BMS COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, BENGALURU - 19

Course Code: 23IM4PCFPT Course Title: FUNDAMENTALS OF PROGRAMMING TOOLS

Faculty: Dr.B.Ravishankar Offered Department: Industrial Engineering & Management

Course Material for unit 3

Raspberry Pi

Introduction

Basic Structure of Credit card PC (Architecture)

Raspberry pi Board

The Raspberry pi is a single computer board with credit card size, that can be used for many tasks
that your computer does, like games, word processing, spread sheets and also to play HD video. It
was established by the Raspberry pi foundation from the UK. It has been ready for public
consumption since 2012 with the idea of making a low-cost educational microcomputer for students
and children. The main purpose of designing the raspberry pi board is, to encourage learning,
experimentation and innovation for school level students. The raspberry pi board is a portable and
low cost. Maximum of the raspberry pi computers is used in mobile phones. In the 20th century, the
growth of mobile computing technologies is very high, a huge segment of this being driven by the
mobile industries. The 98% of the mobile phones were using ARM technology.

Raspberry Pi Technology

The raspberry pi comes in two models, they are model A and model B. The main difference between
model A and model B is USB port. Model A board will consume less power and that does not include
an Ethernet port. But, the model B board includes an Ethernet port and designed in china. The
raspberry pi comes with a set of open source technologies, i.e. communication and multimedia web
technologies.In the year 2014, the foundation of the raspberry pi board launched the computer
module, that packages a model B raspberry pi board into module for use as a part of embedded
systems, to encourage their use.

Raspberry Pi Hardware Specifications

The raspberry pi board comprises a program memory (RAM), processor and graphics chip, CPU, GPU,
Ethernet port, GPIO pins, Xbee socket, UART, power source connector. And various interfaces for
other external devices. It also requires mass storage, for that we use an SD flash memory card. So
that raspberry pi board will boot from this SD card similarly as a PC boots up into windows from its
hard disk.

Essential hardware specifications of raspberry pi board mainly include SD card containing Linux OS,
US keyboard, monitor, power supply and video cable. Optional hardware specifications include USB
mouse, powered USB hub, case, internet connection, the Model A or B: USB WiFi adaptor is used
and internet connection to Model B is LAN cable.

Hardware Specifications of Raspberry pi

Memory
The raspberry pi model A board is designed with 256MB of SDRAM and model B is designed with 512
MB.Raspberry pi is a small size PC compare with other PCs. The normal PCs RAM memory is available
in gigabytes. But in raspberry pi board, the RAM memory is available more than 256MB or 512MB

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The Central processing unit is the brain of the raspberry pi board and that is responsible for carrying
out the instructions of the computer through logical and mathematical operations. The raspberry pi
uses ARM11 series processor, which has joined the ranks of the Samsung galaxy phone.

GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)

The GPU is a specialized chip in the raspberry pi board and that is designed to speed up the
operation of image calculations. This board designed with a Broadcom video core IV and it supports
OpenGL

Ethernet Port

The Ethernet port of the raspberry pi is the main gateway for communicating with additional
devices. The raspberry pi Ethernet port is used to plug your home router to access the internet.

GPIO Pins

The general purpose input & output pins are used in the raspberry pi to associate with the other
electronic boards. These pins can accept input & output commands based on programming
raspberry pi. The raspberry pi affords digital GPIO pins. These pins are used to connect other
electronic components. For example, you can connect it to the temperature sensor to transmit
digital data.

XBee Socket

The XBee socket is used in raspberry pi board for the wireless communication purpose.

Power Source Connector

The power source cable is a small switch, which is placed on side of the shield. The main purpose of
the power source connector is to enable an external power source.

UART

The Universal Asynchronous Receiver/ Transmitter is a serial input & output port. That can be used
to transfer the serial data in the form of text and it is useful for converting the debugging code.

