Raspberry Pi Pico 2
The Raspberry Pi Pico 2 is the latest addition to the Raspberry Pi family, built using the new RP2350 microcontroller. Priced at just $5, this next-generation board is packed with advanced features, making it a must-have for both hobbyists and professional developers.
What’s New?
- Higher Performance: The Pico 2 boasts a faster core clock speed, double the memory, and more powerful Arm cores compared to its predecessors. It also introduces optional RISC‑V cores, new security features, and upgraded interfacing capabilities, all while maintaining compatibility with earlier Raspberry Pi Pico boards.
- Programming Flexibility: You can program the Pico 2 in C/C++ or Python, making it versatile for different types of projects. Detailed documentation is available to help you get started, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer.
Powered by RP2350
The heart of the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 is the RP2350, a high-performance, secure microcontroller. It features dual-core capabilities, allowing you to choose between industry-standard Arm Cortex-M33 cores or Hazard3 RISC-V cores. This flexibility lets you experiment with different architectures in a stable environment. The RP2350 also includes a robust security architecture, built around Arm TrustZone for Cortex-M, ensuring your projects are secure.
Key Features
- Dual-core processors: Choose between Arm Cortex-M33 or Hazard3 RISC-V processors, both running at 150MHz.
- 520 KB SRAM: Ample on-chip memory for complex tasks.
- Security Features: Extensive security options, including ARM TrustZone, boot signing, and protection against fault injection attacks.
- Connectivity: Includes UART, SPI, I2C controllers, and a USB 1.1 controller with both host and device support.
- Programmable I/O: 12 PIO state machines for advanced interfacing.
- Power Efficient: Operates within a wide voltage range of 1.8–5.5V DC and is suitable for a variety of applications.
Getting Started
If you’re new to the Pico 2, “Get Started with MicroPython on Raspberry Pi Pico 2nd Edition” is a great resource. This beginner-friendly book introduces you to MicroPython, guiding you through writing programs and connecting hardware using PIO, SPI, and I2C.
Compliance and Longevity
The Raspberry Pi Pico 2 meets several regional and international compliance standards, ensuring it can be integrated into products with confidence. Raspberry Pi has committed to keeping the Pico 2 in production until at least January 2040, giving you peace of mind about its availability for years to come.
Availability in India
You can purchase the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 through approved resellers like Silverline Electronics and Robu in India. However, due to high demand, many Indian retailers currently have this item on backorder, with a lead time extending to September 15, 2024. Be sure to check with your preferred reseller for the most up-to-date availability.
For more details, check out the product brief, MicroPython SDK, and C/C++ SDK documents.