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

The Raspberry Pi RP2350 microcontroller has been generating significant buzz in the DIY electronics community, and a new development board featuring this advanced chip has recently captured the interest of tech enthusiasts. Known as the RP2350 USB-A, this board distinguishes itself with its innovative integration of a USB Type-A port and Programmable Input/Output (PIO) capabilities, making it a highly versatile tool for various 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 such as 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 suitable 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, making it accessible for hobbyists and professionals alike.

Potential Applications

The RP2350 USB-A board is well-suited for a variety of projects, including:

• DIY USB Devices: Create custom USB peripherals such as MIDI controllers, gamepads, or data loggers.
• IoT Prototyping: Develop IoT devices with USB connectivity for data transfer or power.
• Educational Tools: Teach microcontroller programming and hardware interfacing in classrooms or workshops.
• Custom Communication Protocols: Utilize the PIO blocks to implement unique protocols for specialized hardware.

What Makes the RP2350 USB-A Unique

The inclusion of a USB Type-A port sets this board apart from many others in its category. While USB-C is increasingly common, USB Type-A remains widely used, and its presence on the RP2350 USB-A board eliminates the need for additional adapters or dongles. Furthermore, the RP2350's PIO blocks offer exceptional flexibility, allowing users to customize the board to meet their specific requirements.

The RP2350 USB-A board is available for purchase on Waveshare's AliExpress store for $6.95, making it an affordable and powerful option for electronics enthusiasts and professionals alike.