Leaked DeviceTree files reveal Raspberry Pi Zero 3W hardware specifications

Technical details regarding the unannounced Raspberry Pi Zero 3W have surfaced following the publication of a DeviceTree file. This file, which describes hardware components to the Linux kernel, provides significant clues about the next generation of the ultra-small form factor board.

Based on the leaked data, the new module is expected to utilize the BCM2711 SoC, the same processor found in the Raspberry Pi 4. The hardware description also indicates the presence of PCIe support, an onboard power button, an additional power LED, and potential support for eMMC storage.

Hardware implications from DeviceTree data

• SoC Upgrade: The leaked file points to the use of the Broadcom BCM2711, suggesting a significant performance jump over previous Zero models.
• Interface Expansion: The inclusion of PCIe in the hardware description suggests the possibility of high-speed peripheral expansion, potentially via exposed lanes.
• Storage and Power: The DeviceTree indicates support for eMMC storage and includes definitions for a dedicated power button and an extra power LED.
• Kernel Integration: As a DeviceTree source file (.dts), these specifications dictate how the Linux kernel identifies the CPU, loads specific drivers, and manages exposed I/O interfaces.

Why it matters

For the single-board computer (SBC) community, this leak suggests a much more capable platform for compact Linux projects. The shift to BCM2711 and PCIe could enable more advanced use cases in robotics and edge computing that were previously limited by the Zero's older architecture.