The Raspberry Pi Zero is a miniature Linux-based single-board computer. The board is half the size of an Arduino Uno, with a Broadcom BCM2835 ARM processor, 512 MB of RAM, a mini-HDMI connector, and a microSD card slot.
The 1GHz processor is powerful enough to run graphical operating systems, play movies or clips, and process streaming video using the OpenCV library.
Connecting peripherals
There are 40 GPIO pins on the Pi Zero. To connect to these, you will need to use a soldering iron – in contrast to the older models. There is no pin comb on the board. To connect the Raspberry Pi buses, you need to unsolder two parallel lines of pin connectors.
There is a mini-HDMI connector for connecting displays or a TV. For this, you will need an HDMI cable with an additional adapter or an HDMI to mini-HDMI cable.
If you want to connect the board to an old TV or VCR, solder a composite RCA connector – the Raspberry Pi Zero will output PAL / NTSC analog video.
There are two Micro USB ports on the bottom of the board: one for the power supply and the other for connecting peripherals.
Dimensions
Exact board dimensions: 66×32 mm. The USB ports and the mini-HDMI connector protrude a few millimeters beyond the board.
Software
To boot the system, a microSD card with Raspbian OS is used. When the power is connected, the system boots in a few seconds with a Raspbian graphical shell, very similar to the familiar Windows. You can take turns using several flashcards with different system images.
Losing data or screwing up settings is not a problem at all, as the system can be restored on a microSD-card within minutes. Then feel free to continue your experiments!
Shipped with
- 1× USB stick
- Please note that the microSD card is not included in the kit — recommended capacity – at least 8 GB.
Specifications
- Processor: Broadcom BCM2835 with ARM1176JZ-F core
- Clock speed: 1 GHz
- RAM: 512MB
- Digital Audio/Video Output: mini-HDMI
- Composite video output: 2 pins solderable
- Peripheral Port: Micro USB with OTG
- Camera connector: Camera Serial Interface (MIPI CSI)
- Memory card: MicroSD
- I/O ports: 40
- Dimensions: 66×32×5 mm
BCM2835 chip
The Raspberry Pi Zero computer’s heart is the Broadcom BCM2835 chip, which is based on SoC (System-on-a-Chip) technology. The chip includes an ARM1176JZ-F CPU overclocked to 1GHz and a dual-core GPU VideoCore IV graphic co-processor running at 250MHz.
On top of the BCM2835 chip is a 512MB Elpida B4432BBPA-10-F memory with PoP (Package-on-Package) technology.
Mini-HDMI port
This connector is for digital video and sound output to multimedia devices. You will need an HDMI cable and adapter for communication.
Peripheral connection port
A micro-USB port for connecting multimedia devices with a standard USB connector.
You will need an OTG USB (F) to USB Micro (M) adapter for communication. Use a USB hub to connect multiple devices.
Power connector
The micro-USB connector is designed to power the Raspberry Pi.
The current consumption can be up to 3 amps. For stable operation, use a 5V charger together with a USB cable (A to Micro USB).
MicroSD slot
Slot for microSD memory card. Use the card with the Raspberry Pi OS installed, or burn the image yourself.
Composite video output
An analog video signal output in the form of two solder pins. The signal is used to connect to “warm tube TVs” via the RCA connector or simply called “tulip.”
