Getting Started with Raspberry Pi – Introduction

Raspberry Pi is an ARM cortex based board designed for Electronic Engineers and Hobbyists. It’s a single board computer working on low power. With the processing speed and memory, Raspberry Pi can be used for performing different functions at a time, like a normal PC, and hence it is called Mini Computer in your palm.

getting started with raspberry pi introduction
Getting Started with Raspberry Pi

Because it has an ARMv7 processor, it can run the full range of ARM GNU/Linux distributions as well as Microsoft Windows 10, we will discuss about that later. ARM architecture is very influential in modern electronics. We are using the ARM architecture based processors and controllers everywhere. For example we are using ARM CORTEX processors in our mobiles, iPods and computers etc.

Pi is an amazing tool for realizing ‘Internet of Things’. In this session we will discuss the hardware and software requirements for Pi and setting up the Operating System for the first run of PI.

There are different types of Raspberry Pi boards in the market now, with Raspberry Pi 2 Model B being the most popular. Raspberry Pi 3 Model B has also been launched; it is almost similar to RPi 2, with some advance feature like on board Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, more powerful CPU etc.  We will discuss few characteristics of “Raspberry Pi 2 B” now.

Raspbeery Pi has four USB 2.0 ports. These ports can be connected to any USB devices, like mouse and keyboard. With the first start itself, we need mouse and keyboard, we will discuss it later. The four USB ports are shown the figure.

Raspbeery Pi 2 has one Ethernet port. This port is for internet connectivity to the RASPBEERY PI 2. This Ethernet port can also be used to transfer data between PI2 and your PC.

It has a 3.5mm jack port for connecting headphones, in case of playing music from PI.

PI has a single HDMI port for connecting a LCD/LED screen. The graphics provided by the chip is fairly good.

There is a micro USB port on the board; we provide power for the complete board through this port. If there are any fluctuations in voltage provided at this port, the board will not work properly.

Instead of connecting an LCD screen we can connect a 3inch to 7inch touch display. We have inbuilt port for connecting a touch display. We have a similar port for connecting a camera to the module; the camera module can be connected to PI without any additional attachments.

gpio pins getting started with raspberry pi introduction

There are GPIO (General Purpose Input Output) pins and a couple power ground terminals.  We can program there GPIO pins for any use. Few of these pins also perform special functions, we will discuss them later.

Hardware Requirements:

1. Power supply – As said earlier we will power the Raspberry Pi board by Micro USB port present on the board. Under normal operations the PI board needs a 5V, 1000mA (or 1A) power source. The voltage and current requirements are important here. Any power source higher than 5V will damage the board permanently and for voltages lower than 4.8V, the board will not function.

 Here I am using a 5V, 1000mA mobile phone charger for powering up my PI. Remember the minimum current rating for normal operation of PI board.

For more detail: Getting Started with Raspberry Pi – Introduction


About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.

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