Raspberry Pi Model B+ 512MB RAM

The Model B+ is the higher-spec variant of the Raspberry Pi. It replaced the original Model B in July 2014. Compared to the Model B it has:

• More GPIO. The GPIO header has grown to 40 pins, while retaining the same pinout for the first 26 pins as the Model B.
• More USB. We now have 4 USB 2.0 ports, compared to 2 on the Model B, and better hotplug and overcurrent behaviour.
• Micro SD. The old friction-fit SD card socket has been replaced with a much nicer push-push micro SD version.
• Lower power consumption. By replacing linear regulators with switching ones we’ve reduced power consumption by between 0.5W and 1W.
• Better audio. The audio circuit incorporates a dedicated low-noise power supply.
• Neater form factor. We’ve aligned the USB connectors with the board edge, moved composite video onto the 3.5mm jack, and added four squarely-placed mounting holes.

We recommend the Model B+ for use in schools: it offers more flexibility for learners than the leaner Model A, which is more useful for embedded projects and projects which require very low power, and has more USB ports than the Model B.

Here's a brief overview of what's new

• Dual step-down (buck) power supply for 3.3V and 1.8V
• 5V supply has polarity protection, 2A fuse and hot-swap protection (so you can plug/unplug USB without resetting the board)
• New USB/Ethernet controller chip
• 4 USB ports instead of 2 ports
• 40 GPIO pins instead of 26. The top/first 26 pins match the original layout, 9 additional GPIO and 2 EEPROM Plate identification pins
• Composite (NTSC/PAL) video now integrated into 4-pole 3.5mm 'headphone' jack
• MicroSD card socket instead of full size SD
• Four mounting holes in rectangular layout
• Many connectors moved around

What's not new:

• Same basic size, 85mm x 56mm
• Same Processor, Broadcom SoC running at 700MHz (can be overclocked)
• Same RAM, 512MB soldered on top of the Broadcom chip
• Same power connector, microUSB
• Same software - be sure to run the latest Raspbian/NooBs but otherwise the overall Linux software is the same
• First 26-pins of GPIO are the same
• Same HDMI port
• Audio part of the A/V jack is the same
• Same Camera and DSI Display connector

So, basically, its the same single-board Linux computer you've known and loved but all cleaned up and easier to use. The good news is many of your existing accessories like cables, hubs, keyboards, monitors, etc will work fine. Many Pi Plates (PCBs that plug into GPIO port directly) will also work.

Introducing the Raspberry Pi Model B+ by Adafruit

Product images by Adafruit