Just as soon as you thought you knew as much as there is to know about the most popular single board computer, the tiny versatile Raspberry Pi or the RBPi, acquaint yourself to a prettier cousin. There is an update to the familiar RBPi Model B and it is called the RBPi Model B+. Raspberry Pi Foundation, the manufacturers of the RBPi, have incorporated several improvements requested by users in the new model.
Although the RBPi Model B+ retains the same controller, has the same amount of RAM and runs on the same software as the Model B, there have been several cosmetic changes. The most notable improvements in RBPi Model B+ are:
— GPIO has 40 pins; the first 26 pins retain their pinout as in Model B.
— Four USB 2.0 ports with better hot plugging and overcurrent behavior; Model B has 2 ports
— A micro SD socket (push-push type); Model B has SD card socket of friction-fit type
— Power consumption 0.5-1.0W; Model B power consumption 0.55-1.65 W
— Better audio with separate low-noise power supply
— Improved form factor. Compared to Model B, the USB connectors align with the board edge and composite video moved to the 3.5 mm jack. Model B+ has four mounting holes.
Even with all the above improvements, the price of the RBPi Model B+ has been retained at $35. So what happens to the Model B now? According to the Raspberry Pi Foundation, Model B will remain in production as long as demand for it continues.
In its lifetime of two years, the RBPi SBC has gone to many places such as floating in space, deep under the sea and controlled complex machinery. Considering that the initial goal of the project was to educate children in Computer Science, RBPi has definitely marked a place of its own. RBPi has revolutionized the landscape of education for children and adults alike. People have learnt more about Computing and Electronics with RBPi.
Since the RBPi B+ model has the same architecture as the earlier Model B, the Foundation assures compatibility with the existing projects and software developed so far. According to the feedback received from the community, RBPi Model B+ is a more refined product.
Measuring 85x56x17mm in size, the RBPi B+ is slightly smaller than the form factor you are accustomed to with the Model B. Additionally, an improved layout backs up the size reduction. The organization of the board is neater and there are several improvements.
For example, there are now four USB ports as opposed to the two earlier. This is because the RBPi Model B+ uses the new LAN9514 chip. The Model B had its ports dotted all around the perimeter of the board. In contrast, the Model B+ has concentrated its ports only on two sides. The RBPi Model B+ with its four USB 2.0 ports supporting higher currents can now attach external portable USB2 hard drives. For those who had to counter the USB reboot issue on the Model B, can now rejoice since RBPi Model B+ has more stable USB hot swapping of USB devices.
