The launch of the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 marks a big improve from its predecessor, the Raspberry Pi Pico.
Again in August, Raspberry Pi launched the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 with the onboard RP2350 microcontroller. On the similar time, SparkFun got here out with the SparkFun Professional Micro – RP2350. Each offered out rapidly and it took a while to get them again in inventory. Now that we now have wholesome inventory of each the Pico 2 and the Professional Micro – RP2350 we thought we would undergo the technical variations between Raspberry Pi’s RP2350 and its predecessor, the RP2040.
Overview of the RP2040
The RP2040 chip, launched in January of 2021 alongside the unique Raspberry Pi Pico, was a groundbreaking entry into the microcontroller market by Raspberry Pi. It featured:
- Twin-core ARM Cortex-M0+: Working at 133 MHz, the RP2040 supplied ample energy for quite a lot of embedded purposes.
- 264kB of SRAM: Enough reminiscence for light-weight purposes and real-time duties.
- 2MB of Flash reminiscence: Supplied ample storage for many embedded tasks.
- 30 GPIO Pins: Together with programmable IO (PIO) for versatile, customized peripherals.
- USB 1.1 System and Host Assist: Permitting for fundamental connectivity choices.
- 2 × Programmable IO (PIO) blocks, 8 state machines complete: Enabling customized peripheral implementations equivalent to SD Card and VGA.
These options made the RP2040 a wonderful alternative for hobbyists and professionals alike, providing an inexpensive platform for a variety of purposes.
Merchandise providing the RP2040
Overview of the RP2350
The RP2350, the center of the Raspberry Pi Pico 2, builds upon the strengths of the RP2040 whereas introducing a number of enhancements:
- Twin ARM CortexM33 and Hazard3 RISC-V Processors at 150 MHz: A major increase in clock velocity, providing improved efficiency for extra demanding purposes. Customers can choose two processors to run on boot.
- 520kB of SRAM: A rise in reminiscence, supporting extra complicated operations and bigger datasets.
- As much as 16 MB of exterior QSPI flash/PSRAM: Accessible by way of elective second chip-select catering to purposes that require extra intensive codebases or information logging.
- 30-48 GPIO Pins (relying on mannequin): Increasing the I/O choices, providing extra flexibility in interfacing with exterior {hardware}.
- 12 Programmable IO (PIO) state machines: Growing the variety of customized peripheral implementations that may be run concurrently.
- Non-compulsory RISC-V Cores: Distinctive to the RP2350, customers can select between twin ARM Cortex-M33 cores and twin Hazard3 RISC-V cores, providing flexibility in structure alternative.
- Superior Safety Options: Contains Arm TrustZone for Cortex-M, signed boot, 8kB of antifuse OTP for key storage, SHA-256 acceleration, a {hardware} TRNG, and quick glitch detectors, offering sturdy safety choices for professional-grade purposes.
The RP2350’s superior safety features and dual-core, dual-architecture functionality spotlight its suitability for skilled and industrial purposes, whereas nonetheless retaining the accessibility and affordability that made the unique Raspberry Pi Pico so common.
Merchandise providing the RP2350
Key Variations
To offer a clearer view of the developments, right here’s a comparability desk highlighting the principle variations of the RP2040 and RP2350 chips:
| Function | RP2040 | RP2350 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Twin-core ARM Cortex-M0+ at 133 MHz | ARM® Cortex® M33 processors and two Hazard3 RISC-V processors at 150 MHz (user-selectable for dual-cores) |
| SRAM | 264kB | 520kB (in 10 banks) |
| Inner Flash Reminiscence | 2MB | 0/2MB (mannequin dependent) |
| GPIO Pins | 30 | 30—48 |
| USB Assist | USB 1.1 System and Host | USB USB 1.1 controller and PHY, with host and system help |
| Programmable IO (PIO) | 8 state machines | 12 state machines |
| Safety Options | No safety features | Arm TrustZone, signed boot, 8kB antifuse OTP, SHA-256 acceleration, {hardware} TRNG, glitch detectors |
Efficiency and Safety Implications
The rise in clock velocity from 133 MHz to 150 MHz within the RP2350 interprets to a noticeable efficiency increase, notably useful in real-time purposes. The elective RISC-V cores provide flexibility in processing structure, catering to numerous utility wants. Moreover, the improved safety features make the RP2350 appropriate for purposes requiring sturdy safety towards tampering and unauthorized entry.
Conclusion
The RP2350 chip presents vital upgrades over the RP2040, making it a robust candidate for extra demanding embedded purposes. Whether or not you’re creating a brand new venture or seeking to improve an present one, the enhancements in efficiency, reminiscence, I/O choices, safety, and architectural flexibility make the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 a compelling alternative shifting ahead.
