The Raspberry Pi Pico series consists of cost-effective and high-performance microcontroller development boards featuring the RP2040 chip. Designed for embedded systems, IoT applications, and robotics, these boards offer a balance of processing power, GPIO expandability, and energy efficiency. The lineup includes the standard Raspberry Pi Pico, wireless-enabled versions, and upgraded models like the Pico 2 and Pico 2W.
1. Raspberry Pi Pico (Standard Model)
Key Features:
- Microcontroller: Raspberry Pi RP2040 (Dual-Core ARM Cortex-M0+)
- Clock Speed: Up to 133MHz
- Memory: 264KB SRAM
- Storage: 2MB Flash
- GPIO Pins: 26 (3.3V logic, including SPI, I2C, UART, PWM, and ADC)
- USB Interface: Micro-USB for power and data transfer
- Power Input: 1.8V - 5.5V (supports LiPo batteries)
- Programming Support: C/C++, MicroPython
Best For: Entry-level embedded applications, DIY electronics, and learning microcontroller programming.
2. Raspberry Pi Pico W (Wireless Version)
Additional Features Over Standard Pico:
- Wi-Fi: 2.4GHz 802.11n (Infineon CYW43439)
- Security: WPA3 Support
- Antenna: Integrated onboard antenna
Best For: IoT applications, wireless communication projects, and cloud-based sensor systems.
3. Raspberry Pi Pico H (Pre-Soldered Header Version)
Additional Features Over Standard Pico:
- Pre-Soldered Headers: Male pin headers for direct breadboard or PCB mounting
- Debug Connector: 3-pin JST SH connector for debugging
Best For: Users who want plug-and-play development without soldering.
4. Raspberry Pi Pico WH (Wireless + Pre-Soldered Header Version)
Additional Features Over Pico W:
- Pre-Soldered Headers: Male headers for easy prototyping
Best For: IoT and wireless projects that require quick setup without soldering.
5. Raspberry Pi Pico 2 (Upgraded Version of Pico)
Key Upgrades Over Standard Pico:
- Microcontroller: RP2040 (Same dual-core Cortex-M0+ architecture)
- Clock Speed: Higher than 133MHz (exact specs TBD)
- Memory: Increased RAM (Possibly 512KB or more)
- Storage: Likely 4MB+ Flash for larger applications
- GPIO Improvements: Additional I/O enhancements for more flexibility
- USB Interface: May feature USB-C instead of Micro-USB
Best For: Advanced embedded applications requiring more memory and processing power.
6. Raspberry Pi Pico 2W (Wireless Version of Pico 2)
Additional Features Over Pico 2:
- Wi-Fi: 2.4GHz (Likely enhanced wireless capabilities over Pico W)
- Bluetooth: Expected support for BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy)
- Security: WPA3 and improved encryption
Best For: Next-gen IoT projects requiring high-performance wireless connectivity.
7. Raspberry Pi Pico with Expanded Flash Variants
Some customized versions of the Raspberry Pi Pico and Pico W include expanded flash memory (e.g., 4MB, 8MB, or 16MB) for larger applications like data logging, real-time processing, and AI-based microcontroller projects.
Comparison Table of Raspberry Pi Pico Variants
| Feature | Pico | Pico W | Pico H | Pico WH | Pico 2 | Pico 2W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCU | RP2040 | RP2040 | RP2040 | RP2040 | RP2040 (Upgraded) | RP2040 (Upgraded) |
| Clock Speed | 133MHz | 133MHz | 133MHz | 133MHz | Higher than 133MHz | Higher than 133MHz |
| RAM | 264KB | 264KB | 264KB | 264KB | Expected 512KB+ | Expected 512KB+ |
| Flash Storage | 2MB | 2MB | 2MB | 2MB | 4MB+ | 4MB+ |
| GPIO Pins | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | Expected 26+ | Expected 26+ |
| Wireless | ❌ | Wi-Fi 2.4GHz | ❌ | Wi-Fi 2.4GHz | ❌ | Wi-Fi + Bluetooth |
| Pre-Soldered Headers | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| USB Interface | Micro-USB | Micro-USB | Micro-USB | Micro-USB | Expected USB-C | Expected USB-C |
Common Applications of Raspberry Pi Pico Boards
✅ IoT and smart home automation
✅ Robotics and motor control
✅ Wearable and low-power devices
✅ Data logging and sensor interfacing
✅ Education and embedded system learning