Raspberry Pi GPIO extensions

Using HAT overlays. What do you actually need them for?

Each HAT overlay is a small 65mm x 56mm board with rounded corners. The overlay is attached to the casing using screws, which can be placed through special holes located on the overlay. Furthermore, it features a 40-pin GPIO connector, which is compatible with Raspberry Pi. The automatic system configuration for the GPIO connector and driver files is an important support for the layout of the outputs. How is it possible that the configuration happens automatically? This is due to the ID_SD and ID_SC outputs. Through the I2C interface they connect to a built-in EEPROM, which contains all the configuration software needed for each GPIO pin. The memory also contains a Device Tree file, which provides information about the HAT board, is its description. This allows Linux to automatically install the software.

HAT overlays available in our shop are dedicated to Raspberry Pi 4 or Raspberry Pi 3, but also to older versions. Thus you have the possibility to use them in practically every Raspberry model offered on the market. Due to HAT overlays you can design and create a complex building management system by connecting additional peripheral devices to Raspberry.

40-pin GPIO connector for receiving and transmitting signals

Raspberry stands out in many ways, which even amateur programmers cannot ignore. One such feature is the 40-pin GPIO connector. It is responsible for connecting external devices to the hardware, and thus for expanding Raspberry in order to create a system with specific capabilities and purposes. These devices eventually work with Raspberry Pi. The connector is used to transmit input signals to control external processes. Moreover, using them we receive the input signals, which allows us to issue further commands. Thanks to HAT overlays you will create, among others, a weather station, which will have sensors of wind speed, precipitation intensity and temperature. Moreover, you have a chance to design your own LED lighting controller, and so such a light source, which is currently considered to be the most energy-efficient. Advanced technology allows the system to change the colour of light and create spectacular light games. HAT overlays are also used in the automation of entrance gates and garage irrigation of green areas, both private and public. WiFi and Bluetooth are used for this purpose. In the same way you will also create a monitoring system for your house, property and car. Another application of HAT overlays is sound system for the room and the car. To create it, you need a sound card. It will give you strong and clear sound.