The Raspberry Pi Pico W and Pico 2 W are both powerful microcontrollers designed for IoT and embedded systems. The Pico 2 W builds on the foundation of the Pico W, introducing new features and performance improvements.
1. Processor and Performance
Pico W:
- Powered by the RP2040 chip, with a dual-core Cortex-M0+ processor running at 133 MHz.
- Designed for basic IoT tasks with sufficient power for many projects.
Pico 2 W:
- Features the RP2350 chip, which introduces significant flexibility with a dual-core architecture:
- Developers can choose between two Arm Cortex-M33 cores, two Hazard3 RISC-V cores, or a combination of both.
- Each core can run at speeds up to 150 MHz.
- Supports floating-point operations and Arm TrustZone for enhanced security.
Key Upgrade: The RP2350’s configurability and added power allow for optimized performance tailored to specific projects, making the Pico 2 W ideal for more demanding and secure IoT applications.
2. Wireless Connectivity
Pico W:
- Equipped with the Infineon CYW43439 wireless chip.
- Supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi (802.11n) and basic Bluetooth features (Bluetooth 5.0).
Pico 2 W:
- Retains the same CYW43439 wireless chip.
- Supports Bluetooth 5.2, offering improved energy efficiency and faster connections for IoT devices.
Key Upgrade: Enhanced Bluetooth capabilities in Pico 2 W, with better compatibility for modern IoT ecosystems.
3. Memory and Power Efficiency
Pico W:
- Designed with the standard memory and power optimization of the RP2040 platform.
Pico 2 W:
- Comes with increased memory and optimized power consumption, making it ideal for battery-powered or energy-sensitive projects.
- More efficient memory handling allows for larger and more complex programs.
Key Upgrade: Higher memory capacity and energy efficiency enhance performance and longevity in battery-powered devices.
4. Security Features
Pico W:
- Basic security features.
Pico 2 W:
-
Security is a key focus in the Pico 2 W, thanks to the powerful enhancements introduced by the RP2350 microcontroller:
-
Arm TrustZone:
- TrustZone creates a hardware-enforced separation between secure and non-secure code. This isolation prevents unauthorized access to sensitive resources, ensuring data protection and system integrity.
- Ideal for protecting critical components in IoT devices.
-
Secure Boot:
- Ensures only authenticated firmware can run, guarding against tampering and unauthorized code execution.
- Adds an essential layer of security to firmware updates and device initialization.
-
Hardware Accelerators:
- SHA-256 Accelerator: Speeds up cryptographic hashing, vital for secure communications.
- True Random Number Generator (TRNG): Generates secure, unpredictable keys for encryption, enhancing data confidentiality.
Key Upgrade: These features make the Pico 2 W a strong choice for applications requiring high security, such as secure communications, data encryption, and IoT devices handling sensitive information. The combination of TrustZone, secure boot, and hardware accelerators ensures robust, end-to-end protection.
5. Form Factor and Prototyping
- Both the Pico W and Pico 2 W maintain the breadboard-friendly form factor, allowing for easy prototyping.
- The Pico 2 W also supports the upcoming RM2 radio module, enabling professional scaling from prototypes to production-level products.
6. Software Support
- Both models are supported by C/C++ and MicroPython libraries, making them accessible to beginners and advanced developers alike.
7. Use Cases
Pico W:
- Suitable for simple IoT projects that require basic connectivity.
- Ideal for DIY electronics, sensor monitoring, and home automation.
Pico 2 W:
- Best for advanced IoT applications, including industrial automation, secure data logging, and cloud-connected devices.
- A great choice for projects needing robust security and more processing power.
Future Developments
Raspberry Pi has hinted at exciting expansions for the Pico 2 series. Unlike the Pico 1 series, which concluded with the Pico W, the Pico 2 lineup will continue evolving. New products and features are expected to be announced in early 2025, likely pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in IoT and embedded systems. These advancements may include enhanced wireless capabilities, additional security features, and even more powerful processors, making the Pico 2 platform a versatile foundation for innovative projects. Stay tuned for updates!
Conclusion
The Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W is a significant upgrade over the Pico W, offering better performance, enhanced security, and improved wireless capabilities. While the Pico W remains a solid choice for basic projects, the Pico 2 W is ideal for developers looking to build sophisticated, secure IoT solutions.