advanced features and improved performance compared to previous models. It is equipped with a powerful 1.4GHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor, allowing for efficient multitasking and faster execution of tasks. This enhanced processing power opens up opportunities for more demanding projects and computations. the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ offers comprehensive connectivity options. It includes built-in dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz IEEE 802.11b/g/n/ac wireless LAN, providing improved wireless connectivity and faster data transfer rates. This enables seamless connection to Wi-Fi networks, facilitating online interactions and access to cloud services. The board also features a Gigabit Ethernet port, enabling fast wired network connectivity for scenarios that require high-speed data transfer or low-latency network connections. This makes it suitable for applications that rely on stable and high-bandwidth network connections, such as networked storage, media streaming, or IoT gateways. The Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ is equipped with a 40-pin GPIO header, allowing for easy interfacing with a wide range of external devices and sensors. These GPIO pins enable users to connect and control external components, enabling the creation of customized electronic projects and IoT devices. Moreover, the Raspberry Pi community is known for its active and supportive nature. Users can access extensive documentation, tutorials, and a wealth of shared knowledge, making it easier to get started and overcome challenges. The community's contributions and continuous development of software and libraries further enhance the functionality and compatibility of the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+. With its powerful processor, wireless connectivity options, GPIO pins, and strong community support, the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ provides an accessible and versatile platform for both beginners and experienced enthusiasts to explore electronics, programming, and digital creativity. Whether you're interested in building home automation systems, creating media centers, or developing IoT devices, the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ offers the tools and flexibility to bring your ideas to life and embark on exciting projects.

 

Principle of Work:

The Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ is a single-board computer that operates on a system-on-a-chip (SoC) architecture. we will give what and how the internal components work and interact with each other and the additional items you need to make it work:

  1. tem-on-a-Chip (SoC): The Broadcom BCM2837B0 SoC is the heart of the Raspberry Pi. It contains several key components that work together:
  2. a. CPU (Central Processing Unit): The SoC incorporates a quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 CPU. Each core can independently handle tasks, allowing for multitasking and efficient processing.
  3. b. GPU (Graphics Processing Unit): The VideoCore IV GPU is integrated into the SoC. It is responsible for handling graphics-related tasks, such as rendering images, videos, and running graphical applications.
  4. c. RAM (Random Access Memory): The Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ has 1GB LPDDR2 RAM. RAM is used to store data and instructions that the CPU and GPU need for immediate access during operation. It helps in multitasking and overall system performance.
  5. MicroSD Card: The microSD card slot on the Raspberry Pi serves as the primary storage device. It holds the operating system (OS), software, and user data. When the Raspberry Pi boots up, it reads the necessary instructions and data from the microSD card to initiate the system.
  6. USB Ports: The Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ includes four USB 2.0 ports. These ports allow you to connect various peripherals like keyboards, mice, USB drives, and other devices. The connected devices can be used for input, storage, and interaction with the system.
  7. HDMI Port: The HDMI port enables you to connect the Raspberry Pi to a monitor or TV using an HDMI cable. It provides both video and audio output from the Raspberry Pi, allowing you to view and hear the system's display and sound.
  8. Ethernet Port: The board features a 10/100 Ethernet port. You can connect an Ethernet cable from the Raspberry Pi to a network router or switch, enabling it to access the local network and the internet.
  9. Wireless Connectivity: The Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ has built-in wireless capabilities, including Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) and Bluetooth 4.2. These wireless features enable the board to connect to wireless networks, interact with other devices, and access the internet.

These components work together by communicating through various data buses, such as the system bus and the USB bus. The CPU and GPU execute instructions, access data from RAM and the microSD card, and interact with peripherals and external devices through the USB and HDMI ports. The operating system plays a vital role in managing these interactions and coordinating the tasks performed by the internal components.

