RP2350 USB-A A Raspberry Pi RP2350 Board with USB Type-A Port and PIO Implementation

The Raspberry Pi RP2350 microcontroller has been making waves in the DIY electronics community, and a new development board featuring this powerful chip has recently caught the attention of tech enthusiasts. This board, dubbed the RP2350 USB-A, stands out for its unique integration of a USB Type-A port and Programmable Input/Output (PIO) capabilities, making it a versatile tool for a wide range of projects.

Key Features of the RP2350 USB-A Board

USB Type-A Port

• Full-sized USB 2.0 Type-A port (480 Mbps) for direct connection to peripherals like keyboards, mice, or flash drives.

RP2350 Microcontroller

• Dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ processor.
• 264 KB SRAM and 16 MB onboard flash memory.
• Optimized for low-power operation.

Programmable I/O (PIO)

• 8 PIO blocks for custom input/output protocols.
• Supports I2C, SPI, UART, PWM, and custom protocols.

GPIO and Connectivity

• 30 GPIO pins (3.3V logic level).
• Interfaces: I2C, SPI, UART.
• Overvoltage and short-circuit protection.

Compact Design

• Breadboard-friendly layout for easy prototyping.
• Small form factor for space-constrained projects.

Power Options

• Powered via USB Type-A or external 5V input.
• Onboard 3.3V regulator for peripherals.

Open-Source Support

• Compatible with Raspberry Pi Pico SDK and MicroPython.
• Extensive documentation and community resources.

Debugging and Programming

• SWD interface for debugging and programming.
• USB mass storage mode for drag-and-drop firmware updates.

Onboard Peripherals

• RGB LED for visual feedback.
• Reset and boot select buttons for easy operation.

Affordable Pricing

• Cost-effective design for hobbyists and professionals.

Potential Applications

The RP2350 USB-A board is ideal for a variety of projects, including:

• DIY USB Devices: Create custom USB peripherals, such as MIDI controllers, gamepads, or data loggers.
• IoT Prototyping: Use the board to develop IoT devices with USB connectivity for data transfer or power.
• Educational Tools: Teach microcontroller programming and hardware interfacing in a classroom or workshop setting
• Custom Communication Protocols: Leverage the PIO blocks to implement unique protocols for specialized hardware.

Why the RP2350 USB-A Stands Out

The inclusion of a USB Type-A port sets this board apart from many competitors. While USB-C is becoming more common, USB Type-A remains widely used, and its presence on the RP2350 USB-A board eliminates the need for additional adapters or dongles. Additionally, the RP2350's PIO blocks provide unparalleled flexibility, enabling users to tailor the board to their specific needs.

The RP2350 USB-A board is available for purchase on Waveshare's AliExpress store for $6.95.