Cirkit Designer
Your all-in-one circuit design IDE
Home /
Component Documentation
How to Use Adafruit Perma Proto for Pi Full Size: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs
Design with Adafruit Perma Proto for Pi Full Size in Cirkit DesignerIntroduction
The Adafruit Perma Proto for Pi Full Size is a versatile and durable prototyping board designed for use with the Raspberry Pi 3 and Raspberry Pi 4. This board allows hobbyists, educators, and professionals to create custom circuits and projects that can be easily integrated with the Raspberry Pi platform. Its layout is similar to a standard breadboard, with interconnected holes that make it simple to add components and create complex electronic systems.
Explore Projects Built with Adafruit Perma Proto for Pi Full Size
Raspberry Pi 4B-Based Multi-Sensor Interface Hub with GPS and GSM
This circuit features a Raspberry Pi 4B interfaced with an IMX296 color global shutter camera, a Neo 6M GPS module, an Adafruit BMP388 barometric pressure sensor, an MPU-6050 accelerometer/gyroscope, and a Sim800l GSM module for cellular connectivity. Power management is handled by an MT3608 boost converter, which steps up the voltage from a Lipo battery, with a resettable fuse PTC and a 1N4007 diode for protection. The Adafruit Perma-Proto HAT is used for organizing connections and interfacing the sensors and modules with the Raspberry Pi via I2C and GPIO pins.
Open Project in Cirkit DesignerRaspberry Pi-Controlled Dual Servo Driver with PCA9685 Interface
This circuit controls two servomotors (MG996R and MG995) using a Raspberry Pi 5 and an Adafruit PCA9685 PWM Servo Breakout board. The Raspberry Pi communicates with the PCA9685 via I2C (using GPIO 2 and GPIO 3 for SDA and SCL, respectively) to send PWM signals to the servos. Power distribution is managed through an Adafruit Perma Proto Small Mint board, which connects the 5V and GND from the Raspberry Pi to the PCA9685 and the servos.
Open Project in Cirkit DesignerBattery-Powered Raspberry Pi Zero with OLED Display and EmStat Pico for Portable Data Acquisition
This circuit is a portable system powered by a 3.7V LiPo battery, which is boosted to 5V using an Adafruit PowerBoost 1000C to power a Raspberry Pi Zero and an EmStat Pico. The Raspberry Pi Zero interfaces with an OLED display via I2C and a tactile switch for user input, while the EmStat Pico communicates with the Raspberry Pi over UART for data acquisition or control purposes.
Open Project in Cirkit DesignerRaspberry Pi 5 Smart Weather Station with GPS and AI Integration
This circuit integrates a Raspberry Pi 5 with various peripherals including an 8MP 3D stereo camera, an AI Hat, a BMP388 sensor, a 16x2 I2C LCD, and an Adafruit Ultimate GPS module. The Raspberry Pi serves as the central processing unit, interfacing with the camera for image capture, the AI Hat for AI processing, the BMP388 for environmental sensing, the LCD for display, and the GPS module for location tracking, with a USB Serial TTL for serial communication.
Open Project in Cirkit DesignerExplore Projects Built with Adafruit Perma Proto for Pi Full Size
Raspberry Pi 4B-Based Multi-Sensor Interface Hub with GPS and GSM
This circuit features a Raspberry Pi 4B interfaced with an IMX296 color global shutter camera, a Neo 6M GPS module, an Adafruit BMP388 barometric pressure sensor, an MPU-6050 accelerometer/gyroscope, and a Sim800l GSM module for cellular connectivity. Power management is handled by an MT3608 boost converter, which steps up the voltage from a Lipo battery, with a resettable fuse PTC and a 1N4007 diode for protection. The Adafruit Perma-Proto HAT is used for organizing connections and interfacing the sensors and modules with the Raspberry Pi via I2C and GPIO pins.
Open Project in Cirkit DesignerRaspberry Pi-Controlled Dual Servo Driver with PCA9685 Interface
This circuit controls two servomotors (MG996R and MG995) using a Raspberry Pi 5 and an Adafruit PCA9685 PWM Servo Breakout board. The Raspberry Pi communicates with the PCA9685 via I2C (using GPIO 2 and GPIO 3 for SDA and SCL, respectively) to send PWM signals to the servos. Power distribution is managed through an Adafruit Perma Proto Small Mint board, which connects the 5V and GND from the Raspberry Pi to the PCA9685 and the servos.
