Newark element14 has released the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+, which it calls the fastest and most powerful version yet, perfecting the already outstandingly successful Raspberry Pi 3 Model B.

Built on a new quad-core Broadcom BCM2837 64-bit application processor running at 1.4 GHz, the Raspberry Pi B Model B+ is over 15% faster than the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B, delivering more performance for both professional and maker markets. Further enhancements address the needs of the growing professional design market using the board as an embedded device, including:

 Dual-band wireless LAN: a new Cypress networking device, delivering 2.4GHz and 5GHz IEEE 802.11ac wireless LAN and Bluetooth 4.2 capability
 Improved thermal management
 Faster Ethernet (Gigabit Ethernet over USB 2.0, maximum throughput of 300 Mbps)
 Power over Ethernet (PoE) enabled RJ45 providing PoE support via a new PoE HAT

The wireless subsystem also comes with modular compliance certification, which allows the board to be designed into end products with significantly reduced requirements for wireless compliance testing, improving both cost and time to market.

“We are delighted to be able to offer our customers an even faster and more powerful board at the same competitive price point as the previous model,” says Peter Wenzel, Global Director of Raspberry Pi, Single Board Computers, and Software at Premier Farnell and Newark element14. “The new board has faster processing, faster wired networking and improved wireless connectivity; and with modular compliance certification and the same extraordinary support provided through communities and forums, users can learn, create and bring products to market faster than ever before.”

Power over Ethernet will be provided via a new official PoE add-on board for the Raspberry Pi which will be available to buy from Newark element14. More details will be available soon.

Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ offers backward compatibility by following the same mechanical footprint as the Pi 2 and Pi 3 Model B, and includes:
 Broadcom BCM2837B0, quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 64-bit SoC @ 1.4GHz
 1GB LPDDR2 SDRAM
 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz IEEE 802.11ac wireless, Bluetooth 4.2, BLE
 Gigabit Ethernet over USB 2.0 (maximum throughput of 300Mbps)
 40-pin extended GPIO
 CSI camera port for connecting the Raspberry Pi camera
 DSI display port for connecting the Raspberry Pi touchscreen display
 4 x USB 2 ports
 4 pole Stereo output and Composite video port
 Full-size HDMI
 H.264, MPEG-4 decode (1080p30). H.264 encode (1080p30). OpenGL ES 1.1, 2.0 graphics
 Micro SD port for loading your operating system and storing data

The official Power over Ethernet add-on board for Raspberry Pi is compatible with the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ and onwards and includes the following features:
 802.3af PoE
 Class 2 device
 Fully isolated SMPS
 36–56V input voltage
 5V output voltage, 2.5A output power
 Fan control

The Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ is available to buy from Farnell element14 in Europe, element14 in APAC and Newark element14 in North America.