The New Raspberry Pi Pico 2: A Detailed Look at This $5 Microcontroller

The New Raspberry Pi Pico 2: A Detailed Look at This $5 Microcontroller

Introduction

The Raspberry Pi Pico 2 is a marvel of modern engineering, packing remarkable power and versatility into a tiny, affordable package. Building on the success of the original Pico, this second-generation microcontroller introduces significant upgrades that make it a standout in the world of embedded systems. From its dual architecture support to its robust security features, the Pico 2 is poised to become a favorite among developers and hobbyists alike.

The Power of Dual Architecture

At the heart of the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 is the groundbreaking RP2350 microprocessor, which is the first in its class to support both Arm and RISC-V architectures. This dual architecture approach is revolutionary, allowing developers to leverage the strengths of both processor types within a single project. The RP2350 features dual Arm Cortex-M33 cores and dual 32-bit RISC-V Hazard3 cores, each running at 150 MHz. This configuration provides a substantial boost in processing power compared to its predecessor, making the Pico 2 capable of handling more complex and demanding tasks.

The inclusion of both Arm and RISC-V cores means that developers are no longer limited by a single architecture, opening the door to a wider array of software libraries and development tools. This flexibility is particularly beneficial in educational settings, where students can experiment with different programming environments and architectures without needing to switch hardware.

Memory and Storage: More Room for Creativity

The Raspberry Pi Pico 2 doesn’t just excel in processing power; it also offers enhanced memory and storage capabilities. With 520 KB of on-chip SRAM and 4 MB of on-board QSPI flash, the Pico 2 provides ample space for code and data storage. This increase in memory is a significant upgrade from the original Pico, allowing for more complex programs and larger data sets to be stored directly on the microcontroller.

The 4 MB of on-board flash memory ensures that the Pico 2 can handle a wide range of applications, from simple GPIO control to more sophisticated data logging and processing tasks. This makes the Pico 2 an ideal choice for projects that require a balance of performance and storage, such as IoT devices, environmental monitoring systems, and even lightweight machine learning applications.

Connectivity and Interfacing: Versatility at Its Core

The Pico 2 is designed with versatility in mind, featuring 26 multi-purpose GPIO pins that can be used for a wide range of applications. Among these, four pins can be used for analog-to-digital conversion (ADC), enabling the microcontroller to interface with analog sensors and devices. This is particularly useful for projects involving environmental sensing, robotics, and real-time data acquisition.

In addition to its GPIO capabilities, the Pico 2 offers a variety of peripheral interfaces, including two UARTs, two SPI controllers, two I2C controllers, and a USB 1.1 controller with host and device support. This extensive range of interfaces makes the Pico 2 highly adaptable, allowing it to communicate with a vast array of external devices and components. Whether you’re building a custom keyboard, a home automation system, or a complex robotic arm, the Pico 2’s connectivity options have you covered.

Another standout feature of the Pico 2 is its Programmable I/O (PIO) state machines. With 12 PIO state machines available, developers can create custom peripheral interfaces that go beyond the standard UART, SPI, and I2C protocols. This is particularly useful for creating high-speed communication interfaces, custom display drivers, or even emulating legacy hardware.

Built-In Security: TrustZone for Cortex-M

Security is a growing concern in the world of embedded systems, and the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 addresses this with the inclusion of Arm TrustZone for Cortex-M. TrustZone technology provides a secure execution environment that isolates critical code and data from the rest of the application, helping to protect against software attacks. This feature is particularly important for IoT applications, where security vulnerabilities can have serious consequences.

By incorporating TrustZone, the Pico 2 ensures that developers can build secure applications without the need for additional external security components. This is a significant advantage for projects where security is paramount, such as medical devices, industrial control systems, and connected home devices.

Longevity and Availability: A Microcontroller Built to Last

One of the standout features of the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 is its long production life. The Raspberry Pi Foundation has committed to keeping the Pico 2 in production until at least January 2040, providing developers with a minimum of 16 years of availability. This long-term availability is a huge boon for developers working on products that require a stable supply chain, such as commercial IoT devices and educational tools.

The Pico 2’s longevity also makes it an excellent choice for hobbyists and educators who want to ensure that their projects will be supported for years to come. Whether you’re building a one-off prototype or designing a product for mass production, the Pico 2’s guaranteed availability provides peace of mind.

Price and Accessibility: High Performance at a Low Cost

Despite its numerous upgrades, the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 remains incredibly affordable at just $5. This makes it one of the most cost-effective microcontrollers on the market, offering unmatched value for its performance. The Pico 2’s low price point, combined with its powerful features, makes it accessible to a wide range of users, from beginners just starting out with microcontrollers to seasoned developers looking for a reliable platform for their next project.

The Raspberry Pi Foundation’s commitment to affordability and accessibility shines through with the Pico 2, ensuring that high-quality, powerful microcontrollers are within reach for everyone.

Conclusion: The Future of Embedded Systems

The Raspberry Pi Pico 2 is a testament to how far microcontroller technology has come. With its dual architecture support, enhanced memory and storage, versatile interfacing options, built-in security features, and long production life, the Pico 2 is a game-changer in the world of embedded systems. Whether you’re an educator, a hobbyist, or a professional developer, the Pico 2 offers the power and flexibility you need to bring your projects to life.

As the maker community continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 stands ready to be the foundation of countless innovative projects. With its unbeatable combination of performance, versatility, and affordability, the Pico 2 is set to inspire a new generation of creators and engineers.

Source:  ZDNet - The tiniest Raspberry Pi - the $5 Pico 2 - gets a big performance boost

Image:  Raspberry Pi