A good number of electronic tinkerers and hobbyists use Raspberry Pi single-board computers in their projects, and they are quite capable devices that can be used for physical computing. However, sometimes the issue isn’t that a Raspberry Pi SBC is incapable of doing the job, but instead that it offers a considerable amount of resources that might be wasted on specific applications.
Here are some reasons why you might want to use something simpler than a Raspberry Pi single-board computer for your electronics project.
1. Your Project Is Simple Enough for a Microcontroller
A Raspberry Pi single-board computer is essentially a cross between a microcontroller and a personal computer. It allows you to tinker with hardware and at the same time run an operating system and essentially function in a self-contained environment. This means you’re able to substitute a Raspberry Pi SBC with an Arduino (or Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller) in an electronics project and most times it will work the same way without any tweaks.
However, it also means that you’re not completely taking advantage of the Raspberry Pi SBC’s far greater computing resources. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but a conscious approach to optimization can encourage you to add more processes and intentional complexity to your project which can make it all much more fulfilling and rewarding in the end.
If you are curious about thedifferences between a single-board computer such as the Raspberry Pi and a microcontroller, we have a guide that explains these differences in detail.
2. Real-Time Performance Is Important
While you could install a real-time operating system on them or even run them without an operating system (i.e. bare metal) to reduce jitter and latency, Raspberry Pi boards, except for the Pico models, are generally ill-suited for real-time operation.
For tasks and projects that need to run in real-time, that is within a specified time constraint, you are much better off with a microcontroller such as the Pico or an Arduino. Microcontrollers excel in applications where timing is critical, such as robotics, home automation, health monitors, and home security.
3. You Want to Keep Power Consumption as Low as Possible
Like most ARM-based computers, Raspberry Pis are very power-efficient and will typically use less than 10W of power even under heavy load. This is often much less than a modern x86 computer uses when idle. It is possible toreduce the Raspberry Pi’s power consumptionto the bare minimum by disconnecting peripherals, disabling ports, and turning off on-board LEDs.
However, even the most energy-efficient computer, like the Raspberry Pi, will still consume more power than a conventional microcontroller because it has much more processing overhead.
If keeping power consumption as low as possible is crucial to your project, you should consider whether you really need a Raspberry Pi SBC or if a microcontroller would do the job just as well.
4. You Want to Keep Costs as Low as Possible
While Raspberry Pi boards are as dirt cheap as they come, especially now that the supply situation has improved, you may need to drive your project costs even lower especially if you are planning on selling your creations. If you are planning to go this route, be sure to check out ourlist of the best marketplaces for makers.
Thecheapest SBC you’re able to buyfrom Raspberry Pi, the Pi Zero W (with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth) costs around $10, while the more powerful Pi Zero 2 W sells for around $15. On the other hand, the lowest-priced Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller is sold for just $5. Its cost-effectiveness is one of the key advantages the Raspberry Pi Pico offers over other models.
5. Your Project Doesn’t Require a Keyboard or Mouse
A Raspberry Pi SBC could be overkill for your electronics project if it doesn’t require input via a keyboard or mouse and can function without a graphical user interface. Since these single-board computers are designed to work in a desktop setting, they come equipped with USB ports, HDMI output, and other interfaces for connecting the required peripherals.
Microcontrollers are primarily designed to interface with electronic components and so will feature one or more rows of GPIO pins to communicate with those devices, as well as a USB port to connect to a computer for programming. This makes them inapplicable for projects that require peripherals such as a camera module or a touchscreen, but makes for more portable and easier-to-set-up projects.
Since a microcontroller will suffice for many electronics projects, it is important to consider your actual project needs before choosing a Raspberry Pi SBC.
Use the Right Tool for the Right Job
There is nothing wrong with using a Raspberry Pi single-board computer for a simple, no-frills project if you already have one to hand and want to get started straight away.
However, if you have the chance to choose between an SBC and a microcontroller for a project that controls electronics and doesn’t require all that much processing power, you should always go for the most straightforward route: a microcontroller. This will teach you how to work with limited resources and will be particularly helpful if you’re pursuing a career in embedded systems development.
