RP2040-Zero Mini Development Board with Pre-Soldered Headers - USB Type-C Raspberry Pi Pico Compatible

Specifications

• Microcontroller: Dual-core ARM Cortex M0+ @ 133MHz

• Memory: 264KB On-chip SRAM

• Flash: 2MB QSPI Flash

• USB Interface: USB Type-C (Power, Data, and Programming)

• Form Factor: Ultra-compact (approx 23.5 x 18mm)

• GPIO: 29x Multi-function GPIO pins (20 pins on headers, 9 pins via pads)

• Peripherals: * 2x SPI, 2x I2C, 2x UART

  • 4x 12-bit ADC

  • 16x Controllable PWM channels

• On-board LED: WS2812 RGB LED (Connected to GPIO16)

• Mounting: Breadboard-friendly with pre-soldered headers.

Key Applications & Projects

• Wearable Tech: Small enough to be sewn into clothing or hidden in 3D-printed props.

• Custom Keyboards: Use it as a powerful controller for split mechanical keyboards or macro pads.

• Drone Flight Controllers: Its high clock speed and small size make it perfect for custom mini-quad projects.

• USB Security Keys: Build your own 2FA or HID injection tools with modern Type-C connectivity.

Project Evolution

• Past Projects (Prerequisites): If you've used a standard Raspberry Pi Pico or an Arduino Nano but found them too bulky for your enclosure, this is your upgrade.

• Feature Upgrade: The RP2040-Zero provides the same 264KB SRAM as the Pico but in a 60% smaller volume, unlocking the ability to put high-performance logic in tiny spaces.

• Effort Level: Intermediate. While the software is easy (Pico-compatible), the high pin density requires careful wiring.

• Hardware Needed: A USB Type-C data cable and a breadboard or female header strips.

Virtual Technician & Wiring

• Voltage Warning: The RP2040 is NOT 5V tolerant. All I/O pins operate at 3.3V only.

• Probots™ Logic-Safe Pro-Tip: If interfacing with 5V components like traditional ultrasonic sensors, use a logic level converter to protect the RP2040.

• Resetting: Since there is no physical reset button on many mini-boards, we've broken out the 'Run' pin so you can add an external reset switch easily.

• RGB LED: Address GPIO16 using the NeoPixel library to control the onboard RGB status indicator.

Accessories

• Included: 1x RP2040-Zero Board with Pre-Soldered Header Pins.

• Required Additional: USB Type-C Data Cable, Breadboard for prototyping.

Helpful Tutorials & Resources

• Official Raspberry Pi RP2040 Documentation

• RP2040-Zero Wiki & Examples

• MicroPython UF2 Firmware for RP2040-Zero

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Does this board require soldering? No, this specific version comes with headers pre-soldered for immediate breadboard use.
• Is it compatible with MicroPython? Yes, it uses the standard Raspberry Pi Pico MicroPython firmware.
• What is the USB port type? It features a modern USB Type-C port.
• How many GPIO pins are available? It has 29 GPIO pins in total (20 accessible via headers).
• Is it smaller than the Raspberry Pi Pico? Yes, it is significantly smaller, approximately 1/3rd the size.
• Where is the onboard RGB LED connected? The WS2812 RGB LED is connected to GPIO16.
• Does it support Arduino IDE? Yes, select "Raspberry Pi Pico" in the Arduino Board Manager.
• Can I power it via a 3.7V LiPo battery? Yes, you can connect a regulated 3.3V supply to the 3V3 pin or a 5V supply to the 5V pin.
• Is the RP2040-Zero 5V tolerant? No, all GPIO pins are 3.3V logic.
• Does it have a boot button? Yes, there is a small SMD 'BOOT' button on the board.
• How much Flash memory does it have? It comes with 2MB of QSPI Flash.
• Can it run CircuitPython? Yes, it is fully compatible with CircuitPython.
• What is the CPU speed? 133MHz (Dual-core ARM Cortex M0+).
• Is there an ADC for analog sensors? Yes, it has 4 available ADC channels.
• Can I use it for HID (Human Interface Device) projects? Yes, it is perfect for DIY keyboards and mice.
• Is there an onboard power LED? No, status is typically handled via the programmable RGB LED.
• What is the pin spacing? It uses standard 2.54mm (0.1 inch) pitch headers.
• Can I use Thonny IDE with this board? Yes, Thonny is the recommended editor for MicroPython on this board.
• How do I enter bootloader mode? Hold the 'BOOT' button while plugging in the USB cable.
• Is this board suitable for low-power battery applications? Yes, the RP2040 has several low-power sleep modes.