Powerful processor adds more punch to Raspberry Pi

Built on a new quad-core Broadcom BCM2837 64-bit application processor running at 1.4GHz, the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ is over 15% faster than the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B, delivering increased performance for both professional and maker markets.

Further enhancements address the needs of the growing professional design market using the board as an embedded device, including:

• Dual-band wireless LAN: a new Cypress networking device, delivering 2.4GHz and 5GHz IEEE 802.11ac wireless LAN and Bluetooth 4.2 capability
• Improved thermal management
• Faster Ethernet (Gigabit Ethernet over USB 2.0, maximum throughput of 300Mbps)
• Power over Ethernet (PoE) enabled RJ45 providing PoE support via a new PoE HAT

The wireless subsystem also comes with modular compliance certification, which allows the board to be designed into end products with significantly reduced requirements for wireless compliance testing, improving both cost and time to market.

“As the leading manufacturer and distributor of the Raspberry Pi, we are delighted to be able to offer our customers an even faster and more powerful board at the same competitive price point as the previous model” says Peter Wenzel, Global Director of Raspberry Pi, Single Board Computers, and Software at Premier Farnell. “The Raspberry Pi family, coupled with our wide range of popular and exclusive accessories, provides hobbyists, makers, engineers and business of all sizes with a solution for every stage of the development process.”

Eben Upton, CEO of Raspberry Pi Trading said: “When we launched the Raspberry Pi 3 two years ago, we expected to see an increase in its use as an embedded product, especially in IoT related projects. We have been delighted by the take-up of the board by professional design engineers. Today’s launch of the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ is our response to that success, aimed at perfecting the board for a wide range of applications. The new board has faster processing, faster wired networking and improved wireless connectivity; and with modular compliance certification and the same extraordinary support provided through communities and forums, users can learn, create and bring products to market faster than ever before. We hope you like it as much as we do.”

Power over Ethernet will be provided via a new official PoE add-on board for the Raspberry Pi available to buy from Premier Farnell from summer 2018.

The Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ is available to buy as a standalone board and as an exclusive element14 starter pack including official Raspberry Pi SD Card, official Raspberry Pi Power Supply, and Raspberry Pi Case.