Display

The connection options of the raspberry pi board are two types such as HDMI and Composite. Many
LCD and HD TV monitors can be attached using an HDMI male cable and with a low-cost adaptor.
The versions of HDMI are 1.3 and 1.4 are supported and 1.4 version cable is recommended. The
O/Ps of the Raspberry Pi audio and video through HMDI, but does not support HDMI I/p. Older TVs
can be connected using composite video. When using a composite video connection, audio is
available from the 3.5mm jack socket and can be sent to your TV. To send audio to your TV, you
need a cable which adjusts from 3.5mm to double RCA connectors.

Model A Raspberry Pi Board

The Raspberry Pi board is a Broadcom(BCM2835) SOC(system on chip) board. It comes equipped

with an ARM1176JZF-S core CPU, 256 MB of SDRAM and 700 MHz,. The raspberry pi USB 2.0 ports
use only external data connectivity options. The board draws its power from a micro USB adapter,
with min range of 2. Watts (500 MA). The graphics, specialized chip is designed to speed up the
operation of image calculations. This is in built with Broadcom video core IV cable, that is useful if
you want to run a game and video through your raspberry pi.

Features of Raspberry PI Model A

• The Model A raspberry pi features mainly includes

• 256 MB SDRAM memory
• Single 2.0 USB connector
• Dual Core Video Core IV Multimedia coprocessor
• HDMI (rev 1.3 & 1.4) Composite RCA (PAL and NTSC) Video Out - (High Definition
Multimedia Interface)
• 3.5 MM Jack, HDMI, Audio Out
• SD, MMC, SDIO Card slot on board storage
• Linux Operating system
• Broadcom BCM2835 SoC full HD multimedia processor
• 8.6cm*5.4cm*1.5cm dimensions

Model B Raspberry pi Board

The Raspberry Pi is a Broadcom BCM2835 SOC (system on chip board). It comes equipped with a 700
MHz, 512 MB of SDRAM and ARM1176JZF-S core CPU. The USB 2.0 port of the raspberry pi boars
uses only external data connectivity options. The Ethernet in the raspberry pi is the main gateway to
interconnect with other devices and the internet in model B. This draws its power from a micro USB
adapter, with a minimum range of 2.5 watts(500 MA). The graphics, specialized chip is designed to
speed up the manipulation of image calculations. This is in built with Broadcom video core IV cable,
that is useful if you want to run a game and video through your raspberry pi.

Model B Raspberry pi Board

Features of Raspberry PI Model B

• 512 MB SDRAM memory

• Broadcom BCM2835 SoC full high definition multimedia processor
• Dual Core Video Core IV Multimedia coprocessor
• Single 2.0 USB connector
• HDMI (rev 1.3 and 1.4) Composite RCA (PAL & NTSC) Video Out
• 3.5 MM Jack, HDMI Audio Out
• MMC, SD, SDIO Card slot on board storage
• Linux Operating system
• Dimensions are 8.6cm*5.4cm*1.7cm
• On board 10/100 Ethernet RJ45 jack

Hardware and Software

Types of OS --Raspberry Pi OS
Raspberry Pi is the most popular SBC – Small Board Computer around the world. It can do pretty
much everything that a desktop computer can do and suitable for all ages who are keen to explore
computing. Raspberry comes with all the software; you require for basic computing. But if you want
to extend the functionalities to some extent, you will need to take the help of OS running on your
device. It performs as a bridge between the user and Raspberry hardware. OS is the most crucial
program that helps you to develop and execute programs. It enables the hardware to communicate
with the software for generating meaningful interactions. Also, it manages CPU, memory, disk
drives, printers, establishes user interface, and provides services for applications software. Although
Raspbian is the official Raspberry Pi OS, there are other alternative operating systems also available
out there you can run on the Raspberry Pi projects.
Best Raspberry Pi OS

Raspbian and other operating systems like OpenELEC, OSMC, RISC OS are responsible for making the
Raspberry system so popular among the developers. You should choose the most suitable operating
system for you from the list of top Raspberry Pi OS discussed below.

