Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W

Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W is the latest product in Raspberry Pi’s most affordable range of single-board computers. The successor to the breakthrough Raspberry Pi Zero W, Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W is a form factor–compatible drop-in replacement for the original board.

The board incorporates a quad-core 64-bit Arm Cortex-A53 CPU, clocked at 1GHz. At its heart is a Raspberry Pi RP3A0 system-in-package (SiP), integrating a Broadcom BCM2710A1 die with 512MB of LPDDR2 SDRAM. The upgraded processor provides Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W with 40% more single-threaded performance, and five times more multi-threaded performance, than the original single-core Raspberry Pi Zero. Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W offers 2.4GHz 802.11 b/g/n wireless LAN and Bluetooth 4.2, along with support for Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and modular compliance certification.

The board has a microSD card slot, a CSI-2 camera connector, a USB On-The-Go (OTG) port, and an unpopulated footprint for a HAT-compatible 40-pin GPIO header. It is powered via a micro USB socket. Video output is via a mini HDMI port; composite video output can easily be made available via test points, if needed. Sharing the same form factor as the original Raspberry Pi Zero, Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W fits inside most existing Raspberry Pi Zero cases.

Please note – even though there’s built-in WiFi, the Pi Zero 2 W is quite minimal and requires a few accessories to turn it into a computer! At a minimum we recommend:

• A good quality 5V power supply – Either a 5V 2A with cable or combine a  5V 1A power supply and a Micro B USB cable – this will allow you to power the Zero from a wall adapter. It is not suggested to power the Zero from a computer USB port as the voltage often sags and can cause SD card corruption!
• 4GB+ SD Card with Operating System – You can grab a ready-to-go Raspbian card that has the correct firmware for the Zero here. Or you can pick up an 16G card with NOOBS 4.0. Or use a blank 4G SD card and burn in Raspbian and update the firmware. Make sure you have the latest version!
• Mini HDMI to HDMI Adapter – Will let you convert the little port on the Zero to a standard sized HDMI jack. You can get 1080P HDMI video + audio out of this little computer!
• USB OTG Cable – Lets you plug in a normal USB device such as WiFi dongle, USB hub, keyboard, mouse, etc into the Zero.
• USB Console cable – if you’re not going to stick an HDMI monitor on there, then this is essential, you connect the wires to the GPIO pins and log in over a serial console. Its the easiest & fastest way to get on your Pi
• 2×20 Male header strip – Solder this in to plug in Pi HATs, GPIO cables, etc as you would into a normal Pi. (We also have a 2×20 Female and 2×20 Female right-angle style for more exotic connecting)

To keep the price and size as small as possible, there is a spot on the Zero for a 2×20 pin header. This header is not included or soldered on. Creative individuals can easily solder in a set of 2×20 male header strip so you can plug in any sort of Pi HAT or other plug-in topper.  Or, go with a 2×20 female header and plug the Pi Zero directly into an Adafruit Cobbler or T-Cobbler.  

We also strongly recommend some other parts and pieces to make your Pi Zero computing experience easier:

• Adafruit Pi Zero Enclosure – Adafruit’s classic, sturdy plastic enclosure. Keeps your Pi Zero safe and sleek.
• Pi Zero Protector – Keep your Pi Zero safe while handling with this simple sandwich-style acrylic case.
• USB Powered Hub – So you can plug in any kind of USB devices without overloading the Zero’s power supply. (You can also, ironically, power the Zero from the hub itself by plugging in a micro USB cable into the hub)
• Mini Wireless Keyboard w/Trackpad – Requires only one USB port, which makes it a great match for the Pi Zero
• Wireless Keyboard + Mouse set – Also requires only one USB port, but for everyday use.
• Pi Cobbler or T-Cobbler – When paired with the male or female 2×20 pin header, you can use your Zero with a breadboard to connect sensors, LEDs, motors and more!
• Ethernet Hub and USB Hub w/ Micro USB OTG Connector – One can never have enough socks, or USB ports. Add some more USB and Ethernet capability to your Raspberry Pi Zero if you’re an Ethernet enthusiast!