What is Hardware Attached on Top (HAT)? Single board computers like the Raspberry Pi, have revolutionized electronic development for professionals and hobbyists, but the nature of that single board means that they have limitations for connectivity and other features. Hardware attached on Top modules are additional boards that connect directly to the main board, usually on top, hence the name, adding new capabilities to the system. They first appeared with the Raspberry Pi B+ Model, and have become a standard part of the platform since, adding things like motor control, audio processing, sensor compatibility and more. What Does HAT Stand For? HAT is short for Hardware Attached on Top, because in the Raspberry Pi system, these add-on modules are stacked on top of the base computer board. There are specifics of design ad dimensions within the raspberry Pi Foundation rules to ensure board compatibility. Examples of HAT Usage HAT modules are incredibly versatile, allowing you to easily expand the capabilities of the Raspberry Pi to fit your project needs. This could be something like a Sense HAT, which contains a raft of sensors including an accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, temperature sensor, barometric sensor and humidity sensor in on module, perfect for turning a Pi into a weather center. Another example is the Keyfob HAT, which gives you access to a keyfob interface for your Raspberry Pi. This enables a number of remote-control possibilities, all in the compact form factor of the Raspberry Pi system. The number of HATs is endless, and each offers something unique to help you achieve your project goals. Conclusion The HAT acts as a bridge between the digital processing of the Raspberry Pi and the real world that projects must interact with. Once you get the concept of the HATs, and the flexibility of using one or more to accomplish your project goals, you open up a new world of possibilities, whether you are developing a commercial project or as a hobbyist. Whatever your idea, there is a HAT out there that can bring it to life.
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