1. Raspbian
This is the official OS, and it can be used on all models of Raspberry. This free operating system is
known as the modified version of the popular OS Debian. It can serve all the general purposes for
the Raspberry users. One can indulge in any project development or prototype building and can
expect any kind of support from this OS.
Insights of Raspbian OS

 You can install the setup wizard that allows users to set up a new password, username, and
connect to a wifi network.
 Overcome the popular security concern of the pi devices known as the pi/raspberry and
eliminates the hassle to go online.
 Due to the difference in specification, many applications do not run on all the models of
Raspberry, but Raspbian has filled this gap.
 The Recommended Software Tool allows you to download any software if you are connected
to the internet whenever you need it.
 Offers features like searching, toolbars configuration, key layout shortcuts, thumbnails, and
multi-page controlling with the newly introduced tool qpdfView.
 Pre boot eXecution Environment has enabled users to boot their Raspberry using a central
server through ethernet.

2. DietPi

If you are looking for an extremely light Debian OS, then dietPi might be the best choice for you. It
can be referred to as 3x lighter than the other Raspberry Pi OS available out there. Besides, the
installation is really easy and automated. If you configure dietpi.txt before powering on, no user
input will be required.
Insights of DietPi

 Diet Processing Tool that comes with the package helps you to determine the priority level
of the installed programs and control schedulers.
 You can adjust the performance of the hardware and software while customization ability is
also available.
 Uses the minimum space in Ram, which helps to run your single-board computer in the
maximum potential, and the image’s size starts at just 400mb.
 Introduces lightweight Whiptail menus that take less time to execute the command line.
 Suitable for the new users, and the performance is boosted as you can control the amount
of logging according to your need using DietPi-Ramlog.
 Just like installation, updating is also made automatic in dietPi OS. When there is an update
available, you will not need to write an image for updating the system.
3. LIBREELEC

LIBREELC is a really small and open-source JEOS. It is often compared with OpenELEC, although the
boot time is much faster in LIBREELEC. Just like other Linux distros, it offers backbones for backdated
hardware. It was launched on 4 April 2016 and intended to bring major creative improvements to
generate better multimedia output than OpenELEC.
Insights of LIBREELEC OS

 You can install this OS within less than 20 minutes. It comes with clear instructions, an SD
creator app, and an installer also.
 If you have experience in running Kodi, you will be comfortable while running this OS on
your Raspberry.
 Boots up within a few seconds, and you can navigate and open media to consume without
facing any trouble.
 Uses the stock Kodi and offers standard customizations. Besides, it has a bunch of addons
available that you can install anytime.
 It is managed by a team of developers and ensures to get updates every month.
 Works closely with Kodi and regularly patches while maintaining security remain the primary
concern as always.

4. OSMC

This is the best Raspberry Pi OS if you are planning to work or manage media content. It is an open
source software that renders a beautiful interface and easy to use features. To let you know, this
software is based on Kodi OS, which is capable of providing support for virtually any media content.
Insights of OSMC OS

 Comes with several customizable built-in-images that allow Raspberry to produce high-
quality videos, pictures, and other media contents.
 Takes a short time to complete the installation while you can set up HTPC experience within
a few minutes.
 Considered as the heir to OS like Raspbmc and Crystalbuntu. But the availability of a wide
range of packages increases its price as well.
 You will never need to update the OS manually. Instead, it will update itself automatically
once every month.
 Offers a great application center like google play store. You can download, install, and start
using the required applications whenever you want.

Types of Firmware

Firmware is a software program or set of instructions programmed on a hardware device. It provides

the necessary instructions for how the device communicates with the other computer hardware. But
how can software be programmed onto hardware? Good question. Firmware is typically stored in
the flash ROM of a hardware device. While ROM is "read-only memory," flash ROM can be erased
and rewritten because it is actually a type of flash memory.

Examples of firmware include:

 The BIOS found in IBM-compatible Personal Computers.

 Code inside a printer (in addition to the printer driver that is on the computer)
 Software controlling a heart defibrillator.
 Software controlling the lights in an office building.