Before we go into more detail about the technical innovations of the Raspberry Pi 4, we would like to briefly go into the topic of developer boards in general. Especially the brand Raspberry Pi.
Since its release in early 2012, more than 23 million Raspberry Pi boards have been sold worldwide, and not without reason. While other manufacturers have brought single board computers onto the market in recent years, some of which have even attracted attention with better hardware, no other manufacturer has even come close to the popularity of the Raspberry Pi.
The open source computer is backed by a huge worldwide community that provides advice and support, develops project ideas and publishes ready-made concepts in forums or on video platforms.
But what makes the single board computer so unique and why is there such a hype about it?
Originally, the developer board was developed on behalf of the British government for students to bring programming closer to them. But it soon became clear that the Linux-based “jack-of-all-trades” was more than just a tool for growing programmers.Nowadays most Raspberry Pi users have not only one single board computer at home, but several.
One acts as an HD media player with an external hard drive for the home cinema or as an Internet radio with a display. The next one serves as a webcam server for camera surveillance including livestream on the mobile phone.
In addition, there is one for home automation, such as heating or lighting control, and another as a mini-computer for general Internet surfing. This is possible thanks to the user interface with its own browser. A Raspberry Pi can also be used as a simple WLAN printer server, to name just a few application scenarios.
But also projects like Ambilights, an electronic skateboard, Magic Mirrow, an automated greenhouse, own Cloud, Adblocker, Retro-Gaming game console or electronic picture frames are enjoying great popularity.
What makes the Raspberry Pi 4 so special?
But now we come to the new Raspberry Pi 4 and its clear added value compared to its predecessors. While newly released Raspberry Pi’s usually became a little faster and produced 1-2 more features, the new one makes a huge technical leap forward.
This time the Raspberry Pi Foundation is not only releasing a new Raspberry Pi, but 3 different models at the same time, the only difference being the size of the RAM.
All changes at a glance
Raspberry Pi 3 B+ (predecessor) Raspberry Pi 4 B (successor)
– 1.4 GHz ARM Cortex-A53 Quad Core CPU – 1.5 GHz ARM Cortex-A72 Quad Core CPU
– 1 GB LPDDR2 SDRAM – 1 GB, 2 GB or 4 GB LPDDR4 SDRAM
– Gigabit-LAN with up to 300 Mbit – Gigabit-LAN with up to 1000 Mbit
– Bluetooth 4.2 & WiFi AC – Bluetooth 5.0 & WiFi AC
– 4x USB 2.0 – 2x USB 2.0 / 2x USB 3.0
– 1x HDMI (1080p @H.264) – 2x microHDMI (4k@60fps/30fps)
– microUSB @5V/2.5A – USB Type-C @5V/3A
As you can see from the technical data, there is almost nothing left to be desired. The new Raspberry Pi 4 finally brings more RAM, fast Gigabit LAN, USB 3.0, 4k resolution for 2 monitors, USB-C charging socket and is of course a bit faster than its predecessor. Now at the latest everyone should have a Raspberry Pi at home, even if it’s just a computer for surfing the Internet.
Author: Sven Pannewitz – product manager for developer boards at reichelt elektronik
