Raspberry Pi has been a pioneer in the world of single-board computers (SBCs), becoming the go-to choice for countless DIY projects from mini-PC keyboards to iPod Game Boys. Yet, the SBC landscape is far from stagnant. Now, Particle’s Tachyon compact powerhouse which aims to disrupt the market with its impressive feature set, has arrived.
At first glance, the Tachyon’s specifications are pretty astonishing. Packed into a credit card-sized form factor, it boasts a formidable combination of 5G connectivity, a potent octa-core CPU, and dedicated AI processing power. This level of integration is rarely seen in SBCs, and it positions the Tachyon as a potential game-changer.
Tachyon gets heavy backing on Kickstarter
This new SBC has been garnering support on its Kickstarter listing, absolutely smashing its £7,787 goal, reaching £80,477 at the time of writing. All with less than a month to go until the Kickstarter ends. Particle lists the Tachyon as a “Powerful 5G single-board computer w/ AI accelerator” which, right off the bat, sounds like a worthy contender for the well-established Raspberry Pi series.
Here’s how the specs are looking, courtesy of Particle.
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core Qualcomm Kryo CPU (1x 2.7GHz, 3x 2.4GHz, 4x 1.9GHz) |
| Connectivity | 5G sub-6GHz cellular connectivity and Wi-Fi 6E with on-device antennas |
| Memory | 4GB RAM and 64GB built-in UFS storage |
| Accelerator | Adreno 643 GPU and 12 TOPS AI accelerator |
| Interfaces | USB-C 3.1 with DisplayPort and PD (power delivery), 2x PCIe lanes, DSI 4-lane |
| Camera | 2x CSI 4-lane with ISP, supporting over 20 pre-integrated camera sensors |
| Power | USB-C or lithium battery with integrated charger |
| Security | Secure boot and encrypted filesystem |
Pi vs Tachyon
While the Raspberry Pi excels in its simplicity and affordability, the Tachyon targets a different audience. It’s designed for projects that demand high performance, low latency, and advanced capabilities. While the Tachyon’s specifications are impressive, its real-world performance and software ecosystem will ultimately determine its success. Particle has a solid track record with its previous products, so there’s reason for optimism. However, the company will need to deliver a compelling developer experience to attract a significant user base.
If the Tachyon lives up to its promise, it could ignite a new wave of competition. By using 5G and AI, Particle is aiming to empower a new generation of creators. Whether it will dethrone the Raspberry Pi remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the SBC market is about to get a whole lot more interesting.
