Raspberry Pi Pico Launched on Micro Python Language Platform

adminNews

Raspberry Pi processors have been one of the most entertaining instruments that can teach anyone to build supercool electronics projects. The Raspberry Pi Foundation is continuously working hard to deliver something that can make processor-based coding easier for its users. Creating a new thing with Raspberry Pi processors has become easy and more engaging due to the number of features that it delivers. Raspberry Pi processors impart lessons that help the users build more constructive projects from merely switching a LED to streaming live video. Now, in the year 2021, they have launched another new processor, named Raspberry Pi Pico. This new processor from Raspberry Pi embeds many fascinating features that the users can tap to develop projects. Raspberry Pi has released a book on MicroPython (the coding language in Python dedicated to microprocessors) with this processor. Let’s explore more about this newly released microprocessor from the Raspberry Pi Foundation.

Board Specifications

  • Dual-core Arm Cortex M0+ processor
  • Flexible clock running up to 133 MHz
  • 264KB of SRAM (static RAM)
  • 2MB of onboard Flash memory
  • Castellated module that allows soldering directly to carrier boards
  • USB 1.1 port having both device and host support
  • Low-power sleep and dormant modes for power optimization
  • Drag-and-drop programming using mass storage over USB ports and slots
  • 26 multi-function GPIO pins
  • Two SPI pins, in addition to two I2C and UART pins
  • Three-pin for serial wiring debug port for a dedicated debug interface and smoother code embedding and burning
  • Three 12-bit ADC channels
  • Sixteen controllable PWM channels
  • Accurate clock and timer on-chip to give the flexible clock frequency
  • Thermal sensor (A new addition to read temperature)
  • Accelerated floating-point libraries on-chip
  • Eight Programmable I/O (PIO) state machines for customized peripheral support

Raspberry Pi has provided the pinout diagram, Fritzing layout and parts, and design files in their website regarding the board configurations. Any user thinking to purchase this controller can download all these files directly from the website.

Pico SDK (Software Development Kit)

The Pico SDK provides the essential elements to code the newly launched Raspberry Pi Pico controller. Certain programming languages, including C, C++, assembly language, etc., come with a unique set of libraries and headers to write these programs. The same is the case with Pico SDK that delivers an API (Application program interface) and suitable coding environment. These API help users access the Raspberry Pi Pico’s hardware through the embedded peripherals, along with its direct memory access and interrupt requests (raised to perform certain functions by making the controller halt the current operation). The libraries mainly deal with timers, interrupts, USB, synchronization, audio, etc.

Get Started with MicroPython on Raspberry Pi Pico

Raspberry Pi has released a book to give hands-on usage of Raspberry Pi Pico, named Get Started with MicroPython on Raspberry Pi Pico. The book provides information on beginner-friendly language, i.e., MicroPython. It is in this language that the users are going to write programs and connect hardware. The book also provides multiple electro-mechanical projects that the users can develop for fun. The book not only helps to understand MicroPython for Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller, but also the microcontrollers and microprocessors that are compatible with this language. Hence, using MicroPython users can design the light controlling system, send text screen messages, indicating the current temperature by giving voice instruction, etc. Apart from this, the book will open many fascinating facts that are new in this microcontroller.

About MicroPython

MicroPython is Python 3 built programming language that has dedicated functionality to run on embedded hardware. The language is also suitable for both Python and C programming languages. With MicroPython, a user gets a REPL-type (read-evaluate print loop) interactive environment to execute commands through USB serial ports and other pins present in the microcontrollers and microprocessors. Australian programmer Damien George developed this language, the source code of which is available in MIT License and Github. The best part of this programming language is that it provides a cross-compilation option and firmware has the flexibility to create its build filed without compilers.

Approved Raspberry Pi Sellers

  • Adafruit
  • Okdo
  • VILROS
  • Chicago Electronic Distributors
  • Micro Center
  • Maker Bright
  • CanaKit

Please check that for VILROS, that if the user is buying the new controller launched by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, they can get only one set due to limited stock in the current scenario.

Conclusion

Raspberry Pi Pico is a sophisticated state-of-the-art microcontroller that provides a rich set of features to design, develop, and innovate new electro-mechanical projects. The Raspberry Pi Foundation has provided the list of authorized sellers and retailers from which users can purchase this new microcontroller. To ensure that the users understand this embedded system, the organization has provided a handbook with the details and other files, and every user must know to do their projects.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *