Raspberry Pi Pico W

Specifications

• Microcontroller: RP2040 (Dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ at 133MHz)
• On-board Flash: 2MB QSPI
• SRAM: 264KB
• Wireless: Infineon CYW43439 (802.11n Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 5.2)
• GPIO: 26 Multi-function pins (3.3V Digital, 3x 12-bit ADC)
• Hardware Peripherals: 2× UART, 2× SPI, 2× I2C, 16× PWM channels
• Programmable I/O (PIO): 8 State machines for custom peripheral support
• Input Voltage: 1.8V to 5.5V DC (via VSYS or Micro-USB)
• Operating Temp: -20°C to +70°C
• Dimensions: 21mm × 51mm (Castellated PCB for surface mounting)

Applications

• IoT Edge Nodes: Collect and upload sensor data (Temperature, Humidity, CO2) to AWS, Azure, or local MQTT brokers.
• Smart Home Controllers: Create custom Wi-Fi enabled light switches or appliance controllers.
• Wireless HID: Use Bluetooth to build custom macro pads, game controllers, or wireless keyboards.
• Remote Monitoring: Deploy long-running battery-powered trackers using low-power sleep modes.

Project Evolution

• The Starting Point: If you’ve mastered the standard Raspberry Pi Pico or Arduino Uno, you’re ready for the Pico W.
• The Upgrade: Moving to the Pico W unlocks the world of Wireless Networking. No more tethering to a PC to see your data—host a local web server or send data across your home Wi-Fi.
• Skill Level: Intermediate. Requires basic knowledge of MicroPython or C++ and an understanding of networking basics (SSID/Passwords).

Virtual Technician & Wiring

• Safety Warning: All GPIO pins operate at 3.3V. Connecting 5V signals directly to GPIO pins will damage the RP2040. Use level shifters for 5V sensors.
• Powering: Use the VBUS pin for 5V output (when USB is connected) or VSYS for battery input (1.8V - 5.5V).
• Onboard LED: On the Pico W, the onboard LED is connected via the Wi-Fi chip, not a direct GPIO. In MicroPython, use machine.Pin("LED", machine.Pin.OUT) to control it.

Package Includes:

• 1 x Raspberry Pi Pico W

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the difference between Pico and Pico W?
  The Pico W includes an Infineon CYW43439 wireless chip for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, whereas the standard Pico has no wireless capabilities.
• Does the Raspberry Pi Pico W support Bluetooth?
  Yes, with the latest firmware updates, the Pico W supports Bluetooth 5.2 (Classic and BLE).
• Can I use my existing Pico code on a Pico W?
  Yes, the RP2040 pinout is identical. You only need to update your code if you want to use the wireless features.
• How do I power the Pico W?
  You can power it via the Micro-USB port or through the VSYS pin with 1.8V to 5.5V DC.
• Does it support 5GHz Wi-Fi?
  No, the Pico W only supports single-band 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (802.11n).
• Are the GPIO pins 5V tolerant?
  No, all GPIO pins are 3.3V logic level. Using 5V will damage the board.
• How many ADC channels does the Pico W have?
  It has 3 accessible 12-bit ADC channels (GP26, GP27, GP28).
• Can the Pico W act as a Wi-Fi Access Point?
  Yes, it can operate in both Station (client) and Access Point (AP) modes.
• What programming languages are supported?
  Official support includes C/C++ SDK, MicroPython, and CircuitPython. It is also compatible with the Arduino IDE.
• How do I put the Pico W into Bootloader mode?
  Hold down the white BOOTSEL button while plugging it into your computer’s USB port.
• Does it have a built-in LED?
  Yes, but unlike the standard Pico, it is controlled via the Wi-Fi chip (WL_GPIO0).
• Is there an onboard temperature sensor?
  Yes, the RP2040 features an internal temperature sensor connected to ADC channel 4.
• What is PIO on the Pico W?
  Programmable I/O (PIO) allows you to create custom hardware interfaces (like VGA or unusual protocols) using state machines.
• Does the Pico W support WPA3 security?
  Yes, the latest wireless stack supports WPA3 Wi-Fi security.
• Can I use the Pico W for battery-powered projects?
  Absolutely. It features low-power sleep and dormant modes to conserve energy.
• How much memory does it have?
  It has 264KB of internal SRAM and 2MB of external QSPI Flash.
• Can I solder it directly to another PCB?
  Yes, the castellated edges allow it to be surface-mounted as a module.
• What USB cable do I need?
  A standard Micro-USB data cable (not a charge-only cable).
• How many UART/I2C/SPI ports are available?
  It has 2 UARTs, 2 I2C controllers, and 2 SPI controllers.
• Is the Pico W compatible with the Pico breadboard?
  Yes, the physical footprint and pin layout remain identical to the original Pico.