Open Project in Cirkit DesignerBattery-Powered Raspberry Pi Zero with OLED Display and EmStat Pico for Portable Data Acquisition
This circuit is a portable system powered by a 3.7V LiPo battery, which is boosted to 5V using an Adafruit PowerBoost 1000C to power a Raspberry Pi Zero and an EmStat Pico. The Raspberry Pi Zero interfaces with an OLED display via I2C and a tactile switch for user input, while the EmStat Pico communicates with the Raspberry Pi over UART for data acquisition or control purposes.
Open Project in Cirkit DesignerRaspberry Pi 5 Smart Weather Station with GPS and AI Integration
This circuit integrates a Raspberry Pi 5 with various peripherals including an 8MP 3D stereo camera, an AI Hat, a BMP388 sensor, a 16x2 I2C LCD, and an Adafruit Ultimate GPS module. The Raspberry Pi serves as the central processing unit, interfacing with the camera for image capture, the AI Hat for AI processing, the BMP388 for environmental sensing, the LCD for display, and the GPS module for location tracking, with a USB Serial TTL for serial communication.
Open Project in Cirkit DesignerCommon Applications and Use Cases
- Prototyping Raspberry Pi-based projects
- Educational tools for teaching electronics
- Permanent circuit creation for embedded systems
- DIY home automation systems
- Robotics and custom sensor interfaces
Technical Specifications
Key Technical Details
- Compatibility: Raspberry Pi 3, Raspberry Pi 4
- Dimensions: 114mm x 79mm x 2mm
- Weight: 30g
- Material: High-quality FR4
- Hole Pitch: Standard 0.1" (2.54mm)
- Hole Diameter: 1mm (fits up to 20 AWG wire)
- Power Rails: 4 power rails with positive/negative markings
Pin Configuration and Descriptions
| Pin Number | Description | Connection Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1-40 | Corresponds to Raspberry Pi GPIO | Directly mapped to Pi GPIO pins |
| A-J | Prototyping Columns | Standard breadboard column layout |
| 1-30 | Prototyping Rows | Standard breadboard row layout |
| + | Positive Power Rail | For power distribution |
| - | Negative Power Rail | For ground distribution |
Usage Instructions
How to Use the Component in a Circuit
Planning Your Circuit:
- Begin by designing your circuit on paper or using electronic design software.
- Identify the components you will need and their connections to the Raspberry Pi GPIO pins.
Setting Up the Perma Proto Board:
- Place the Perma Proto board next to your Raspberry Pi.
- Use jumper wires to connect the GPIO pins from the Raspberry Pi to the corresponding pins on the Perma Proto board.
Adding Components:
- Insert your electronic components into the prototyping area of the Perma Proto board.
- Use soldering iron and solder to make permanent connections between components and the board.
Powering the Circuit:
- Connect the power and ground rails to the Raspberry Pi's 5V and GND pins, respectively.
- Ensure that all power connections are secure and that there is no risk of short circuits.
Important Considerations and Best Practices
- Soldering: Make sure to solder in a well-ventilated area and use proper safety equipment.
- Component Placement: Plan the layout of your components to minimize crossing wires and to ensure a clean, organized circuit.
- Testing: Before applying power, double-check all connections with a multimeter to prevent damage to the Raspberry Pi or components.
- Documentation: Keep a record of your circuit design and changes for future reference and troubleshooting.
Troubleshooting and FAQs
Common Issues Users Might Face
- Loose Connections: Ensure all components and wires are soldered properly.
- Short Circuits: Check for accidental connections that could cause shorts.
- Incorrect Wiring: Verify that all connections match your circuit design.
Solutions and Tips for Troubleshooting
- Multimeter Testing: Use a multimeter to check for continuity and correct voltages across your circuit.
- Visual Inspection: Look for any solder bridges or components that are not properly seated.
- Incremental Building: Build your circuit in stages, testing each part before adding the next component.
FAQs
Q: Can I reuse the Perma Proto board? A: The Perma Proto board is designed for permanent projects. Once components are soldered, they are not meant to be removed.
Q: Is the Perma Proto board compatible with other Raspberry Pi models? A: The board is designed for the Raspberry Pi 3 and 4, but it may be used with other models if the GPIO pinout is compatible.
Q: How do I connect components that require a different voltage than the Raspberry Pi provides? A: You will need to supply an external power source for components requiring different voltages. Make sure to connect the ground of that power source to the Raspberry Pi's ground.
For further assistance or questions, please refer to the Adafruit support forums or contact Adafruit customer service.