Raspberry Pi Foundation announces the launch of the Raspberry Pi 5

Though Eben Upton, co-founder of the Raspberry Foundation, indicated late last year that the Raspberry Pi 5 would not be forthcoming due to supply chain challenges, the recent announcement by the Foundation of the Raspberry Pi 5’s launch suggests that these issues have been substantially ameliorated.

The Raspberry Pi 5 boasts a 16nm process 64-bit BCM2712 processor crafted by Broadcom, promising computational prowess of approximately 2-3 times its predecessor. It retains compatibility with the existing 40-pin connector interface and is augmented with a PCIe 2.0 x 1 connector interface. Furthermore, it supports dual 4K 60P screen outputs, with memory enhanced to a 32-bit LPDDFR4X at 4267MT/s.

Embedded within the Raspberry Pi 5 is the RP1 chip—innovatively designed by the Raspberry Foundation and fabricated using TSMC’s 40nm process. Primarily serving input and output controls, this chip seeks to bolster the main processor’s computational efficiency. Interface-wise, the RP1 can handle two USB 3.0 sets, two USB 2.0 sets, Ethernet, and a quad-channel MIPI interface for connecting cameras and displays.

Additionally, the Pi offers analog signal output, 3.3V GPIO (General-Purpose Input/Output), UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter), SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), I2C (Integrated Circuit Bus), I2S (Inter-IC Sound), and PWM (Power Management) controls.

Adhering to its compact, credit-card-sized blueprint, the Raspberry Pi 5 has transitioned from the conventional 3.5mm audio jack to a space-efficient 4-pin connector, preserving the design that allows developers to solder sockets manually. The prior quad-channel MIPI FPC connector has been replaced with a PCIe 2.0 x 1 mini FPC connector. Enhancements also include provisions for mounting a heatsink and pins for a power management chip cooling fan.

Although the power consumption of the Raspberry Pi 5 has escalated from the Raspberry Pi 4’s 8W to 12W, it accommodates a 25W overclocking mode. Coupled with a 27W charger, the USB port’s power output can surge to 1.6A.

The Raspberry Foundation anticipates the official launch of the Raspberry Pi 5 board in October, offering both 4GB and 8GB variants. The suggested retail prices are set at $60 and $80, respectively.