ARM + Broadcom + Linux = Raspberry Pi

Broadcom has designed an impressive SOC named the BCM2835 with the following integrated features:

• ARM CPU at 700MHz
• GPU – VideoCore IV
• RAM – 256 MB

The British chaps at Raspberry Pi have created a $35.00 Linux-based computer based on the Broadcom BCM2835 chip that is tiny in size but big in utility:

• Two USB 2.0 ports
• Composite RCA output
• HDMI output for both PAL and NTSC
• Audio jack output
• SD for storage
• 10/100 Ethernet

Demand for this $35.00 computer is so great that the two distributors have a waiting list:

• Element 14
• RS

An entire eco-system of hobbyists and entrepreneurs has sprouted up creating everything from computer bundles, to cases, to my personal favorite – a DSLR camera with WiFi shooting:

I got so excited about the potential for this computer that I placed my order for one this week and plan to give the DSLR with WiFi shooting a try, especially since Canon wants to charge over $700 for the same product although in a nicer package.

Perhaps we are at the start of a movement where hobbyists and the next generation of children interested in programming will be using the Raspberry Pi as their preferred learning platform. Python is the supported language, although you could install any language supported for ARMv6. I recall that Ciranova (now Synopsys) is one EDA company with a Python-based product line.

I’ll blog an update when I finally receive my Raspberry Pi, add Linux on SD, and start adding WiFi shooting to my DSLR. All of this made possible by the power of EDA tools in the hands of Broadcom designers using IP from ARM, integrated by Raspberry Pi and running Linux.