Pimoroni Pico Plus 2 W: Brings Wi-Fi to the Newest Pico Device

Pimoroni Pico Plus 2 W: Brings Wi-Fi to the Newest Pico Device

Mysterious Raspberry Pi RM2 Wi-Fi Chip

The Pimoroni Pico Plus 2 W has arrived on the microcontroller scene, bringing with it a groundbreaking feature—the mysterious Raspberry Pi RM2 Wi-Fi chip. This board represents a significant step forward for the Pico family, building on the success of the Raspberry Pi Pico and Pico W with enhanced connectivity and storage. With Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and expanded memory, the Pimoroni Pico Plus 2 W sets a new benchmark for versatile, small-scale computing.

A Powerful Evolution of the Pico Series

At the core of the Pimoroni Pico Plus 2 W lies the RP2350B, a dual-core SoC offering either Arm Cortex M33 or RISC-V Hazard3 architecture, with a clock speed of up to 150 MHz. This processing power is complemented by 8MB of PSRAM and 16MB of QSPI flash storage, a substantial upgrade from the 4MB flash in the Raspberry Pi Pico 2. With these specs, the Pico Plus 2 W is poised to handle more complex tasks and larger projects, making it a strong contender for developers needing both power and flexibility in their microcontroller.

The RM2 Wi-Fi Module

The inclusion of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth through the Raspberry Pi RM2 Wi-Fi module is the star of the show. This module, which closely resembles an ESP32 package, contains the Infineon CYW43439 chip—the same chip used in the Raspberry Pi Pico W. This not only guarantees stable wireless connectivity but also ensures compatibility with a wide range of existing Pico W projects. With just a few lines of MicroPython, users can connect to Wi-Fi, opening the door to IoT applications, remote control projects, and data logging in real-time.

What Makes the RM2 Chip Special?

While the Infineon CYW43439 chip is familiar, the branding of the Raspberry Pi RM2 Wi-Fi module raises intriguing questions. Could this signal the beginning of a proprietary line of Raspberry Pi wireless solutions? The RM2 chip may hint at future enhancements to the Pico W series, potentially offering improved connectivity speeds, better energy efficiency, or expanded wireless range in future Raspberry Pi products.

Primed For IoT Innovation

More importantly, the RM2's addition to the Pimoroni Pico Plus 2 W suggests that this board is primed for IoT innovation. Developers can now create more powerful and responsive wireless projects with the assurance of seamless Bluetooth connectivity for smart devices, wearables, and remote sensors. The future possibilities of integrating the RM2 chip into various projects are vast, making the Pico Plus 2 W a standout choice for anyone looking to build modern, connected applications.

Designed for Flexibility and Ease of Use

Beyond the RM2 chip, the Pimoroni Pico Plus 2 W stands out with its thoughtful design. It features a familiar 3.3V GPIO logic level with 26 digital I/O pins, offering plenty of flexibility for integrating sensors, motors, and other peripherals. Developers will appreciate the inclusion of 12 programmable I/O (PIO) state machines, allowing for advanced timing and I/O control, making the Pico Plus 2 W a versatile option for custom hardware projects.

One of the most user-friendly additions is the USB Type-C port, which handles both data and power. The shift from the older micro USB to USB-C is a welcome improvement, offering faster data transfer and better power efficiency, especially useful for projects that require high-speed communication or power-hungry peripherals. The Pimoroni Pico Plus 2 W also includes a Qw/ST (Stemma QT) connector and SWD debug port, making it easier to expand the board's functionality and integrate it with other hardware for more complex designs.

Who Should Use the Pico Plus 2 W?

The Pimoroni Pico Plus 2 W is ideal for hobbyists, educators, and professionals alike. Its wide range of features, especially the addition of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, make it perfect for creating wireless IoT projects, such as home automation systems, environmental monitoring, or even simple robotics. The large 16MB flash storage and 8MB of PSRAM ensure that even more demanding applications can run smoothly, making it a great option for prototyping and product development.

For educators, the Pico Plus 2 W offers a hands-on platform to teach students about microcontroller programming, wireless communication, and IoT integration. Its MicroPython and CircuitPython compatibility also means a lower barrier to entry, especially for beginners looking to dive into coding without the steep learning curve of more complex languages.

Conclusion: A Powerful, Future-Ready Board

At $18, the Pimoroni Pico Plus 2 W offers an impressive array of features at a competitive price. With the mysterious 'Raspberry Pi RM2' Wi-Fi chip leading the charge, this microcontroller is a compelling choice for anyone looking to take their projects to the next level. Whether you're building a simple wireless sensor or a more advanced IoT system, the Pico Plus 2 W delivers the performance, flexibility, and connectivity needed to make it happen.

The Pimoroni Pico Plus 2 W has set the stage for the next generation of Pico devices, and with its strong feature set, it promises to be an essential tool for developers in the coming years. The future of Raspberry Pi microcontrollers, it seems, is looking even brighter. 🚀💡

Source:  Tom's Hardware - Pimoroni Pico Plus 2 W features mysterious 'Raspberry Pi RM2' Wi-Fi chip

Image:  Pimoroni