Raspberry Pi Zero W – 1GHz BCM2835, 512MB RAM, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth
The Raspberry Pi Zero W is a compact and cost-effective single-board computer that combines the small form factor of the original Raspberry Pi Zero with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
Powered by the Broadcom BCM2835 processor with a 1GHz ARM11 single-core CPU and 512MB LPDDR2 SDRAM, the Zero W is ideal for lightweight embedded computing, IoT, automation, robotics, education, and compact Linux-based projects.
Despite its small size, it provides HDMI video output, USB OTG, a CSI camera connector, microSD storage, and the familiar Raspberry Pi 40-pin GPIO footprint.
Key Features
- Broadcom BCM2835 processor
- 1GHz ARM11 single-core CPU
- 512MB LPDDR2 SDRAM
- VideoCore IV GPU
- Built-in 2.4GHz Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth 4.1
- Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
- Onboard wireless antenna
- Mini-HDMI video output
- Micro-USB OTG interface
- Dedicated Micro-USB power input
- CSI camera connector
- microSD card slot
- Raspberry Pi 40-pin GPIO footprint
- Composite video output pads
- Compact Raspberry Pi Zero form factor
- 5V power input
Broadcom BCM2835 Processor
The Raspberry Pi Zero W is powered by the Broadcom BCM2835, featuring a 1GHz ARM11 processor.
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Processor: Broadcom BCM2835
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CPU: ARM11 Single-Core
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Clock Speed: 1GHz
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RAM: 512MB LPDDR2 SDRAM
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GPU: VideoCore IV
This provides sufficient performance for lightweight Linux applications, embedded systems, network-connected devices, automation, and educational projects.
Built-In Wi-Fi
Unlike the original Raspberry Pi Zero, the Zero W includes built-in 2.4GHz wireless networking.
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Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
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Frequency: 2.4GHz
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Antenna: Onboard
This allows the Zero W to connect directly to wireless networks without requiring an external USB Wi-Fi adapter.
Bluetooth Connectivity
Built-in Bluetooth connectivity provides additional options for communicating with compatible wireless devices.
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Bluetooth: 4.1
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Bluetooth Low Energy: BLE
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Antenna: Onboard
This can be useful for wireless sensors, peripherals, beacons, automation systems, and other short-range wireless applications.
Video Output
The Raspberry Pi Zero W includes a Mini-HDMI output for connecting compatible monitors and displays.
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Video Connector: Mini-HDMI
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GPU: VideoCore IV
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OpenGL ES: 1.1 / 2.0
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Composite Video: Available through onboard pads
A suitable Mini-HDMI adapter or cable may be required depending on the connected display.
Camera Interface
A CSI camera connector is provided for connecting compatible Raspberry Pi camera modules.
This makes the Zero W suitable for applications such as:
- Compact cameras
- Time-lapse systems
- Remote monitoring
- Computer vision experiments
- Security projects
- IoT imaging devices
A compatible Raspberry Pi Zero camera cable may be required depending on the camera being used.
USB OTG
The Raspberry Pi Zero W provides a Micro-USB On-The-Go (OTG) interface.
This can be used with compatible USB peripherals and, with an appropriate OTG adapter or hub, can support devices such as:
- Keyboards
- Mice
- USB storage
- USB serial adapters
- Network adapters
- Other compatible USB devices
GPIO Expansion
The board provides the standard Raspberry Pi 40-pin GPIO footprint, giving access to GPIO and common communication interfaces used for electronics development.
This allows connection to compatible:
- Sensors
- LEDs
- Relays
- Motor drivers
- Displays
- I2C devices
- SPI devices
- UART devices
- HATs and expansion boards
Zero W vs. Zero WH
The Raspberry Pi Zero W normally provides the 40-pin GPIO connection as an unpopulated footprint, allowing the user to solder the required header.
The Raspberry Pi Zero WH provides essentially the same core functionality but comes with a 40-pin GPIO header pre-soldered from the factory.
If you need GPIO connections without soldering a header yourself, the Zero WH version is more convenient.
Technical Specifications
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Model: Raspberry Pi Zero W
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Processor: Broadcom BCM2835
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CPU: 1GHz ARM11 Single-Core
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Memory: 512MB LPDDR2 SDRAM
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GPU: VideoCore IV
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OpenGL ES: 1.1 / 2.0
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Wi-Fi: 2.4GHz IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
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Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.1
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BLE: Supported
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Wireless Antenna: Onboard
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Video Output: Mini-HDMI
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Camera Interface: CSI
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USB: Micro-USB OTG
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GPIO: Raspberry Pi 40-Pin GPIO Footprint
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Storage: microSD Card
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Composite Video: Available through onboard pads
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Power Input: 5V via Micro-USB
Typical Applications
- IoT devices
- Home automation
- Home Assistant nodes
- Wireless sensor systems
- Robotics
- Embedded Linux systems
- Remote monitoring
- Compact servers
- Network-connected devices
- Camera projects
- Digital signage
- Data logging
- Electronics prototyping
- STEM education
- Programming
- DIY electronics
Package Includes
Important Note
The standard Raspberry Pi Zero W does not normally include a pre-soldered 40-pin GPIO header. If you require a factory pre-soldered header, choose the Raspberry Pi Zero WH version.
microSD card, power supply, Mini-HDMI cable/adapter, USB OTG adapter, camera, case, and other accessories are not included.
