Raspberry Pi can be both a programming learning device and an element of electrical installation or building automation. External devices allow us to modify the purpose and capabilities of the minicomputer freely. All of this is due to GPIO connectors, which we use to connect compatible external accessories to Raspberry. As a result, advanced controllers with an interface that is complemented by buttons and LCD display are created. This versatility of the Raspberry Pi is one of the reasons why the computer enjoys unflagging popularity and interest since its first appearance on the market. This event took place in 2012. Since then, the manufacturer has developed several Raspberry Pi models, which differ in terms of parameters, application and additional elements, so they have more or less extensive features. Below we present the offer of HAT overlays and GPIO connectors. Discover what benefits you can gain from them and how your Raspberry Pi will change when you use them.
RPi Zero GPIO extensions and HAT
RTC module DS3231 I2C - real time clock
Module with real time clock, allows you to read the time in hours, minutes, and seconds, and to read the date: month, day, year. The device was based on the DS3231 system,...Raspberry Pi PoE+ HAT - Power over Ethernet for Raspberry Pi 4B/3B+ - SC0468
Cap designed for Raspberry Pi 3B+ and 4B versions which are equipped with 4-pin PoE connector. It allows simultaneous communication with LAN and powering the minicomputer...Raspberry PI 4/3/B+/2 GPIO Expansion Board E1 - blue
The board provides the connection of the three modules to each of the GPIO pins of the Raspberry Pi. It has 3 rows of goldpin connectors, 40 pieces in each.Logic level bi-directional converter, 4-channel - SparkFun BOB-12009
The module allows to exchange data between systems that use the most popular voltages levels: 5 V and 3.3 V and 1.8 V and 2.8 V. Works in both directions simultaneously. It has...MCP23017 - I2C 16-channel output expander
The system allows to increase the number of pins (up to 16 ) of the microcontroller (including minicomputer of Raspberry Pi). It communicates with the central unit via the I2C...Logic level bi-directional converter, 4-channel - Pololu 2595
Miniature (13 x 10 mm). the module allows to exchange data between systems that use the most popular voltage levels ranging from 1.5 V to 18 V and Vice versa. Four channels to...IQaudIO DAC+ - sound card for Raspberry Pi 4B/3B+/3B
The sound card designed for the Raspberry Pi minicomputer provides high quality Full HD 24-bit/192 kHz audio with built-in hardware volume control via the Linux built-in...TV HAT tuner DVB-T - module with decoder for Raspberry Pi 4B/3B+/3B/Zero
Shield for Raspberry Pi which consists to the tuner of the terrestrial television. It enables the reception of all available, uncoded channels of digital terrestrial...4-channel logic level converter
The module allows to exchange data between systems that use the most popular levels of voltage: 5 V <-> 3.3 V and 3.3 V <-> 1,8 V. It works in both directions simulatneously....RS485 CAN HAT - overlay for Raspberry Pi - Waveshare 14882
Shield for Raspberry Pi, version 4B / 3B+ / 3B / 2B / Zero / Zero W with system SN65HVD230 which allows communication between CAN and SPI and the SP3485 system that...Extension GPIO Raspberry 4B/3B+/3B/2B/B+ to the contact plate + tape + breadboard
This module allows to connect GPIO pins of Raspberry Pi 4B, 3B+, 3B, 2B and B+ versions to the PCB using 40 wires tape. The kit includes GPIO extension module, contact board...Ethernet / USB (B) HUB - 3xUSB 1xRJ45 Ethernet - frontend Overlay for Raspberry Pi - Waveshare 20416
Overlay for Raspberry Pi, adding three USB ports and one RJ45 Ethernet port. It has an embedded Ethernet RTL8152B chip. The pogo pin layout allows the overlay to connect...MSX RTC DS1307 I2C - real time clock
Module with real time clock and backup battery (battery included). It allows you to read the time in hours, minutes, and seconds, date: month, day, year. The communication...Raspberry Pi DAC Pro - sound card for Raspberry Pi 4B/3B+/3B
The Raspberry Pi DAC Pro is based on the Burr Brown PCM5242 32-bit / 384 kHz converter, allows for Full HD 24-bit / 192 kHz audio playback. The module is equipped with two...GPIO pin header expander for Raspberry Pi 3/2 / B + with quick couplers - cascade
An expansion board that allows you to easily connect the modules to the GPIO pins on a Raspberry Pi. Board is combined with minicomputer via 40-strip ribbon . It has goldpin...Extension GPIO Raspberry Pi 3/2/B+ to the contact plate + tape
