At Hardware Pioneers Max 2024, Arduino introduced their Portenta HAT Carrier, designed to seamlessly integrate Raspberry Pi HATs with Arduino’s Portenta family. Sebastian from Arduino highlighted the carrier’s flexibility, offering compatibility with Raspberry Pi cameras, SD cards, Ethernet, USB, and more. It also enables data logging and includes debugging options. The Portenta HAT Carrier is ideal for developers looking to repurpose existing Raspberry Pi modules or create low-power, robust applications using Arduino’s Portenta boards.
Versatility and Compatibility
Sebastian, the leader of Arduino’s application engineering team, explained that the Portenta HAT Carrier was developed in response to frequent requests for compatibility between Arduino Portenta boards and Raspberry Pi peripherals. The HAT carrier bridges this gap, allowing users to mount Raspberry Pi HAT modules directly on Portenta boards, creating a hybrid system that leverages the strengths of both platforms. One of its standout features is the ability to connect Raspberry Pi cameras, making it easier for users to develop computer vision or image processing applications.
In addition to module compatibility, the HAT carrier simplifies powering the board. It includes screw terminal connectors for easy power input, plus additional ports for Ethernet and USB. These features make it an excellent solution for applications requiring data logging, where users can plug in a USB stick to store data efficiently. With an SD card slot and a JTAG connector for debugging, the carrier supports developers in creating reliable, scalable projects.
Applications and Real-World Use Cases
The Portenta HAT Carrier is not limited to one specific use case but opens up vast possibilities for Arduino users. One example is GPS integration—Sebastian shared his experience of using a GPS module originally designed for a Raspberry Pi with the Portenta C33 board. This flexibility allows users to incorporate modules they already own into new projects, saving costs and enabling reuse.
The Portenta HAT Carrier is also ideal for scenarios requiring robustness, low power, and reliability. Many Raspberry Pi modules are already deployed in real-world products, and the HAT Carrier provides a convenient way to transfer those modules into more industrial-grade applications using Portenta boards. This opens the door for use in sectors like industrial IoT, automation, and smart systems.
Low Power and Ease of Use
One of the key benefits of Arduino’s Portenta family is its focus on low power consumption. Portenta boards come with low power libraries, making them suitable for battery-operated devices and projects requiring energy efficiency. According to Sebastian, integrating the Portenta HAT Carrier with a project is straightforward, with minimal setup required. The carrier simply provides the correct connectors to get the system up and running without complications, making it a great tool for developers of all levels.
Conclusion
The Portenta HAT Carrier is a valuable tool for anyone looking to combine the best of Arduino and Raspberry Pi ecosystems. Whether you’re repurposing existing modules or creating new, low-power, reliable systems, the Portenta HAT Carrier offers seamless integration and industrial-grade build quality. With its versatility and ease of use, it’s an essential addition for developers working across both platforms.