Raspberry Pi Pico W vs. Pico 2 W: A Comprehensive Comparison
The Raspberry Pi Pico W and Pico 2 W are 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, offering sufficient power for many projects.
Pico 2 W
- Features the RP2350 chip, introducing high 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 operates at speeds up to 150 MHz.
- Supports floating-point operations and Arm TrustZone for enhanced security.
Key Upgrade
The RP2350’s configurability and added processing power allow for optimized performance, making the Pico 2 W ideal for 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 5.0.
Pico 2 W
- Retains the same CYW43439 wireless chip.
- Supports Bluetooth 5.2, offering better energy efficiency and faster connections.
Key Upgrade
Pico 2 W enhances Bluetooth capabilities, providing better compatibility for modern IoT ecosystems.
3. Memory and Power Efficiency
Pico W
- Standard memory and power optimization of the RP2040 platform.
Pico 2 W
- Increased memory capacity for handling larger programs.
- Optimized power consumption, making it ideal for battery-powered projects.
Key Upgrade
Higher memory capacity and better energy efficiency enhance performance and longevity for battery-powered devices.
4. Security Features
Pico W
- Basic security features.
Pico 2 W
Security is a major focus in the Pico 2 W, thanks to enhancements introduced by the RP2350 microcontroller:
Arm TrustZone
- Creates hardware-enforced separation between secure and non-secure code.
- Prevents unauthorized access to sensitive resources, ensuring data protection and system integrity.
Secure Boot
- Ensures only authenticated firmware runs, protecting against tampering and unauthorized execution.
Hardware Accelerators
- SHA-256 Accelerator: Improves cryptographic hashing, enhancing secure communications.
- True Random Number Generator (TRNG): Generates secure, unpredictable encryption keys.
Key Upgrade
These features make the Pico 2 W a strong choice for secure applications, including:
- Encrypted communications
- Data protection
- IoT devices handling sensitive information
5. Form Factor and Prototyping
- Both Pico W and Pico 2 W maintain a breadboard-friendly form factor, ensuring easy prototyping.
- The Pico 2 W supports the upcoming RM2 radio module, allowing scaling from prototype to production.
6. Software Support
- Both models are supported by C/C++ and MicroPython libraries.
- Ideal for both beginners and advanced developers.
7. Use Cases
Pico W
- Best for simple IoT projects requiring 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
- Cloud-connected devices
- A great choice for projects needing strong security and higher 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.
Expected developments in early 2025:
- Enhanced wireless capabilities
- Additional security features
- More powerful processors
The Pico 2 platform is expected to remain versatile and innovative for future projects.
Conclusion
The Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W is a major upgrade over the Pico W, offering:
- Better performance
- Enhanced security
- Improved wireless capabilities
While the Pico W remains an excellent choice for basic projects, the Pico 2 W is ideal for developers building sophisticated, secure IoT solutions.