Raspberry Pi Pico 2 – What’s New and Exciting?
Welcome to the latest breakthrough in microcontrollers—the Raspberry Pi Pico 2! Launched on August 8, 2024, this upgraded version brings significant enhancements over its predecessor, offering improved performance, security, and connectivity. In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Raspberry Pi Pico 2 and why it’s a must-have for tech enthusiasts and developers.
Introduction to Raspberry Pi Pico 2
The Raspberry Pi Pico 2 is a high-performance microcontroller board available at an affordable price of just Rs. 549. Built on the powerful RP2350 chip, this new version comes with enhanced security, increased memory, and better processing power while maintaining compatibility with earlier Raspberry Pi Pico models.
Let’s dive into its exciting features!
What’s New in Raspberry Pi Pico 2?
The Raspberry Pi Pico 2 introduces several advancements over the original model, making it a more secure and powerful option for developers. Key upgrades include:
- Enhanced Processor: RP2350 chip with Arm TrustZone for Cortex-M for better security and performance.
- Expanded Memory: Double the on-chip SRAM and onboard flash storage compared to the original Pico.
- Improved Security: Secure boot ROM, SHA256 acceleration, and hardware TRNG for cryptographic security.
- Better I/O Support: More GPIO pins and advanced interfacing capabilities.
Key Features and Specifications
Processor and Performance
- Dual Arm Cortex-M33 or dual RISC-V Hazard3 processors @ 150MHz
- 520KB on-chip SRAM and 4MB onboard QSPI flash storage
Connectivity
- 1x onboard USB connector
- Future versions may include Wi-Fi connectivity (similar to Pico W)
Power and Efficiency
- Operates on 1.8V – 5.5V DC
I/O and Peripheral Support
- 2× UART, 2× SPI controllers, 2× I2C controllers
- 24× PWM channels, 12× PIO state machines
- 26 multi-purpose GPIO pins (4 of which support ADC)
Getting Started with Raspberry Pi Pico 2
The Raspberry Pi Pico 2 is designed to be a drop-in replacement for the original Pico, allowing users to seamlessly integrate it into existing projects. Programming is just as easy, with support for C/C++ and MicroPython.
Quick Start Guide
- Get Your Pico 2 – Purchase your board from an authorized retailer.
- Choose an IDE – Thonny is a popular choice for MicroPython programming.
- Write Your First Program – Try the classic LED blink example:
from machine import Pin
import time
led = Pin(25, Pin.OUT)
while True:
led.toggle()
time.sleep(1)
- Save as main.py – The script will automatically run every time the board powers up.
Community and Resources
One of the biggest strengths of the Raspberry Pi ecosystem is its vast community support. With the success of previous models, the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 is expected to receive strong backing from developers, hobbyists, and educators.
Where to Find Support?
- Official Raspberry Pi forums
- Online coding communities (GitHub, Stack Overflow, etc.)
- Educational resources and tutorials from Raspberry Pi Foundation
Use Cases and Applications
The Raspberry Pi Pico 2 is ideal for a wide range of applications, including:
- DIY Projects: Smart gadgets, automation systems, and robotics
- Educational Purposes: Teaching programming, electronics, and embedded systems
- IoT Applications: Smart home automation, environmental monitoring, and industrial control
Is It Worth the Upgrade?
For existing Raspberry Pi Pico users, upgrading to Pico 2 depends on project requirements. If you need better security, faster processing, or more memory, this new model is a solid investment. For newcomers, the Pico 2 provides an excellent entry point into the world of microcontrollers.
Final Thoughts
The Raspberry Pi Pico 2 marks a significant advancement in the microcontroller space. With enhanced performance, security, and community support, it is an excellent choice for developers of all skill levels.
Ready to get started? Grab your Raspberry Pi Pico 2 today and explore endless possibilities!
What do you think about Raspberry Pi Pico 2? Share your thoughts in the comments below!