A Technical Comparability of the RP2350 and RP2040 Chips – Information

Again in August, Raspberry Pi launched the of the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 with the onboard RP2350 microcontroller. On the identical time, SparkFun got here out with the SparkFun Professional Micro – RP2350. Each offered out shortly and it took a while to get them again in inventory. Now that now we have wholesome inventory of each the Pico 2 and the Professional Micro – RP2350 we thought we might undergo the technical variations between Raspberry Pi’s RP2350 and its predecessor, the RP2040.

Overview of the RP2040

The RP2040 chip, launched in January of 2021 alongside the unique Raspberry Pi Pico, was a groundbreaking entry into the microcontroller market by Raspberry Pi. It featured:

• Twin-core ARM Cortex-M0+: Working at 133 MHz, the RP2040 offered ample energy for a wide range of embedded purposes.
• 264KB of SRAM: Ample reminiscence for light-weight purposes and real-time duties.
• 2MB of Flash reminiscence: Supplied ample storage for many embedded tasks.
• 30 GPIO Pins: Together with programmable IO (PIO) for versatile, customized peripherals.
• USB 1.1 System and Host Help: Permitting for primary connectivity choices.
• 8 Programmable IO (PIO) state machines: Enabling customized peripheral implementations.
  These options made the RP2040 a wonderful alternative for hobbyists and professionals alike, providing an inexpensive platform for a variety of purposes.

Merchandise providing the RP2040

Overview of the RP2350

The RP2350, the guts of the Raspberry Pi Pico 2, builds upon the strengths of the RP2040 whereas introducing a number of enhancements:

• Twin-core ARM Cortex-M0+ at 200 MHz: A major increase in clock velocity, providing improved efficiency for extra demanding purposes.
• 320KB of SRAM: A rise in reminiscence, supporting extra advanced operations and bigger datasets.
• 4MB of Flash reminiscence: Doubling the storage capability, catering to purposes that require extra in depth codebases or information logging.
• 40 GPIO Pins: Increasing the I/O choices, providing extra flexibility in interfacing with exterior {hardware}.
• USB 2.0 System and Host Help: Upgraded from USB 1.1, this permits for quicker information switch charges and broader compatibility with peripherals.
• 12 Programmable IO (PIO) state machines: Rising the variety of customized peripheral implementations that may be run concurrently.
• Elective RISC-V Cores: Distinctive to the RP2350, customers can select between twin ARM Cortex-M33 cores and twin Hazard3 RISC-V cores, providing flexibility in structure alternative.
• Superior Safety Options: Contains Arm TrustZone for Cortex-M, signed boot, 8KB of antifuse OTP for key storage, SHA-256 acceleration, a {hardware} TRNG, and quick glitch detectors, offering sturdy safety choices for professional-grade purposes.

The RP2350’s superior safety features and dual-core, dual-architecture functionality spotlight its suitability for skilled and industrial purposes, whereas nonetheless retaining the accessibility and affordability that made the unique Raspberry Pi Pico so in style.

Merchandise providing the RP2350

Key Variations

To supply a clearer view of the developments, right here’s a comparability desk highlighting the primary variations of the RP2040 and RP2350 chips:

Function	RP2040	RP2350
Processor	Twin-core ARM Cortex-M0+ at 133 MHz	Twin-core ARM Cortex-M33 at 200 MHz (Elective RISC-V cores)
SRAM	264KB	320KB
Flash Reminiscence	2MB	4MB
GPIO Pins	30	40
USB Help	USB 1.1 System and Host	USB 2.0 System and Host
Programmable IO (PIO)	8 state machines	12 state machines
Safety Options	No safety features	Arm TrustZone, signed boot, 8KB antifuse OTP, SHA-256 acceleration, {hardware} TRNG, glitch detectors

Efficiency and Safety Implications

The rise in clock velocity from 133 MHz to 200 MHz within the RP2350 interprets to a noticeable efficiency increase, notably helpful in real-time purposes. The non-obligatory RISC-V cores supply flexibility in processing structure, catering to numerous utility wants. Moreover, the improved safety features make the RP2350 appropriate for purposes requiring sturdy safety in opposition to tampering and unauthorized entry.

The transfer to USB 2.0 assist additional enhances the chip’s capabilities, enabling quicker information transfers and higher peripheral integration. For purposes requiring customized peripherals, the rise within the variety of PIO state machines permits for extra refined designs.

Conclusion

The RP2350 chip affords important upgrades over the RP2040, making it a robust candidate for extra demanding embedded purposes. Whether or not you’re creating a brand new undertaking or trying to improve an current one, the enhancements in efficiency, reminiscence, I/O choices, safety, and architectural flexibility make the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 a compelling alternative shifting ahead.