Meet the Raspberry Pi Pico 2: A Powerful and Affordable Microcontroller

The Raspberry Pi Pico 2 is a powerful and affordable microcontroller that's perfect for makers and hobbyists. With its dual-core ARM Cortex-M33 processor and 520 KB of on-chip SRAM, it's ideal for projects that require a bit more oomph. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Pico 2 and explore its features, capabilities, and potential applications.

The Raspberry Pi Pico 2: A Powerful and Affordable Microcontroller

As a long-time fan of the Raspberry Pi, I was excited to hear about the latest addition to the family: the Raspberry Pi Pico 2. This tiny microcontroller packs a punch, with a dual-core ARM Cortex-M33 processor and 520 KB of on-chip SRAM. But what really caught my attention was the price: just $5.

The Pico 2 is designed to be a more powerful and capable version of its predecessor, the Pico. With a higher clock speed and more memory, it’s perfect for projects that require a bit more oomph. And with its small size and low cost, it’s an ideal choice for makers and hobbyists who want to create something amazing without breaking the bank.

What’s New in the Pico 2?

So what sets the Pico 2 apart from its predecessor? For starters, the new chip has a faster processor and more memory. It also has a number of new features, including:

Dual-core ARM Cortex-M33 processor @ 150 MHz
520 KB on-chip SRAM
Software- and hardware-compatible with Raspberry Pi Pico 1
Drag-and-drop programming using Mass Storage over USB
Module allows direct soldering onto carrier boards
Extensive security features
2 x UART
2 x SPI Controller
2 x I2C Controller
24 x PWM Channels
4 x ADC Channels
1 x USB 1.1 Controller and PHY, with host and device support
12 x PIO state machines
Open source C/C++ SDK, MicroPython support

What Can You Do with the Pico 2?

With its powerful processor and wealth of features, the Pico 2 is perfect for a wide range of projects. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:

Build a home automation system using the Pico 2’s GPIO pins and Python code.
Create a wearable device using the Pico 2’s small size and low power consumption.
Make a robot using the Pico 2’s motor control capabilities and Python libraries.

Conclusion

The Raspberry Pi Pico 2 is an exciting new addition to the Raspberry Pi family. With its powerful processor, extensive features, and low cost, it’s the perfect choice for makers and hobbyists who want to create something amazing. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, the Pico 2 is definitely worth checking out.

Raspberry Pi Pico 2

Image: Raspberry Pi Foundation

About the Author

I’m a journalist with a passion for technology and making things. When I’m not writing articles, you can find me tinkering with my latest project in the workshop.