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How to Use Raspberry Pi 4: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

Image of Raspberry Pi 4
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Introduction

The Raspberry Pi 4 (Manufacturer Part ID: RPI4-MODBP-4GB) is a compact, affordable single-board computer developed by Raspberry Pi. It features a powerful quad-core processor, multiple USB ports, dual micro-HDMI outputs, and GPIO pins for interfacing with a wide range of electronic components. This versatile device is widely used in programming, robotics, IoT, and multimedia applications.

Explore Projects Built with Raspberry Pi 4

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!
Raspberry Pi 4B-Controlled Relay System with Environmental Sensing and Power Monitoring
Image of smart_power_meter: A project utilizing Raspberry Pi 4 in a practical application
This circuit is designed to interface a Raspberry Pi 4B with various sensors and output devices. It includes a 4-channel relay for controlling external loads, an ADS1115 for analog-to-digital conversion of signals from a current sensor and a ZMPT101B voltage sensor, a DHT11 for temperature and humidity readings, and a 0.96" OLED display for data output. The Raspberry Pi 4B serves as the central controller, managing data acquisition from the sensors, processing the information, and driving the relay and display based on the sensor inputs and programmed logic.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Raspberry Pi 4B-Based Smart Surveillance System with GPS and Ultrasonic Sensing
Image of VisionTool: A project utilizing Raspberry Pi 4 in a practical application
This circuit features a Raspberry Pi 4B as the central processing unit, interfacing with an Arducam camera module, an HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor, a GPS NEO 6M module, and a speaker. The Raspberry Pi manages image capture, distance measurement, GPS data reception, and audio output. Power is supplied to the components from a 2000mAh battery, and the Raspberry Pi facilitates communication and control over the I2C, GPIO, and serial interfaces.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Raspberry Pi 4B-Based Smart Surveillance System with Audio Capture and Ultrasonic Sensing
Image of pranav: A project utilizing Raspberry Pi 4 in a practical application
This circuit features a Raspberry Pi 4B as the central controller, interfacing with a variety of peripherals. It includes a PAM8406 digital audio amplifier connected to a speaker for audio output, an Adafruit MAX9814 microphone amplifier for audio input, and a TTL Serial JPEG Camera for image capture. Additionally, an HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor is connected for distance measurement. The Raspberry Pi manages these components and likely processes audio, image, and distance data for applications such as a smart assistant or security system.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Raspberry Pi 4B Powered Projector System with HDMI to VGA Conversion
Image of raspberry to projector: A project utilizing Raspberry Pi 4 in a practical application
This circuit connects a Raspberry Pi 4B to a projector via an HDMI to VGA converter, allowing the Raspberry Pi to output video and audio to the projector. The Raspberry Pi is powered by a 5V power adapter, which is connected to an AC wall plug point.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer

Explore Projects Built with Raspberry Pi 4

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!
Image of smart_power_meter: A project utilizing Raspberry Pi 4 in a practical application
Raspberry Pi 4B-Controlled Relay System with Environmental Sensing and Power Monitoring
This circuit is designed to interface a Raspberry Pi 4B with various sensors and output devices. It includes a 4-channel relay for controlling external loads, an ADS1115 for analog-to-digital conversion of signals from a current sensor and a ZMPT101B voltage sensor, a DHT11 for temperature and humidity readings, and a 0.96" OLED display for data output. The Raspberry Pi 4B serves as the central controller, managing data acquisition from the sensors, processing the information, and driving the relay and display based on the sensor inputs and programmed logic.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of VisionTool: A project utilizing Raspberry Pi 4 in a practical application
Raspberry Pi 4B-Based Smart Surveillance System with GPS and Ultrasonic Sensing
This circuit features a Raspberry Pi 4B as the central processing unit, interfacing with an Arducam camera module, an HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor, a GPS NEO 6M module, and a speaker. The Raspberry Pi manages image capture, distance measurement, GPS data reception, and audio output. Power is supplied to the components from a 2000mAh battery, and the Raspberry Pi facilitates communication and control over the I2C, GPIO, and serial interfaces.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of pranav: A project utilizing Raspberry Pi 4 in a practical application
Raspberry Pi 4B-Based Smart Surveillance System with Audio Capture and Ultrasonic Sensing
This circuit features a Raspberry Pi 4B as the central controller, interfacing with a variety of peripherals. It includes a PAM8406 digital audio amplifier connected to a speaker for audio output, an Adafruit MAX9814 microphone amplifier for audio input, and a TTL Serial JPEG Camera for image capture. Additionally, an HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor is connected for distance measurement. The Raspberry Pi manages these components and likely processes audio, image, and distance data for applications such as a smart assistant or security system.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of raspberry to projector: A project utilizing Raspberry Pi 4 in a practical application
Raspberry Pi 4B Powered Projector System with HDMI to VGA Conversion
This circuit connects a Raspberry Pi 4B to a projector via an HDMI to VGA converter, allowing the Raspberry Pi to output video and audio to the projector. The Raspberry Pi is powered by a 5V power adapter, which is connected to an AC wall plug point.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer

Common Applications and Use Cases

  • Programming and Education: Ideal for learning programming languages like Python, C++, and Java.
  • IoT Projects: Acts as a hub for smart devices and sensors in Internet of Things applications.
  • Robotics: Controls motors, sensors, and other components in robotics projects.
  • Media Center: Streams high-definition video and audio using software like Kodi.
  • Home Automation: Powers smart home systems and automation projects.
  • Prototyping: Serves as a platform for testing and developing electronic circuits.

