Raspberry Pi ‘B+’ To Come with More USB Ports and Improved Power Management

The miniaturized computer known as Raspberry Pi, a device for developers and users wanting to create cool stuff as a hobby, has not changed in the past two years. This means that the computer has, more or less, had the same specs and features as it first launched a little over two years ago.

However, the newest addition tends to bring some change to all of the mainstream models so far. It is said that the Raspberry Pi “B+”, the new addition to the family, may still have the same BCM2835 processor and the same amount of RAM, namely 512 MB, as the original version, but it uses less power. In addition, the new version has more connectivity options and other upgrades compared to the previous Raspberry Pi Model B. Below are the key upgrades made to the B+ version as stated by Eben Upton, the creator of the Raspberry Pi computer, as well as a list of model comparison between all Raspberry Pi versions:

• More GPIO: The GPIO header has grown to 40 pins, while retaining the same pinout for the first 26 pins as the Model B.
• More USB: We now have 4 USB 2.0 ports, compared to 2 on the Model B, and better hotplug and overcurrent behaviour.
• Micro SD: The old friction-fit SD card socket has been replaced with a much nicer push-push micro SD version.
• Lower power consumption: By replacing linear regulators with switching ones we’ve reduced power consumption by between 0.5W and 1W.
• Better audio: The audio circuit incorporates a dedicated low-noise power supply.
• Neater form factor: We’ve aligned the USB connectors with the board edge, moved composite video onto the 3.5mm jack, and added four squarely-placed mounting holes.

It is said that the new Raspberry Pi Model still uses a 5V Micro-USB power supply, but is able to manage more devices thanks to the improved power management. Though the Model B+ is out and available for everyone out there, the Raspberry Pi Foundation are said to still keep the original Model B in production as long as demand still exist for it. The new version is said to be sold through the Element 14 and RS Components stores.

Thank you Arstechnica for providing us with this information
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