On π day, Raspberry Pi Foundation launch the Pi 3 Model B+

On π day, Raspberry Pi Foundation launch the Pi 3 Model B+

Today is Pi Day, so called because the date, written in the backwards fashion favoured by our American cousins, as 3 14 is a close approximation to the constant that defines the difference in size between a circumference of a circle, and it's diameter, π or 3.14(15926535897…)

So it is apt that the Raspberry Pi Foundation choose to launch their newest platform today. The Raspberry Pi Model 3 B+ is launched today. The 3B+ is an upgrade to the original Pi 3 Model B, released two years ago. The changes focus on embedding the Pi as an platform into other systems.

The changes are:

  • Long manufacturing life (til at least 2023)
  • Updated processor with heat spreader and power integrity
  • Improved clock speed (up to 1.4Ghz)
  • Dual-band wireless supporting 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz bands
  • Radio module certified, reducing compliance requirements for downstream users
  • Gigabit , although throughput is ~300Mb/s.
  • Power over Ethernet – via an upcoming HAT
  • PXEboot support – allowing easier software updates

The heat management enables a device that either is more performant or runs cooler or both. The others support as a subsystem within other things. The use of PoE centrally powers the device, avoiding the need for separate power sources. PXEboot can use a standard central software image, rather than needing to update individual devices themselves.

As an IoT platform, the Rasberry Pi 3 Model B+ becomes even more compelling. Especially deployed in large quantities, as it now minimises efforts in managing large estates. And more devices provides longer production runs, lowering overall costs. Which keeps the Raspberry Pi Foundation afloat, and may give in the longer term cheaper Pi platforms. It makes an ideal edge computer and can act as a gateway from some of the more sensing technologies into an Ethernet or Wireless .

John Dixon

John Dixon is the Principal Consultant of thirteen-ten nanometre networks Ltd, based in Wiltshire, United Kingdom. He has a wide range of experience, (including, but not limited to) operating, designing and optimizing systems and networks for customers from global to domestic in scale. He has worked with many international brands to implement both data centres and wide-area networks across a range of industries. He is currently supporting a major SD-WAN vendor on the implementation of an environment supporting a major global fast-food chain.

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