Additional Items Required:

  1. Power Supply: You need a 5V micro USB power supply to provide power to the Raspberry Pi.
  2. MicroSD Card: A microSD card with sufficient capacity is necessary to install and run the operating system.
  3. Operating System: You'll need to install an operating system (such as Raspbian, a Debian-based Linux distribution) on the microSD card.
  4. Display: A monitor or TV with an HDMI input is required to connect to the Raspberry Pi for visual output.
  5. Keyboard and Mouse: Input devices such as a USB keyboard and mouse are needed for interacting with the Raspberry Pi.
  6. Ethernet Cable: If you prefer a wired network connection, an Ethernet cable can be used to connect the Raspberry Pi to your network router.
  7. Optional Peripherals: Depending on your project, you may require additional peripherals like a USB hub, camera module, sensors, or other components.

By assembling these components and following the necessary setup steps, you can start using the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ as a versatile and powerful computer for various applications.

 

Pinout of the Module:

Number GPIO Number Physical Pin Description Pin Number GPIO Number Physical Pin Description
3.3V - 1 3.3V Power GPIO2 - 3 I2C1 SDA (Inter-Integrated Circuit)
GPIO2 2 3 I2C1 SDA (Inter-Integrated Circuit) GPIO3 3 5 I2C1 SCL (Inter-Integrated Circuit)
GPIO4 4 7 General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) - - 9 Ground
GPIO17 17 11 General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) GPIO27 27 13 General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO)
GPIO22 22 15 General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) - - 17 3.3V Power
GPIO10 10 19 SPI0 MOSI (Serial Peripheral Interface) GPIO9 9 21 SPI0 MISO (Serial Peripheral Interface)
GPIO11 11 23 SPI0 SCLK (Serial Peripheral Interface) - - 25 Ground
GPIO0 0 27 General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) GPIO5 5 29 General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO)
GPIO6 6 31 General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) GPIO13 13 33 General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO)
GPIO19 19 35 General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) - - 37 GPIO26
- - 39 Ground GPIO14 14 8 General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO)
GPIO15 15 10 General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) GPIO18 18 12 General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO)
GPIO23 23 16 General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) - - 18 3.3V Power
GPIO24 24 22 General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) GPIO25 25 24 General Purpose Input/


Applications:

  1. Home Media Center: With its HDMI output and support for media playback, the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ can be used as a media center. You can install media center software like Kodi or Plex and connect it to a TV, creating a platform for streaming movies, music, and videos.
  2. Retro Gaming Console: Utilizing the Raspberry Pi's GPU capabilities, you can turn it into a retro gaming console. By installing software like RetroPie or Lakka, you can emulate classic gaming consoles and play games using USB controllers or even build your own arcade cabinet.
  3. IoT (Internet of Things) Projects: The Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ is an excellent platform for IoT projects. Its GPIO pins allow for connecting sensors, actuators, and other components to create home automation systems, weather stations, security systems, and more.
  4. Home Server: The Raspberry Pi can be transformed into a compact home server. You can set up a file server, web server, or even a Minecraft server using the device, making it a convenient solution for hosting small-scale services at home.
  5. Robotics and Automation: Due to its small size and GPIO pins, the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ is well-suited for robotics projects. You can interface with motors, sensors, and other peripherals to build robots, automated systems, or even autonomous drones.
  6. Learning Programming and Electronics: The Raspberry Pi serves as an excellent platform for learning programming and electronics. It provides a hands-on environment for beginners to explore Python programming, Linux, and physical computing.
  7. Educational Projects: Many educational institutions and educators use the Raspberry Pi in classrooms. It enables students to learn about computing, coding, and electronics through interactive projects and experiments.
  8. Prototyping and Proof of Concept: The Raspberry Pi is commonly used as a prototyping tool for testing ideas and developing proof-of-concept projects before moving to more complex and specialized hardware.