Technical Specifications

The Raspberry Pi 4 is packed with features that make it a powerful and flexible tool for a variety of projects.

Key Technical Details

Specification Details
Processor Quad-core Cortex-A72 (ARM v8) 64-bit SoC @ 1.5GHz
RAM 4GB LPDDR4
USB Ports 2 × USB 3.0, 2 × USB 2.0
Video Output 2 × micro-HDMI ports (up to 4K resolution at 60fps)
Networking Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0
GPIO Pins 40-pin header (3.3V logic, compatible with HATs and add-ons)
Storage MicroSD card slot (supports booting and storage)
Power Supply 5V/3A via USB-C port
Dimensions 85.6mm × 56.5mm × 17mm
Operating System Raspberry Pi OS (Linux-based), supports other OS like Ubuntu and Windows IoT

Pin Configuration and Descriptions

The Raspberry Pi 4 features a 40-pin GPIO header for interfacing with external components. Below is a summary of the pin configuration:

Pin Number Pin Name Description
1 3.3V Power 3.3V power supply
2 5V Power 5V power supply
3 GPIO2 (SDA1) I2C Data
4 5V Power 5V power supply
5 GPIO3 (SCL1) I2C Clock
6 Ground Ground
7 GPIO4 General-purpose I/O
8 GPIO14 (TXD0) UART Transmit
9 Ground Ground
10 GPIO15 (RXD0) UART Receive
... ... ...
39 Ground Ground
40 GPIO21 General-purpose I/O

For a complete GPIO pinout, refer to the official Raspberry Pi documentation.

Usage Instructions

How to Use the Raspberry Pi 4 in a Circuit

  1. Powering the Raspberry Pi: Use a 5V/3A USB-C power supply to power the board.
  2. Connecting Peripherals: Attach a monitor via the micro-HDMI port, a keyboard and mouse via USB ports, and a microSD card with the operating system installed.
  3. Using GPIO Pins: Connect external components like LEDs, sensors, or motors to the GPIO pins. Use a breadboard and jumper wires for prototyping.
  4. Networking: Connect to the internet via Ethernet or Wi-Fi for remote access and software updates.

Important Considerations and Best Practices

  • Power Supply: Always use a reliable 5V/3A power supply to avoid under-voltage issues.
  • Static Protection: Handle the board with care to prevent damage from static electricity.
  • GPIO Voltage Levels: The GPIO pins operate at 3.3V logic. Avoid connecting 5V signals directly to the GPIO pins.
  • Cooling: Use a heatsink or fan for cooling during intensive tasks to prevent thermal throttling.
  • Software Updates: Regularly update the operating system and software packages for optimal performance and security.

Example: Blinking an LED with GPIO and Python

Below is an example of how to blink an LED connected to GPIO pin 17 using Python:


Import the necessary library for GPIO control

import RPi.GPIO as GPIO import time

Set up GPIO mode and pin

GPIO.setmode(GPIO.BCM) # Use Broadcom pin numbering GPIO.setup(17, GPIO.OUT) # Set GPIO pin 17 as an output

try: while True: GPIO.output(17, GPIO.HIGH) # Turn the LED on time.sleep(1) # Wait for 1 second GPIO.output(17, GPIO.LOW) # Turn the LED off time.sleep(1) # Wait for 1 second except KeyboardInterrupt: # Clean up GPIO settings on exit GPIO.cleanup()


**Note**: Connect the LED's anode (long leg) to GPIO pin 17 and the cathode (short leg) to a resistor (e.g., 330Ω), then to ground.

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Common Issues and Solutions

  1. The Raspberry Pi does not boot:

    • Ensure the microSD card is properly inserted and contains a valid operating system image.
    • Check the power supply for sufficient voltage and current.
  2. No display on the monitor:

    • Verify the micro-HDMI cable is securely connected.
    • Ensure the monitor is set to the correct input source.
  3. GPIO pins not working:

    • Double-check the pin connections and ensure the correct pin numbering is used in the code.
    • Verify that the GPIO pins are not damaged or shorted.
  4. Overheating:

    • Use a heatsink or fan to improve cooling.
    • Avoid running intensive tasks for extended periods without proper cooling.

FAQs

  • Can I use a 5V signal on the GPIO pins? No, the GPIO pins operate at 3.3V logic. Use a level shifter if interfacing with 5V components.

  • What operating systems are supported? The Raspberry Pi 4 supports Raspberry Pi OS, Ubuntu, and other Linux-based distributions. Windows IoT Core is also supported.

  • How do I reset the Raspberry Pi? Disconnect and reconnect the power supply to perform a hard reset.

For additional support, refer to the official Raspberry Pi documentation or community forums.