Raspberry Pi HATs (Hardware Attached on Top) are expansion boards that connect to the 40-pin GPIO header of Raspberry Pi, adding extra functionality such as motor control, sensors, displays, and more. Whether you’re building a home automation system, a robotics project, or a media center, there’s a Pi HAT designed to enhance your setup.
In this article, we’ll explore a comprehensive list of Raspberry Pi HATs, categorized by their primary function.
What Is a Raspberry Pi HAT?
A Raspberry Pi HAT (Hardware Attached on Top) is a hardware add-on board specifically designed for Raspberry Pi models with a 40-pin GPIO header. These boards follow a standard specification, ensuring compatibility with Raspberry Pi devices. Most HATs include an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) chip, which helps the Raspberry Pi auto-detect and configure them.
Benefits of Using Raspberry Pi HATs
✔ Easy plug-and-play installation
✔ Adds specialized functionality
✔ Compatible with multiple Raspberry Pi models
✔ Saves space by stacking hardware
List of Raspberry Pi HATs by Category
1. Display and Audio HATs
These HATs help enhance the Raspberry Pi’s display and audio capabilities, making them perfect for media centers, digital signage, or interactive projects.
1.1 PiTFT Plus 3.5″ Touchscreen HAT
- Function: Adds a 3.5″ touchscreen display
- Best For: Creating a compact touchscreen interface
- Features: 480×320 resolution, touchscreen support
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1.2 JustBoom DAC HAT
- Function: High-quality digital-to-analog audio output
- Best For: Hi-Fi audio playback and home theater projects
- Features: RCA and headphone jack, low-noise audio processing
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1.3 Pimoroni HyperPixel 4.0
- Function: High-resolution touchscreen
- Best For: High-quality display projects
- Features: 720×720 resolution, capacitive touchscreen
- Check it Out
2. Robotics and Motor Control HATs
These HATs allow Raspberry Pi to control motors, servos, and other robotic components.
2.1 Adafruit DC & Stepper Motor HAT
- Function: Controls DC and stepper motors
- Best For: Robotics and automation projects
- Features: Supports up to 4 motors, PWM control
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2.2 Pimoroni Explorer HAT Pro
- Function: General-purpose robotics control
- Best For: Prototyping and experimentation
- Features: Analog inputs, motor drivers, capacitive touch inputs
2.3 Pololu Dual MC33926 Motor Driver HAT
- Function: Controls two high-power DC motors
- Best For: High-power robotics applications
- Features: Up to 3A per motor, PWM speed control
3. IoT and Networking HATs
For projects that require wireless communication, these HATs provide connectivity options such as Wi-Fi, LoRa, and cellular networking.
3.1 Raspberry Pi PoE HAT
- Function: Power over Ethernet (PoE)
- Best For: Networking applications where power outlets are limited
- Features: Delivers power and data over a single Ethernet cable
3.2 Dragino LoRa HAT
- Function: Long-range wireless communication
- Best For: IoT projects that require remote data transmission
- Features: LoRaWAN support, low power consumption
3.3 Sixfab Cellular IoT HAT
- Function: Adds 4G/LTE cellular connectivity
- Best For: Remote IoT applications
- Features: Supports GPS and NB-IoT/Cat-M1 networks
4. Sensor and Measurement HATs
These HATs help integrate environmental and industrial sensors into Raspberry Pi projects.
4.1 Sense HAT
- Function: Multi-sensor board
- Best For: Weather stations, scientific projects
- Features: Temperature, humidity, pressure, gyroscope, magnetometer
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4.2 Enviro+ HAT
- Function: Environmental monitoring
- Best For: Air quality and weather tracking
- Features: Gas, humidity, temperature, and light sensors
4.3 Automation HAT
- Function: Industrial automation
- Best For: Home automation and control systems
- Features: Relay control, ADC inputs, multiple channels
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5. Power Management HATs
Power-related HATs help manage voltage, power backup, and battery supply.
5.1 PiJuice HAT
- Function: Uninterruptible power supply (UPS)
- Best For: Portable Raspberry Pi projects
- Features: Built-in battery, power management features
5.2 UPS HAT
- Function: Battery backup for Raspberry Pi
- Best For: Protecting projects from power loss
- Features: Rechargeable lithium battery support
6. Gaming and Entertainment HATs
For those interested in gaming or media applications, these HATs provide gamepad controls and interactive features.
6.1 RetroFlag GPi Case HAT
- Function: Turns Raspberry Pi into a handheld gaming console
- Best For: Retro gaming enthusiasts
- Features: Gamepad buttons, LCD display, portable design
6.2 Pimoroni Picade HAT
- Function: Arcade control interface
- Best For: DIY arcade cabinets
- Features: Joystick and button inputs, audio amplifier
How to Choose the Right Raspberry Pi HAT
When selecting a HAT for your Raspberry Pi, consider the following:
✔ Project Requirements: Identify whether you need sensors, motor control, display, or networking.
✔ Power Consumption: Ensure your power supply can handle additional hardware.
✔ Compatibility: Check whether the HAT supports your specific Raspberry Pi model.
✔ Ease of Use: Some HATs require extensive configuration, while others work out-of-the-box.
Conclusion
Raspberry Pi HATs extend the functionality of your Raspberry Pi, making it a versatile tool for countless applications. Whether you’re working on robotics, IoT, automation, or gaming, there’s a HAT designed to meet your needs. By choosing the right add-on board, you can unlock new possibilities and take your Raspberry Pi projects to the next level.
For more Raspberry Pi tutorials and guides, check out this comprehensive Raspberry Pi resource on Xplainz.com.
References
- “Official Raspberry Pi HAT Documentation” – Raspberry Pi Foundation
- “Best Raspberry Pi HATs for 2024” – Maker.io
- “Getting Started with Raspberry Pi Add-On Boards” – Adafruit
