Raspberry Pi Foundation developed one of the advanced SBC that gained attention from the users. One of the problems that came on the surface was that after a point it is hard to connect more devices or sensors with the Raspberry Pi, especially analog sensors.
SB Components analysed this issue and by their advanced research and development team, they designed BreadPi (Breadboard HAT for Raspberry Pi). BreadPi is a multipurpose HAT with 5V tolerant inputs that enhances the potential of Raspberry Pi by offering digital as well as analog Input/output functionalities along with a breadboard. It helps the users to make more efficient gadgets and devices.
Powerful structure
SB Components understood the need of the users that made them provide a powerful structure with high-quality components with sleek design to the BreadPi. One of the quality features of BreadPi is that it can be interfaced with the 3.3V devices or sensors that cover quite a big section in the prototyping segments and science experiments.
Designed for Raspberry Pi
BreadPi is dedicated to running on Raspberry Pi in which a user needs to just stack the BreadPi on the top of the Raspberry Pi GPIO header. It has onboard independently controllable LEDs that allow the user to check the GPIO status for testing purposes. If a user has the requirement to connect external components with the Raspberry Pi then SB Components provides a mini breadboard on the top of the BreadPi that would enable the user to connect multiple devices and sensors with it. It would scale up the potential of the Raspberry Pi that will make more advanced products and gadgets.
Importance of BreadPi
One of the common questions that come from the community of Raspberry Pi is about the importance of BreadPi in their life. Some people do know the specifications of the BreadPi from head to toe but due to the lack of knowledge about the BreadPi in the market, they do not purchase it. Numerous individuals, experts or beginners, have interface problems with the Raspberry Pi that becomes an obstacle for them while performing a science experiment or prototyping a product.
Specifications
- Operating Voltage – 3.3V DC
- ADC – Four-channel
- DAC – One-Channel
- Communication Interface – GPIO
- Dimensions: 65mm × 56mm (Approx.)
Features
- Four 5V I/O on four channels up to 500mA
- 3v3 goodies
- Python Library
- Compatible with all variants of Raspberry Pi
- ADC with Four analog input, 1 analog output
- Programmable Buzzer
- 5-channel Input of 2V-5V as a logic high
Performance of BreadPi
BreadPi comprises immaculate components that not only give it power but also give it stability to perform the task. A user can stack the BreadPi on the Raspberry Pi and start their work. It is advised to keep the power off while stacking the BreadPi on the Raspberry Pi for safety reasons. It consists of an 8-bit Analog Read/Write via an external ADC convertor. The best part about the BreadPi is that a user does not need to provide external power to make it run which saves the wiring in the work. Just stack the BreadPi on the top of the Raspberry Pi’s 40 Pins and use the headers pins to connect devices or sensors with the Raspberry Pi. The alignment of the BreadPi and Raspberry Pi is designed as such, by the SB Component, that the female and male headers get placed over one another perfectly.
Downloading and installation
A large section of the community of Raspberry Pi showing their interest in BreadPi or have used it already. Many people are looking for the sources for their tasks that would help to run BreadPi. All the resources related to BreadPi are available in Python 3.
A user just needs to start working by stacking BreadPi on the Raspberry Pi. One can simply use any GPIO module available for Raspberry Pi. Use pip to install BreadPi, in terminal type-
pip3 install breadpi
Or
python3 -m pip install breadpi
One can also have the option to clone the example codes to your Raspberry Pi, use the git clone command. In terminal type-
git clone https://github.com/sbcshop/BreadPi.git
When the cloning is successfully done then you can use the example codes and the library file breadpi.py
Applications
Some people are impressed by the outlook and high stability with the performance of BreadPi but they do not have ideas about its applications. SB Components took care of the development of BreadPi with the thing in the mind to make it useful for a large section of the users. There is no limit on the creativity of the people that is why the power and high stability of BreadPi fulfil the requirements of the various users. There are the following examples of applications to give you an idea about the work of BreadPi
- Electrical experiments
- Prototypes
- Mini robots
- Games
- Interaction with Raspberry Pi
- Exploration of circuits
- Analog Sensor-Based Applications