Raspberry Pi has just unveiled the Raspberry Pi Pico 2, a new microcontroller board that promises to deliver a significant boost in performance and capabilities—all for just $5 (about 400 INR). This latest addition to their lineup introduces some impressive upgrades over the original Pico, thanks to its new RP2350 microprocessor.
What’s New with the RP2350 Microprocessor?
The Raspberry Pi Pico 2 is powered by the RP2350 microprocessor, which brings a choice between dual Arm Cortex-M33 or dual RISC-V Hazard3 processors running at 150 MHz. With a higher core clock speed, twice the memory, more powerful Arm cores, new security features, and upgraded interfacing capabilities, Pico 2 delivers a significant performance and feature uplift, while retaining hardware and software compatibility with earlier members of the Pico series.
Key Specifications and Features
Here’s a quick look at what the Pico 2 offers:
- CPU: Dual Arm Cortex-M33 or dual RISC-V Hazard3 processors @ 150 MHz
- Memory: 520 KB SRAM and 4 MB QSPI flash
- GPIO: 26 multi-purpose pins, including four ADC-compatible
- Peripherals:
- 2 × UART
- 2 × SPI controllers
- 2 × I2C controllers
- 24 × PWM channels
- 1 × USB 1.1 (host and device support)
- 12 × PIO state machines
- Power Supply: 1.8-5.5V DC
- Temperature Range: -20°C to +85°C
The Pico 2 features a robust set of peripherals, including multiple UART, SPI, and I2C controllers, along with a USB 1.1 interface. There are also 24 PWM channels and 12 PIO state machines, which offer plenty of options for connecting and controlling various devices.
Built to Last
One of the standout features of the Pico 2 is its durability. It can operate in temperatures ranging from -20°C to +85°C, making it suitable for a wide range of environments. Plus, Raspberry Pi has committed to keeping the Pico 2 in production until at least January 2040. This long-term support is a huge plus for anyone planning long-term projects or applications.
Why It Matters
The Raspberry Pi Pico 2 is a game-changer for anyone working with microcontrollers. Its combination of powerful hardware and low price makes it a great choice for everything from educational projects to professional prototypes. With the RP2350 at its core, it’s set to be a versatile and reliable tool for creators and developers.
If you’re looking for an affordable, high-performance microcontroller, the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 is definitely worth checking out. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your projects to the next level, this new board has the power and flexibility to make it happen.
