Raspberry Pi Pico MicroController Development Board

Specifications

• Microcontroller: RP2040 (Designed by Raspberry Pi in the UK)
• Processor: Dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ clocked up to 133 MHz
• Memory: 264KB of on-chip SRAM
• Storage: 2MB of onboard QSPI Flash memory
• Power Input: 1.8V to 5.5V via VSYS (Onboard buck-boost SMPS)
• Operating Logic: 3.3V System (Strictly NOT 5V tolerant)
• GPIO Pins: 26 multifunction 3.3V GPIO pins
• Analog Inputs: 3x 12-bit ADC channels (Plus 1 internal temperature sensor)
• Digital Interfaces: 2x UART, 2x SPI, 2x I2C, 16x PWM channels
• Custom I/O: 8x Programmable I/O (PIO) state machines for custom peripheral support
• USB: Native USB 1.1 Host and Device support (Micro-USB port)
• Debugging: 3-pin Serial Wire Debug (SWD) ARM port

Applications

• Custom PC Peripherals: Utilize the native USB support to build macro keypads, stream decks, or flight simulator panels (USB HID).
• High-Speed Data Acquisition: Use the 133MHz clock and DMA to read high-speed sensor arrays for robotics or scientific logging.
• Audio Synthesis & Processing: Leverage the dual cores to generate waveforms or process digital audio signals (I2S via PIO).
• Industrial Protocol Bridging: Program the PIO to translate legacy industrial protocols to modern formats without CPU overhead.
• Machine Learning at the Edge: Run lightweight TinyML models (like TensorFlow Lite) for voice or gesture recognition.

Unlock New Capabilities

• Past Projects (Prerequisites): If you've mastered the basic 8-bit Arduino Uno or Nano and understand fundamental GPIO/I2C communication, you are ready for this upgrade.
• The Feature Upgrade: The Pi Pico unlocks true multi-threading (dual cores) and the incredibly powerful PIO (Programmable I/O). Instead of your CPU waiting for a sensor to reply (blocking code), the PIO handles the communication independently, freeing the dual cores to do heavy math or drive displays simultaneously.
• Effort & Requirements: Intermediate Effort. Transitioning from C++ to MicroPython is highly recommended for rapid prototyping. You will need a Micro-USB cable and a 3.3V logic-level converter if you are interfacing with older 5V sensors.

Virtual Technician & Wiring Guide

• ⚠️ CRITICAL VOLTAGE WARNING: The Raspberry Pi Pico operates strictly on 3.3V logic. Applying 5V directly to any GPIO pin will permanently damage the RP2040 chip. Always use a logic level shifter when connecting to 5V modules.

Quick I2C Wiring (Default Bus 0):

• Pico Pin 1 (GP0): Connect to Sensor SDA (Data)
• Pico Pin 2 (GP1): Connect to Sensor SCL (Clock)
• Pico Pin 3 (GND): Connect to Sensor Ground
• Pico Pin 36 (3V3 OUT): Connect to Sensor VCC (Only if the sensor is 3.3V compatible!)

Package Includes:

• 1 x Raspberry Pi Pico MicroController Development Board

Downloads:

• Datasheet
• Hardware Design 
• Product Brief
• Pico C/C++ SDK

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Is the Raspberry Pi Pico 5V tolerant?
  No. The GPIO pins are strictly 3.3V. Applying 5V will permanently damage the RP2040 chip. You must use a logic level converter for 5V signals.
• How do I program the Raspberry Pi Pico?
  You can program it using MicroPython (via Thonny IDE), C/C++ (via the official SDK), or the standard Arduino IDE by installing the RP2040 board core.
• Does the Pico have Wi-Fi or Bluetooth?
  No, this is the standard version of the Pico. If you need wireless connectivity, you should look for the "Raspberry Pi Pico W" model.
• What is the clock speed of the RP2040?
  The RP2040 features a dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ processor clocked at 133 MHz.
• How much flash memory does the Pico have?
  The board includes 2MB of onboard QSPI flash memory for storing your code and files.
• Can I use standard Arduino libraries with it?
  Yes, most standard Arduino libraries work perfectly when using the official mbed core or the popular Earle Philhower Arduino core.
• How do I reset the Pi Pico without unplugging it?
  You can reset the board by momentarily connecting the RUN pin (Pin 30) to any GND pin.
• What is the BOOTSEL button used for?
  Holding the BOOTSEL button while plugging in the USB forces the Pico into mass storage mode. This allows you to drag and drop firmware (.uf2 files) directly onto the board.
• Does the RP2040 have a hardware floating-point unit (FPU)?
  No, floating-point math is handled via highly optimized software libraries provided in the SDK.
• How many analog (ADC) pins are available?
  There are 3 usable external ADC pins (GP26, GP27, GP28) featuring 12-bit resolution. A 4th ADC channel is internally wired to an onboard temperature sensor.
• What is PIO on the Raspberry Pi Pico?
  Programmable I/O (PIO) are state machines that allow you to write custom hardware interfaces (like DVI, extra UARTs, or WS2812 LED drivers) that run independently of the main CPU cores.
• Can it act as a USB keyboard or mouse?
  Yes, the native USB 1.1 controller fully supports acting as a USB HID (Human Interface Device) out of the box.
• How much current can the GPIO pins source?
  By default, the pins source 4mA, but they can be configured via software to source up to 16mA maximum per pin.
• What is the input voltage range for VSYS?
  The onboard buck-boost power supply allows for a wide input voltage range of 1.8V to 5.5V via the VSYS pin.
• How do I power it with a battery instead of USB?
  Connect your battery's positive terminal to VSYS (Pin 39) and the negative terminal to any GND pin. Ensure the voltage stays between 1.8V and 5.5V.
• Does the Pico have built-in EEPROM?
  No, it does not have dedicated EEPROM hardware. However, libraries emulate EEPROM functionality by reserving a portion of the 2MB flash memory.
• Can I hardware-debug the Pico?
  Yes, there is a dedicated 3-pin Serial Wire Debug (SWD) port at the bottom of the board for advanced step-through debugging.