The Raspberry Pi Pico, launched in 2021 by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, marks a new chapter in the world of microcontrollers and embedded systems. Unlike the original Raspberry Pi single-board computers, which are designed as fully functional computers, the Raspberry Pi Pico is a microcontroller development board. Compact, affordable, and versatile, the Pico brings powerful processing capabilities to small, embedded systems at a fraction of the price of traditional microcontroller boards. Its popularity has surged due to its low cost, ease of use, and the extensive ecosystem of hardware and software that supports it.
In this article, we will explore what the Raspberry Pi Pico is, its key features, how it differs from other Raspberry Pi models, and its wide range of applications. Whether you’re an electronics enthusiast, a hobbyist, or a professional developer, the Raspberry Pi Pico offers an exciting platform for creating embedded projects, learning to program, and building innovative systems.
What is Raspberry Pi Pico?
The Raspberry Pi Pico is a microcontroller board that uses the Raspberry Pi Foundation’s own custom-designed microcontroller, the RP2040. Unlike the more familiar Raspberry Pi models, which run full operating systems like Raspberry Pi OS, the Pico is designed to run low-level software directly on the hardware, without the need for an operating system. This makes it ideal for embedded systems, robotics, automation, and other real-time applications where speed and direct control over the hardware are paramount.
The Pico is based on the RP2040 chip, a powerful yet energy-efficient microcontroller that is capable of running at speeds up to 133 MHz, making it ideal for a wide range of applications that require fast and responsive computing. The board features 26 GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) pins, a USB 1.1 port, and various other features designed to make development easy and accessible to everyone, from beginners to experienced engineers.
Key Features of Raspberry Pi Pico
The Raspberry Pi Pico offers a host of features that make it an attractive choice for embedded projects. Here are the key features that set it apart from other microcontroller boards:
1. RP2040 Microcontroller
At the heart of the Raspberry Pi Pico is the RP2040 microcontroller, developed in-house by the Raspberry Pi Foundation. The RP2040 is a dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ processor, running at a clock speed of 133 MHz. The microcontroller also includes 264KB of SRAM and 2MB of flash memory, providing ample space for storing code and running applications. The dual-core nature of the RP2040 allows for efficient multitasking, making it suitable for more complex applications that need to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
2. GPIO Pins
The Raspberry Pi Pico features 26 GPIO pins, which can be used to interact with sensors, motors, LEDs, buttons, and other components. These pins can be configured for digital input and output, pulse width modulation (PWM), analog-to-digital conversion (ADC), and serial communication protocols like I2C, SPI, and UART. This wide range of options makes the Pico an ideal board for building embedded systems, robotics, and automation projects.
3. USB Connectivity
The Raspberry Pi Pico is equipped with a USB 1.1 port, which allows it to be easily connected to a computer or other devices for programming, debugging, and data transfer. It also supports USB device functionality, meaning it can act as a USB keyboard, mouse, or other devices in specific applications. The Pico uses a Micro-USB connector, which is common in many modern electronics, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of cables and devices.
4. Low Power Consumption
The Raspberry Pi Pico is designed to be power-efficient, drawing as little as 1.8mA of current in its low-power mode. This makes it an excellent choice for battery-powered projects, such as IoT (Internet of Things) devices, remote sensors, and portable electronics. Its low power consumption allows it to run on small batteries for extended periods, making it an attractive option for outdoor, remote, or off-grid applications.
5. Flexible Programming Options
The Raspberry Pi Pico can be programmed using a variety of languages, making it an accessible choice for developers with different skill sets. The most common languages used to program the Pico are MicroPython and C/C++. The Raspberry Pi Foundation officially supports MicroPython, a simplified version of Python designed for embedded systems. This allows developers to write code using Python’s familiar syntax, making it easier to get started for beginners.
For those who prefer more control over the hardware, the Pico can also be programmed in C or C++ using the Pico SDK (Software Development Kit). The Pico SDK provides an extensive set of libraries and tools that allow developers to access the full potential of the RP2040 microcontroller, including advanced features like DMA (Direct Memory Access) and multi-threading.
