Introducing the Raspberry Pi Pico 2: A Leap Forward in
Microcontroller Technology
The Raspberry Pi Pico 2 has officially launched, featuring the new RP2350 microcontroller. This updated board brings substantial improvements over its predecessor, offering cutting-edge features for both hobbyists and professionals. Here’s a detailed look at what’s new:
Overview of the Raspberry Pi
Pico 2
- Microcontroller: Raspberry Pi RP2350
- Core Options: Dual-core RISC-V or Arm Cortex-M33
- Clock Speed: 150 MHz
- Memory: 520 KB on-chip SRAM
- Storage: 4 MB on-board QSPI flash
- I/O Expansion: 26-pin GPIO header
- USB: Micro USB 1.1 for power and programming
- Dimensions: 51 x 21 mm
- Temperature Range: -20°C to +85°C
- Power Supply: 1.8 to 5.5V DC
Detailed Specifications of the RP2350 Microcontroller
- CPU Options:
- Arm Cortex-M33: Includes Arm TrustZone for enhanced security, secure boot capabilities.
- RISC-V Hazard3: A 32-bit processor with RV32IMAC architecture, supporting several instruction set extensions.
- Memory:
- SRAM: 520 KB on-chip
- External Storage: Up to 16 MB via QSPI flash
- Peripheral Interfaces:
- GPIO:
- RP2350A: Up to 30 GPIOs
- RP2350B: Up to 48 GPIOs
- Analog Inputs:
- RP2350A: Up to 4 ADC channels
- RP2350B: Up to 8 ADC channels
- PWM Channels:
- RP2350A: Up to 16 channels
- RP2350B: Up to 24 channels
- Communication Interfaces:
- 2x UART
- 2x SPI controllers
- 2x I2C controllers
- USB 1.1 host/device
- PIO Blocks: 3 blocks, with 12 programmable I/O state machines
- Additional Features:
- Temperature Sensor
- Security:
- 8 KB anti-fuse OTP for key storage
- SHA-256 acceleration
- Hardware True Random Number Generator (TRNG)
- Fast glitch detection
- Package Options:
- RP2350A: QFN-60, 7x7 mm
- RP2350B: QFN-80, 10x10 mm
Key Enhancements in the Pico 2
- Processor Flexibility: Users can select between Arm and RISC-V architectures based on their project needs, though only one core cluster is active at a time.
- Increased I/O and Memory: Compared to the original Pico, the Pico 2 offers more GPIO pins, additional ADC channels, and higher SRAM, providing greater versatility and capability.
- Advanced Security Features: With support for Arm TrustZone and secure boot, the Pico 2 provides enhanced security for sensitive applications.
- Improved Power Efficiency: The Pico 2 supports low-power sleep states with optional SRAM retention, minimizing power consumption.
Development and Support
The Raspberry Pi Pico 2 retains compatibility with existing C/C++ and Python SDKs used for the original Pico, along with added security features and a new toolchain for RISC-V development. Comprehensive documentation and resources are available on the Raspberry Pi GitHub and documentation website.
Availability and Pricing
The Raspberry Pi Pico 2 is priced at $5 per unit before taxes and shipping, a modest increase from the original Pico’s $4 price. It is available for purchase individually or in bulk (480-unit reels) and will remain in production until at least January 2040.
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