What Is the RP2040? Raspberry Pi Pico Chip: Specs and Uses
The RP2040 is the dual-core 32-bit microcontroller (ARM Cortex-M0+, 133 MHz) designed by Raspberry Pi and used on the Raspberry Pi Pico. With 264 KB SRAM and programmable I/O (PIO), it is very capable for its low price. It has no internal flash (external SPI flash); the standard RP2040 has no wireless (except the Pico W).
The RP2040 is the dual-core 32-bit microcontroller designed by Raspberry Pi and used on the Raspberry Pi Pico board. With a powerful core, plenty of RAM and a programmable I/O (PIO) block, it is very capable for its low price. For the concept, see what is a microcontroller (MCU).
What is the RP2040 used for?
General embedded control, USB devices, fast I/O (custom protocols via PIO: WS2812, VGA, etc.), robotics and learning with MicroPython/C. It is far more powerful than the ATmega328P; unlike the ESP32 it has no wireless (except the Pico W).
Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Core | Dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+, 133 MHz |
| SRAM | 264 KB |
| Flash | External (on the board, e.g. 2 MB) |
| Special | 8× PIO (programmable I/O), USB |
| Supply | 3.3 V logic |
Limitations
- No internal flash (runs from external SPI flash).
- No wireless (the Pico W adds a separate module).
- Limited true analog peripherals (has ADC but no DAC).
Equivalents
- Raspberry Pi Pico: the RP2040-based board.
- ESP32: a wireless alternative.
- STM32F103: a similar-class 32-bit MCU.
Find it in our catalog
Use the RP2040 search.