In the universe of low-cost microcontrollers, the Raspberry Pi Peak has been one of the most applauded releases by makers, developers and educators. With the arrival of the new Raspberry Pi Pico 2, expectations have grown thanks to its renewed technological heart: the chip RP2350This processor brings with it important improvements compared to the already veteran RP2040, expanding horizons in terms of power, to maximise security and your enjoyment. y versatility.
If you are considering making the jump to the new version or are simply curious to know what exactly has changed between these two chips, here we bring you a complete and detailed analysis of all the differences between the RP2040 and the RP2350We not only compare them from a technical perspective, but also explore their practical implications in real-world projects.
Key differences between RP2040 and RP2350
The evolution of a microcontroller doesn't just involve improvements in frequency or memory. With the RP2350, Raspberry Pi has taken a more ambitious approach, equipping it with capabilities that make it more suitable for professional or industrial environments. Let's take a step-by-step look at how these chips differ.
The RP2040, released in January 2021, marked the Raspberry Pi's entry into the world of microcontrollers. It was presented as an incredibly powerful option for its price, with specifications that made it a best-seller in educational and simple automation projects.
Its main features included:
- Dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ processor to 133 MHz.
- 264 KB SRAM on chip.
- 2 MB flash memory integrated.
- Up to 30 GPIO pins, including support for programmable PIO.
- 8 PIO state machines, very useful in custom projects.
- USB 1.1 with host and device support.
For its part, the new RP2350 takes a significant qualitative leap. This chip can integrate two types of architecture, which makes it unique: it can be configured to work with two ARM Cortex-M33 cores or with two Hazard3 RISC-V cores, both working at 150 MHz.
But that's not all. The improvements go far beyond the CPU, including more memory, more security y expanded peripheral options:
- 520 KB of internal SRAM, practically double the RP2040.
- Up to 4 MB of QSPI flash memory integrated and support for up to 16 MB external.
- 30 to 48 GPIO pins, depending on the version.
- 12 state machines for PIO, offering even greater customization.
- ARM TrustZone support and secure boot through code signing.
- 8 KB of anti-fuse OTP memory for secure key storage.
- TRNG sensor, SHA-256 accelerator, and glitch detection.
All this makes the RP2350 a much more powerful and safer option., without losing the essence of low consumption and reduced cost that characterizes the Pico range.
Performance and architecture improvements
One of the main differences is undoubtedly the processor type and powerWhile the RP2040 relies on the well-known Cortex-M0+, the RP2350 allows the user to choose between the ARM Cortex-M33 architecture (more powerful and with support for TrustZone) or the promising RISC-V Hazard3.
Going up to 150 MHz clock doesn't seem like much in numbers., but in a microcontroller, those extra 17 MHz can make a difference in the ability to run more complex code or real-time tasks. It's also noteworthy that the RP2350 can switch between architectures at system startup, giving it unprecedented flexibility.
RAM and storage capacity also double the figures than its predecessor, allowing it to handle more data in memory and run more demanding applications without bottlenecks. Additionally, the ability to use external memory of up to 16 MB on the RP Pico 2 expands the possibilities for data loggers, firmware storage, and more.
Advances in safety and energy efficiency
The RP2040 did not implement any specific security system. In contrast, the RP2350 was designed with a Comprehensive security architecture designed for professional environments, where protecting firmware, data or communications is critical.
Thanks to the inclusion of ARM TrustZone for Cortex-M, it is possible to separate secure and non-secure code areas within the same chip. In addition, thanks to the signed boot It is guaranteed that only verified firmware is run, which is key in IoT or industrial applications.
Other important elements related to security include:
- 8 KB OTP (One-Time Programmable) memory to securely store keys.
- TRNG (Hardware Random Number Generator) for cryptography.
- SHA-256 Accelerator for digital signatures or strong hashing.
- Glitch detectors to detect attempts at physical manipulation through voltage variations.
As for consumption, Sleep mode has been significantly optimizedThe RP2350 can now reduce its power consumption to below 10 microamps, compared to over 100 with its predecessor. This makes it an ideal choice for portable devices powered by batteries or sources such as solar panels.
Interface, connectivity and peripherals
Both chips maintain compatibility in form and pins, which means that Pico 2 can be used as a direct replacement for the previous model. Support for the most common interfaces is also retained: SPI, I2C, UART, ADC, PWM, etc.
The novelty here is that the number of GPIO pins up to a maximum of 48 depending on the variant, and that the number of PIO machines is expanded to 12, which can be crucial for advanced users who need to handle custom peripherals or specific signals.
It also improves the pin tolerance at 5V, which offers greater compatibility with external sensors and modules. As for USB, support for USB 1.1 with host and device modes is maintained, essential for connecting keyboards, mice, or storage drives.
Practical applications and new uses
With so many functional improvements, the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 with the RP2350 chip opens the door to more complex projects. Below are clear examples where the difference is noticeable:
- Advanced robotics: Higher processing power and PWM to drive multiple motors and read sensors simultaneously.
- IoT with greater security: Use of TrustZone and encrypted communication for network-connected devices with sensitive data.
- Industrial automation: Ability to run robust firmware with more reliable architectures and protection against physical attacks.
- Low-consumption projects: Ideal for stand-alone weather stations, wearable devices, or located in locations with limited power.
Furthermore, C/C++ and MicroPython support is maintained, with SDK improvements and more comprehensive documentation. This makes it easier to migrate from the RP2040 without having to start from scratch.
Variants such as the Pi Pico W 2 have also been announced., which will incorporate Wi-Fi and Bluetooth before the end of the year, remaining under €10, according to forecasts. This adds wireless connectivity to the aforementioned improvements, bringing the Pico 2 closer to the realm typically occupied by ESP32 boards, but with its own advantages.
As an additional detail, the new model can be easily identified thanks to the distinctive "pico 2» in the screen printing of the plate and the renewed logo, although externally it retains the same form factor: 21mm x 51mm.
The leap from the RP2040 to the RP2350 represents a clear commitment by Raspberry Pi to a more demanding market without abandoning its maker focus. The ability to choose between ARM and RISC-V architectures, a complete security model, double the memory, and efficiency improvements make the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 a very competitive option. Whether for learning, experimenting, or deploying industrial solutions, this new version offers a feature set that's hard to match for its price.