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
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...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,...ProtoPi Plus Side - extension GPIO Raspberry Pi 4/3/2/B for breadboard + tape
The module allows you to connect the GPIO leads of the Raspberry Pi 4, 3, 2 and B plus minicomputer to popular 830-hole contact boards using the included 40-wire tape. The...MAX98357A decoder stereo DAC I2S - SparkFun DEV-14809
The stereo decoder's module DAC to communicate through the I2S interface. Built-in class D amplifier can provide up to 3.2 W of power to the speakers or headphones with...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...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...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....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...Breakout Pi Zero - prototype board for Raspberry Pi Zero
The board allows you to create your own electronic circuits . It is connected directly to GPIO pins of Raspberry Pi minicomputer. It has separate pins, in groups, as well...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...Logic level converter 3,3V / 5V - I2C UART SPI
The module allows to exchange data between systems that use two popular voltages: 3.3 V and 5 V. It provides connection of interfaces: UART, SPI and I2C.Raspberry Pi DAC Pro - sound card for Raspberry Pi 4B/3B+/3B
Raspberry Pi DAC Pro is based on a Burr Brown PCM5242 32-bit / 384 kHz converter , allowing for Full HD 24-bit / 192 kHz audio playback. The module is equipped with two...MCP4725 DAC I2C converter - SparkFun BOB-12918
Digital-to-analog converter with I2C interface. The module allows you to receive signal in the form of analog voltage from any microcontroller that has I2C. It is powered with...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...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...MCP23017 Expansion Board - 16 I/O - for Arduino and Raspberry Pi - Waveshare 15391
Expander of pins on the basis of the MCP23017 system, it extends the capabilities of the Arduino or Raspberry Pi with additional 16 pins of I/O. It communicates via I2C...MCP23018-E/SP - 16-Bit I/O Expander with Open-Drain Outputs
The system allows to increase the number of pins (up to 16) of the microcontroller (including minicomputer Raspberry Pi). It communicates with the central unit via the I2C bus...Argon Fan HAT v1.5 - module with fan for Raspberry Pi
Overlay with 40 x 40 mm fan for Raspberry Pi 4B / 3B+ / 3B. After downloading the script from the manufacturer's website, you can adjust the fan speed . There is a power /...Breakout Pi Plus - prototype board for Raspberry Pi
Board allows for self-creation of electronic circuits. It is connected directly to the GPIO pins of the Raspberry Pi minicomputer. It has led-out pins - separately in groups,...ADC ADS1263 converter 32-bit - 10-channel - overlay for Raspberry Pi - Waveshare 18983
High precision ADC in form of Raspberry Pi minicomputer frontend, also compatible with Nvidia's Jetson Nano platform. A powerful ADS1263 chip is responsible for the operation...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.1 Wire Pi Plus DS2482 - 1-Wire module for Raspberry Pi
Shield for Raspberry based on DS2482-100 system which allows you to use the 1-Wire protocol. The module provides a conversion of the I2C interface. It has built-in a RJ12...HiFiBerry DAC+ RTC - sound card for Raspberry Pi 4B/3B+/3/2/B+/A+/Zero
Shield, type Hat for Raspberry, version 4B, 3B+, 3B, 2B, A+, B, Zero with RCA connectors. It is used in the device of high-quality, DAC Burr-Brown chip has a resolution of 24...LTE GPS HAT - NB-IoT / LTE / GPRS / GPS SIM7000E - for Raspberry Pi 3B+/3B/2B/Zero - Waveshare 14865
Shield for Raspberry Pi that allows you to send text messages in the GSM network. It also has a GPS and LTE module. It communicates via serial interface UART (RX, TX) using the...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!