Model B Raspberry Pi tiny computer 2, which went on sale last February, costs about 32 euros; those of the first version are a bit cheaper: you can get the A + for about 20 euros. But now the foundation for educational purposes have been overcome: its latest development, dubbed Zero plate, worth just over four and a half euros (five US dollars).
Its creators announced the launch in late November and as promotion premiere, even given away with the magazine they publish because "the only thing better than a five-dollar computer is free one."
The objective of minimizing the cost is to reach a wider audience. He explains to Teknautas Eben Upton, one of the initiators of the Raspberry Foundation: "We want the price is not a barrier for young people to start in computing." They have done, no doubt, but how they have managed to remove 20 euros for the bill?
The first was to consider what were the minimum requirements for your product could be considered a "real computer". From them, they thought an initial outline of his physical appearance and began designing prototypes (two generations).
"We gave a final turn to reorganize some connectors and add an analog TV output. Then we started production, "describes Upton, computer and technical director of the communications company Broadcom.
"The biggest challenge has been getting high quality components at a reasonable cost," he continues. To apply the low cost philosophy have turned on the one hand, the economy of scale. In your opinion, it is simple: "If you buy a larger volume, you get better prices."
On the other hand, they played with design details. "We removed everything that was not essential," continues Upton. They have dispensed with some pieces related to power control via USB, analog audio output and connections for monitor and camera.
The aim was to reduce the price, even at the cost of other attributes. While Raspberry Pi 2 B has optimize performance oriented design, Zero is slower. It has the same processor (Broadcom BCM2835) and the same RAM (512 MB) than its predecessors, the Raspberry Pi 1.
Based on the technical specifications and an initial BOM, Sony has manufactured the devices in Wales (UK). The technology company has bought semiconductors, connectors, PCB or PCB (of printed circuit board) and other components from different suppliers. It has also proposed some changes accepted by the foundation provided that the alternative was justified.
Although Broadcom employee admits it's been a challenge, he says they have it easier than someone starting from scratch. "We can make cheaper devices because we have great engineers and good relations with suppliers and distributors," he says.
One of the professionals involved in the project is Mike Stimson, part of the team only since early this year. Stimson explains that took three months to go from the first production schemes. Also he worked at Broadcom, where did the BCM283x chips that carry Raspberry Pi.
"I've never participated in a design of low budget," admits Stimson. The hardest thing, in his opinion, has been to maintain the small size of the PCB despite using low cost technology, but is satisfied with the result: "Working for a charity I think is very positive and always foundation projects are a challenge, "he says.
For Upton, the real prize (while incentive) is the response of the people. "The letters we receive from parents showing how their children learn computer technology using Raspberry Pi" he confesses, "is what keeps us ahead in the worst of times".