6. Onboard Flash Storage
The Raspberry Pi Pico comes with 2MB of onboard flash memory, which is used to store the program code and data. This flash storage is plenty for most embedded applications and ensures that the board can run independently, without requiring an external storage medium like an SD card.
Raspberry Pi Pico vs. Other Raspberry Pi Models
While the Raspberry Pi Pico shares the Raspberry Pi name, it differs significantly from the single-board computers (SBCs) that the Raspberry Pi Foundation is known for, such as the Raspberry Pi 4 or Raspberry Pi Zero. Here’s a comparison of the Pico and the traditional Raspberry Pi models:
1. Purpose and Design
- Raspberry Pi SBCs (e.g., Raspberry Pi 4): Designed to be full-fledged computers, Raspberry Pi boards like the Pi 4 run an operating system (Raspberry Pi OS) and can perform a wide range of tasks, including running applications, browsing the web, and connecting to peripherals like monitors and keyboards.
- Raspberry Pi Pico: Designed specifically for embedded applications, the Pico is a microcontroller board. It does not run a full operating system and is intended to be used for real-time tasks such as controlling devices, reading sensor data, or processing inputs/outputs in real-time.
2. Connectivity
- Raspberry Pi SBCs: Raspberry Pi boards typically come with built-in Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and multiple USB ports, making them suitable for projects that require networking or peripheral connectivity.
- Raspberry Pi Pico: The Pico has a single USB 1.1 port and lacks networking capabilities out-of-the-box, though you can add networking functionality via additional hardware, such as a Wi-Fi or Ethernet shield.
3. Processing Power
- Raspberry Pi SBCs: The Raspberry Pi 4, for example, features a quad-core ARM Cortex-A72 processor running at 1.5 GHz, making it much more powerful than the Pico in terms of raw processing power.
- Raspberry Pi Pico: The Pico features a dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ processor running at 133 MHz. While it’s much less powerful than a Raspberry Pi SBC, it’s perfectly suited for handling real-time tasks with low latency, such as controlling sensors and motors.
4. Use Cases
- Raspberry Pi SBCs: Suitable for projects that require full computing power, such as desktop computing, media centers, web servers, or IoT gateways.
- Raspberry Pi Pico: Ideal for embedded systems, robotics, automation, real-time control, IoT applications, and sensor data acquisition.
Applications of Raspberry Pi Pico
The Raspberry Pi Pico’s combination of processing power, low cost, and flexibility makes it suitable for a wide range of applications. Here are some of the most popular use cases:
1. Embedded Systems and IoT Projects
The Raspberry Pi Pico is perfect for building low-cost embedded systems and IoT devices. With its GPIO pins, you can interface with sensors, motors, and other components to collect data or control external devices. The low power consumption of the Pico makes it ideal for battery-powered IoT projects, such as environmental monitoring, smart agriculture, and remote sensors.
2. Robotics
With its GPIO pins, the Raspberry Pi Pico can be used to control motors, sensors, and servos in robotic systems. Whether you’re building a simple robot that follows a line or a more complex autonomous robot, the Pico provides the power and flexibility needed for real-time control of robotics hardware.
3. Education and Learning
The Raspberry Pi Pico is an excellent platform for learning programming, electronics, and embedded systems. Its ease of use, combined with support for programming languages like MicroPython, makes it a great tool for students, beginners, and educators alike. The Pico allows students to get hands-on experience with microcontroller programming, sensor interfacing, and circuit design.
4. Prototyping and DIY Projects
The Pico is an ideal choice for prototyping new ideas. With its wide range of GPIO pins and support for various communication protocols, it can be used to rapidly prototype and test new electronic projects. Whether you’re building a custom gadget or experimenting with new ideas, the Pico provides the flexibility to bring your creations to life.
5. Home Automation
The Raspberry Pi Pico can be used as the brain of home automation systems, where it can control lights, temperature, security systems, and other devices. With the addition of sensors like motion detectors, temperature sensors, and humidity sensors, the Pico can automate everyday tasks in the home.