RP2350 USB-A A Powerful Raspberry Pi RP2350 Development Board with USB Type-A and Programmable I/O PIO

The Raspberry Pi RP2350 microcontroller has been creating a stir in the DIY electronics world, and a new development board featuring this powerful chip has recently gained attention from tech enthusiasts. Named the RP2350 USB-A, this board stands out due to its unique combination of a USB Type-A port and Programmable Input/Output (PIO) functionality, making it a highly adaptable 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 devices like keyboards, mice, or USB drives.

RP2350 Microcontroller

·         Dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ processor.

·         264 KB SRAM and 16 MB onboard flash memory.

·         Designed for low-power efficiency.

Programmable I/O (PIO)

·         8 PIO blocks for creating custom input/output protocols.

·         Supports I2C, SPI, UART, PWM, and custom communication methods.

GPIO and Connectivity

·         30 GPIO pins (3.3V logic level).

·         Interfaces: I2C, SPI, UART.

·         Built-in protection against overvoltage and short circuits.

Compact Design

·         Breadboard-compatible layout for easy prototyping.

·         Small size ideal for projects with limited space.

Power Options

·         Can be powered via USB Type-A or an external 5V input.

·         Onboard 3.3V regulator for peripheral devices.

Open-Source Support

·         Works with Raspberry Pi Pico SDK and MicroPython.

·         Comprehensive documentation and active community support.

Debugging and Programming

·         SWD interface for debugging and programming.

·         USB mass storage mode for simple drag-and-drop firmware updates.

Onboard Peripherals

·         RGB LED for status indication.

·         Reset and boot select buttons for easy operation.

Affordable Pricing

·         Budget-friendly design, making it accessible for hobbyists and professionals.

The RP2350 USB-A board is perfect for a variety of applications, including:

·         Custom USB Devices: Build unique USB peripherals like MIDI controllers, gamepads, or data loggers.

·         IoT Development: Create IoT devices with USB connectivity for data transfer or power supply.

·         Educational Use: Teach microcontroller programming and hardware interfacing in classrooms or workshops.

·         Specialized Communication: Use the PIO blocks to implement custom protocols for niche hardware requirements.

The inclusion of a USB Type-A port makes this board stand out in a market increasingly dominated by USB-C. Since USB Type-A remains widely used, its presence on the RP2350 USB-A board eliminates the need for additional adapters. Additionally, the RP2350's PIO blocks offer unmatched flexibility, enabling users to tailor the board to their specific project needs.

The RP2350 USB-A board is available for purchase on Waveshare's AliExpress store for $6.95, offering an affordable yet powerful solution for electronics enthusiasts and professionals.