Raspberry Pi Model B Repair

The Raspberry Pi Model B was the first single-board computer designed by the UK-based Raspberry Pi Foundation. Released in February 2012, the Model B originally sold for $35 and was replaced by the improved Model B+ in 2014. Although it was intended for use in teaching computer science, the Raspberry Pi is also widely used by hobbyists and researchers.

The Model B has a 700 MHz ARM processor and can be powered via the built-in Micro-USB connector or the GPIO (general purpose input/output) pins. The little machine sports two USB 2.0 ports for a keyboard or mouse, HDMI and composite video outputs, and a 3.5mm headphone jack for audio output. Unlike most newer Raspberry Pi revisions, the Model B includes a full-size SD card reader (instead of microSD).

To identify this device, look at the mounting holes: the original Model B has two mounting holes, while all subsequent models have four holes near the corners. The Model B has two USB ports, whereas the Model A only has one. You can also compare your board to these simple diagrams for each revision.

Processor

• Broadcom BCM2835
• 700 MHz ARM processor
• VideoCore IV graphics at 250 MHz

Memory

• 256 MB originally
• 512 MB after October 15, 2012

Storage

• SD card slot
• Works with SDHC and SDXC cards up to 2 TB

Video

• HDMI 1.3 port
• RCA jack (for composite video)

Connectivity

• Two USB 2.0 ports
• Micro-USB port for power
• 3.5mm audio jack
• 10/100 Mbit/s ethernet
• MIPI display interface
• 26 GPIO pins

Wikipedia: Raspberry Pi

Sparkfun page (retired)

Raspberry Pi History

Frequently Asked Questions on the manufacturer’s website