https://wiki.bespokerobotsociety.org/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Raspberry_Pi_PicoRaspberry Pi Pico - Revision history2026-04-25T09:03:13ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.43.5https://wiki.bespokerobotsociety.org/index.php?title=Raspberry_Pi_Pico&diff=37&oldid=prevJohn: Claude edited based on my notes, prompt, and SimpleBot code repository2025-10-11T16:20:07Z<p>Claude edited based on my notes, prompt, and SimpleBot code repository</p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>{{MCU<br />
| name = Raspberry Pi Pico<br />
| manufacturer = Raspberry Pi Ltd<br />
| cpu = Dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ (RP2040)<br />
| cpu_speed = 133 MHz (default, overclockable)<br />
| cores = 2<br />
| ram = 264 KB SRAM<br />
| flash = 2 MB QSPI Flash<br />
| gpio = 26 digital I/O (3 ADC)<br />
| voltage = 1.8–5.5V DC<br />
| cost = $4 USD (official) / ~$2-3 (clones)<br />
| datasheet = [https://datasheets.raspberrypi.com/rp2040/rp2040-datasheet.pdf RP2040 Datasheet] / [https://datasheets.raspberrypi.com/pico/pico-product-brief.pdf Pico Product Brief]<br />
}}<br />
<br />
The '''Raspberry Pi Pico''' is a low-cost microcontroller board based on the {{Wikipedia|RP2040}} chip designed by Raspberry Pi Ltd. Released in January 2021, the Pico brought professional-grade microcontroller capabilities to an ultra-affordable price point, making it ideal for robotics, embedded systems, and educational projects.<br />
<br />
== Overview ==<br />
<br />
The Raspberry Pi Pico is built around the RP2040 microcontroller, which was custom-designed by Raspberry Pi. Unlike traditional Raspberry Pi boards that run Linux, the Pico is a microcontroller platform designed for real-time control applications and low-power embedded systems.<br />
<br />
== Key Features ==<br />
<br />
* '''Dual-core processor''': Two ARM Cortex-M0+ cores running at up to 133 MHz (overclockable to 400+ MHz)<br />
* '''Memory''': 264 KB of on-chip SRAM and 2 MB of onboard QSPI flash storage<br />
* '''GPIO''': 26 multi-function GPIO pins, including:<br />
** 3 analog inputs (12-bit ADC)<br />
** 16 PWM channels<br />
** 2 × UART<br />
** 2 × SPI controllers<br />
** 2 × I²C controllers<br />
** USB 1.1 host and device support<br />
* '''Programmable I/O (PIO)''': 8 state machines for custom peripheral support<br />
* '''Power''': Operates from 1.8V to 5.5V, making it compatible with both 3.3V and 5V logic<br />
* '''Low cost''': Official boards retail for $4 USD; compatible clones available for $2-3<br />
<br />
== Programming ==<br />
<br />
The Raspberry Pi Pico can be programmed in multiple languages:<br />
<br />
* '''MicroPython''' - The recommended language for beginners, providing easy access to hardware features<br />
* '''C/C++''' - For performance-critical applications using the official Pico SDK<br />
* '''CircuitPython''' - Alternative Python implementation with additional libraries<br />
* '''Arduino''' - Via the Arduino IDE with community-maintained board support<br />
<br />
Code can be uploaded via USB without requiring an external programmer. Simply hold the BOOTSEL button while plugging in the board to mount it as a USB mass storage device.<br />
<br />
== Variants ==<br />
<br />
* '''Raspberry Pi Pico''' - The standard board ($4)<br />
* '''Raspberry Pi Pico W''' - Adds 2.4 GHz 802.11n Wi-Fi ($6)<br />
* '''Raspberry Pi Pico H''' - Includes pre-soldered headers<br />
* '''Raspberry Pi Pico WH''' - Wi-Fi variant with pre-soldered headers<br />
* '''Raspberry Pi Pico 2''' - Updated version with RP2350 chip (2024)<br />
<br />
== Pinout ==<br />
<br />
The Pico uses a 40-pin dual-row header with 0.1" (2.54mm) spacing. Most pins are multi-function and can be configured for different purposes:<br />
<br />
* 26 digital GPIO pins<br />
* 3 analog input pins (ADC0, ADC1, ADC2)<br />
* 16 PWM channels<br />
* 2 UART, 2 SPI, 2 I²C interfaces available on multiple pins<br />
* USB data pins (fixed)<br />
* Power pins: 3V3, VSYS, VBUS, GND<br />
<br />
Full pinout details are available in the [https://datasheets.raspberrypi.com/pico/Pico-R3-A4-Pinout.pdf official pinout diagram].<br />
<br />
== Usage in BRS Projects ==<br />
<br />
The Raspberry Pi Pico is the primary microcontroller used in [[SimpleBot]], BRS's first robot design. Its combination of low cost, dual-core performance, and rich peripheral set makes it ideal for robotics applications requiring:<br />
<br />
* Motor control via PWM<br />
* Sensor interfacing (analog and digital)<br />
* Real-time control loops<br />
* Optical odometry pulse counting<br />
* Communication protocols (UART, I²C, SPI)<br />
<br />
== Resources ==<br />
<br />
* [https://www.raspberrypi.com/products/raspberry-pi-pico/ Official Product Page]<br />
* [https://datasheets.raspberrypi.com/rp2040/rp2040-datasheet.pdf RP2040 Datasheet] (624 pages)<br />
* [https://datasheets.raspberrypi.com/pico/pico-datasheet.pdf Pico Datasheet]<br />
* [https://datasheets.raspberrypi.com/pico/raspberry-pi-pico-python-sdk.pdf MicroPython SDK Documentation]<br />
* [https://github.com/raspberrypi/pico-sdk Official C/C++ SDK]<br />
* [https://www.raspberrypi.com/documentation/microcontrollers/ Raspberry Pi Microcontroller Documentation]<br />
<br />
== See Also ==<br />
<br />
* [[RP2040]] - The microcontroller chip itself<br />
* [[SimpleBot]] - BRS's first robot, powered by the Pico<br />
* [[BRS Differential Drive Robot Control Board]] - Custom PCB designed for the Pico<br />
<br />
[[Category:MCU]]<br />
[[Category:Raspberry Pi]]</div>John