Today saw the launch of the Raspberry Pi Zero. Unlike previous launches this piece of hardware is being given away for free on the cover of issue 40 of The MagPi magazine. The Pi Zero is three times smaller, faster and uses less energy. Oh and if you don’t get a free one you can buy it for £4 ($5).
Here is what the new baby Pi looks like :
Specifications
The Pi Zero boasts some impressive specifications :
- Broadcom BCM2835 application processor
- 1GHz ARM11 core (40% faster than Raspberry Pi 1)
- 512MB of LPDDR2 SDRAM
- A micro-SD card slot
- A mini-HDMI socket for 1080p60 video output
- Micro-USB sockets for data and power
- An unpopulated 40-pin GPIO header
- Identical pinout to Model A+/B+/2B
- An unpopulated composite video header
The 40 pin GPIO header is the same as on previous models but it is unpopulated so you will need to solder on a suitable header if required. The mini-HDMI port may require an adapter if you wish to use a standard HDMI cable. Most sellers are offering a kit of cables, adapters and headers to get you started if you don’t already have suitable items in your toolbox.
Mechanical Specifications
- Dimensions : 65mm x 30mm x 5mm
- Weight : 9g
Pi Zero Mechanical Diagram from Raspberry Pi Foundation
The Pi Zero is half the size of the A+. The top two holes are in the same positions.
Networking
Like the Model A/A+ the Pi Zero does not have an Ethernet port. This make not make it suitable for some projects and is not a replacement for the Model B+ or Pi 2. You can still use the USB port for a WiFi dongle but you may need a microUSB to USB cable/adapter (available on Amazon).
Power Consumption
The official power consumption is 160mA. That’s similar to the Model A+. Alex Eames has performed some more detailed tests in his Pi Zero Power Measurements blog post. He has determined the consumption is closer to 140mA.
Videos
Here is the introduction video from the Raspberry Pi Foundation :
It will no surprise that Alex Eames was first off the blocks with a blog post and video :
as well as TheRaspberryPiGuy :
The Raspberry Pi Zero is going to be an awesome addition to the Pi eco-system. With a $5 price point, reduced size and lower power consumption the new possibilities this opens up for projects is quite exciting. Roll on 2016!
Buy a Pi Zero
The Pi Zero is available from element14, The Pi Hut, CPC and Pimoroni and in the US from Adafruit and in-store at Micro Center.
6 Comments
What about the power consumption??
The current consumption is quoted as being 160mA but Alex Eames measured it at 140mA while playing video.
There isn’t the Ethernet?
Do we have dimensions of the Pi Zero available, location of the microHDMI, USB’s etc, relative to the mounting holes? I cannot find any of this information as of yet. Thanks
Hi James, I’ve updated the post to add a linked diagram to the Raspberry Pi Foundations “Mechanical Drawings” page. They have a PDF the Pi Zero’s dimensions.
I’d stick one of these into a (dead) PSP, and have yourself a nice homebrew emulation machine! 😀