 

 

Circuit:

 

Making RPI3b+ work for the first time:

To install the Raspberry Pi OS (previously known as Raspbian) on a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+, here's what you'll need and the steps to follow:

Required Items:

  1. Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ board.
  2. MicroSD card (8GB or higher recommended).
  3. MicroSD card reader.
  4. Computer with an SD card reader or a USB adapter for the microSD card.

Installation Steps:

  1. Prepare the MicroSD Card: a. Insert the microSD card into the card reader and connect it to your computer. b. Format the microSD card using the SD Card Association's SD Formatter tool or a similar utility. This ensures proper file system formatting. c. Download the Raspberry Pi Imager tool from the official Raspberry Pi website: https://www.raspberrypi.org/software/. d. Install and run the Raspberry Pi Imager tool.
  2. Select the Raspberry Pi OS: a. In the Raspberry Pi Imager tool, choose "Choose OS" and select "Raspberry Pi OS (other)". b. From the next menu, select the latest version of Raspberry Pi OS (with desktop and recommended software) or choose the version that fits your needs.
  3. Select the MicroSD Card: a. Click on "Choose SD Card" in the Raspberry Pi Imager tool. b. Select the microSD card that you inserted into the card reader.
  4. Write the Raspberry Pi OS Image: a. Click on "Write" in the Raspberry Pi Imager tool to begin writing the Raspberry Pi OS image to the microSD card. b. Wait for the process to complete. It may take a few minutes.
  5. Enable SSH (Optional): a. After the image is written to the microSD card, you can enable SSH (Secure Shell) for remote access to your Raspberry Pi. b. To enable SSH, create an empty file named "ssh" (without any file extensions) in the root directory of the microSD card.
  6. Eject the MicroSD Card: a. Once the writing process is finished, safely eject the microSD card from your computer.
  7. Insert the MicroSD Card into the Raspberry Pi: a. Locate the microSD card slot on the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ board. b. Carefully insert the microSD card into the slot until it clicks into place.
  8. Power up the Raspberry Pi: a. Connect a compatible power supply to the Raspberry Pi's micro USB port. b. Wait for the Raspberry Pi to boot up.
  9. Configure Raspberry Pi: a. Follow the on-screen prompts to set up your Raspberry Pi, including language selection, Wi-Fi configuration, and password setup. b. The Raspberry Pi desktop environment will appear once the configuration is complete.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Raspberry Pi OS on your Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+.

 

Code:

An example Python code to blink an LED connected to Pin 8 (GPIO 14) on the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ using the RPi.GPIO library:

import RPi.GPIO as GPIO
import time

LED_PIN = 8

# Set up GPIO mode and warnings
GPIO.setmode(GPIO.BOARD)
GPIO.setwarnings(False)

# Set up the LED pin as an output
GPIO.setup(LED_PIN, GPIO.OUT)

# Blink the LED 5 times
for _ in range(5):
    GPIO.output(LED_PIN, GPIO.HIGH)  # Turn on the LED
    time.sleep(1)                    # Delay for 1 second
    GPIO.output(LED_PIN, GPIO.LOW)   # Turn off the LED
    time.sleep(1)                    # Delay for 1 second

# Clean up GPIO settings
GPIO.cleanup()

  1. import RPi.GPIO as GPIO: This line imports the RPi.GPIO library, which provides a Python interface to control the GPIO pins on the Raspberry Pi.
  2. import time: This line imports the time module, which allows us to introduce delays in the code.
  3. LED_PIN = 8: This line assigns the GPIO pin number 8 (corresponding to physical pin 8 on the Raspberry Pi board) to the variable LED_PIN. This pin will be used to connect the LED.
  4. GPIO.setmode(GPIO.BOARD): This line sets the GPIO pin numbering mode to BOARD mode, which refers to the physical pin numbering on the Raspberry Pi board.
  5. GPIO.setwarnings(False): This line disables GPIO warnings that may be displayed during the program's execution.
  6. GPIO.setup(LED_PIN, GPIO.OUT): This line sets up the LED_PIN as an output pin, indicating that we will use it to control an LED.
  7. The for loop: This loop runs five times, allowing the LED to blink five times.
  • GPIO.output(LED_PIN, GPIO.HIGH): This line sets the LED_PIN to HIGH, turning on the LED.
  • time.sleep(1): This line introduces a delay of 1 second using the sleep() function from the time module.
  • GPIO.output(LED_PIN, GPIO.LOW): This line sets the LED_PIN to LOW, turning off the LED.
  • time.sleep(1): This line introduces another delay of 1 second.
  1. GPIO.cleanup(): This line cleans up the GPIO settings and releases the resources used by the program.

