The Raspberry Pi RP2350 microcontroller has been making waves in the DIY electronics community, and a new development board featuring this powerful chip has recently caught the attention of tech enthusiasts. This board, dubbed the RP2350 USB-A, stands out for its unique integration of a USB Type-A port and Programmable Input/Output (PIO) capabilities, making it a versatile tool for a wide range of projects.
Key Features of the RP2350 USB-A Board
USB Type-A Port
- Full-sized USB 2.0 Type-A port (480 Mbps) for direct connection to peripherals like keyboards, mice, or flash drives.
RP2350 Microcontroller
- Dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ processor.
- 264 KB SRAM and 16 MB onboard flash memory.
- Optimized for low-power operation.
Programmable I/O (PIO)
- 8 PIO blocks for custom input/output protocols.
- Supports I2C, SPI, UART, PWM, and custom protocols.
GPIO and Connectivity
- 30 GPIO pins (3.3V logic level).
- Interfaces: I2C, SPI, UART.
- Overvoltage and short-circuit protection.
Compact Design
- Breadboard-friendly layout for easy prototyping.
- Small form factor for space-constrained projects.
Power Options
- Powered via USB Type-A or external 5V input.
- Onboard 3.3V regulator for peripherals.
Open-Source Support
- Compatible with Raspberry Pi Pico SDK and MicroPython.
- Extensive documentation and community resources.
Debugging and Programming
- SWD interface for debugging and programming.
- USB mass storage mode for drag-and-drop firmware updates.
Onboard Peripherals
- RGB LED for visual feedback.
- Reset and boot select buttons for easy operation.
Affordable Pricing
- Cost-effective design for hobbyists and professionals.
Potential Applications
- DIY USB Devices: Create custom USB peripherals, such as MIDI controllers, gamepads, or data loggers.
- IoT Prototyping: Use the board to develop IoT devices with USB connectivity for data transfer or power.
- Educational Tools: Teach microcontroller programming and hardware interfacing in a classroom or workshop setting
- Custom Communication Protocols: Leverage the PIO blocks to implement unique protocols for specialized hardware.
Why the RP2350 USB-A Stands Out
The inclusion of a USB Type-A port sets this board apart from many competitors. While USB-C is becoming more common, USB Type-A remains widely used, and its presence on the RP2350 USB-A board eliminates the need for additional adapters or dongles. Additionally, the RP2350's PIO blocks provide unparalleled flexibility, enabling users to tailor the board to their specific needs.
For those looking to integrate this board with a Raspberry Pi computer, it serves as an excellent peripheral for expanding capabilities and interfacing with USB-based projects seamlessly.
The RP2350 USB-A board is available for purchase on Waveshare's AliExpress store for $6.95.
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