The module allows connection of the GPIO leads of the minicomputer Raspberry Pi 3, 2 and B + to popular breadboards with 830 and 400 holes, using an attached to the set,...PCF8591 - A/D and D/A converter, 8-bit I2C v2
Module with A/D converter - 4 channels and D/A - 1 output. It works with voltage from 2.5 V to 6.0 V, and communicates over I2C. The board also contains: potentiometer,...MCP3424 - ADC 18-bit 4-channel I2C converter
Module with analog-digital converter, delta-sigma type with 18-bit precision. It is equipped with four channels with differential inputs. It works at speed of up to 240 samples...OnOff SHIM - on / off switch - overlay for Raspberry Pi
OnOff SHIM is a shield for the Raspberry Pi, mounted on the GPIO connectors. After disconnecting the power supply to the micro USB port on the shield, you can turn on and off...E-paper of 2.13" 250x122px display (no module) for overlays for the Raspberry Pi - Waveshare 12672
The display of type of e-paper with a diagonal of 2.13 " and a resolution of 250 x 122 px. It is designed to use with shield for Raspberry Pi. It communicates via the SPI...Proto Board for Raspberry Pi Zero
Board allows independent creation of electronic circuits. Connected directly to the GPIO pins of the Raspberry Pi minicomputer in a version Zero.L76X Multi-GNSS HAT - GPS/BDS/QZSS for Raspberry Pi 4B/3B+/3B/2B/Zero - Waveshare 16193
The GNSS overlay for Raspberry Pi and Jetson Nano minicomputers supports Multi-GNSS systems: GPS, BDS and QZSS. The main advantages of the module are fast positioning, high...- Reduced price
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HiFiBerry Amp2 amplifier of class D 60 W for Raspberry Pi 4B/3B+/3B/2/B+/A+
Cap type Hat for Raspberry version 4B, 3B+, 3B, 2B, A+, B with a built-in class D amplifier with power of 60 W. The device supports speakers with an impedance of 4 Ω to 8 Ω,...See also
What are HAT overlays, and what is their purpose?
HAT overlays are rectangular boards with dimensions of 65mm x 56mm. They are distinguished by rounded corners, as well as holes for fixing them to the case. In addition, the HAT overlay has a 40-pin GPIO connector that is compatible with Raspberry Pi. Automatic system configuration is possible with ID_SD and ID_SC pins. They connect via the I2C interface to the EEPROM memory, which contains configuration software on all GPIO pins, but also Device Tree files. These files are necessary for automatic software installation via Linux because they contain a description of a HAT board.
Our shop offers HAT overlays in different variants, which allows us to match them to a specific version of Raspberry Pi, both the latest and older ones, which are still used by many users. This way, you can be sure that the overlay is compatible with the device, and thus the whole thing will work smoothly and safely.
What should you know about the GPIO extension?
GPIO, which is actually General Purpose Input Output, is the basic parameter of Raspberry Pi. Digital GPO pins have two statuses, i.e. ON and OFF, sometimes also have a receiving direction. If we know and use the appropriate programming language, such as JavaScript or Python, we can control their direction and status. GPIOs are designed to operate at a voltage of 3.3 V, and the maximum current load is 16 mA. So we can power up to two LEDs from a single pin. However, we will need external components in this case, which already uses more power.
GPIO connects Raspberry Pi with Hat overlays. The 40-pin connector allows you to connect external devices, with it you can transmit the output signals needed to control external processes. It is also needed to receive input signals. GPIO extensions, which take the form of HAT overlays, allow you to use Raspberry Pi in many areas of your life. They give you the opportunity to create a LED lighting controller, which is today considered not only the most energy-efficient light source but also the smartest, of course, if we connect it with the controllers. HAT overlays also support the creation of meteorological stations with sensors of temperature, precipitation, wind speed and other weather parameters. We will also use GPIO extensions in designing, among others, drivers for electric gate motor. GPIO extension has also found its application in monitoring and irrigation systems. This means that Raspberry Pi is perfectly suited for modern smart construction. All this thanks to HAT overlays and GPIO extensions.
Create a sound system in your car, a home monitoring system, a weather station or simply improve your everyday comfort with smart lighting. Check our offer of HAT overlays!