 

 

Technical Details:

  1. Processor:

    • Broadcom BCM2837B0 chipset
    • Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 CPU
    • Clock speed of 1.4 GHz
  2. Memory:

    • 1GB LPDDR2 SDRAM
  3. Storage:

    • MicroSD card slot for storage
  4. Connectivity:

    • 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz IEEE 802.11.b/g/n/ac wireless LAN
    • Bluetooth 4.2/BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy)
    • 10/100 Ethernet port (RJ45)
  5. USB:

    • 4 x USB 2.0 ports
  6. Video Output:

    • 1 x full-size HDMI port, supporting up to 1080p resolution
  7. Audio Output:

    • Combined 3.5mm audio jack and composite video
  8. GPIO:

    • 40 GPIO pins (compatible with the Raspberry Pi 2 and 3 models)
  9. Camera Interface:

    • CSI camera port for connecting a Raspberry Pi camera module
  10. Display Interface:

    • DSI display port for connecting a Raspberry Pi touchscreen display
  11. Power:

    • Micro USB power input (5V/2.5A)
  12. Dimensions:

    • 85mm x 56mm x 17mm

 

Resources:

Comparisons:

  • the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ is an updated version of the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B, offering a faster processor, improved Wi-Fi connectivity, support for PoE, and enhanced thermal management. These improvements make the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ a more capable and efficient option for various projects and applications.
  • Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+: The Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ was released in March 2018 as an updated version of the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B. It introduced several improvements and enhancements over its predecessor.
  • Raspberry Pi 3 Model B: The Raspberry Pi 3 Model B was released in February 2016 and was the third iteration of the Raspberry Pi series at that time. It offered significant upgrades compared to the previous models, including improved performance and connectivity options.

Comparison:

  1. Processor:

    • Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+: It features a Broadcom BCM2837B0 chipset with a quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 1.4 GHz.
    • Raspberry Pi 3 Model B: It has a Broadcom BCM2837 chipset with a quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 1.2 GHz. The B+ model has a faster processor.
  2. Connectivity:

    • Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+: It supports dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) IEEE 802.11.b/g/n/ac wireless LAN and Bluetooth 4.2/BLE. It also has a 10/100 Ethernet port.
    • Raspberry Pi 3 Model B: It supports single-band (2.4 GHz) IEEE 802.11.b/g/n wireless LAN and Bluetooth 4.1/BLE. It also has a 10/100 Ethernet port. The B+ model offers improved Wi-Fi connectivity with support for the 5 GHz band.
  3. Power over Ethernet (PoE):

    • Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+: It has support for Power over Ethernet (PoE) through an additional PoE HAT.
    • Raspberry Pi 3 Model B: It does not have built-in PoE support.
  4. Improved thermal management:

    • Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+: It features improved thermal management, allowing it to maintain higher clock speeds without overheating compared to the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B.
  5. Gigabit Ethernet:

    • Neither the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ nor the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B has a Gigabit Ethernet port. Both models have a 10/100 Ethernet port.
  6. Other features:

    • Both models have 1GB LPDDR2 SDRAM, 4 x USB 2.0 ports, a microSD card slot for storage, a full-size HDMI port, a combined 3.5mm audio jack and composite video output, and 40 GPIO pins.