The Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller is now available as a standalone chip, the RP2350, allowing manufacturers to integrate it into their own designs. This dual-core Cortex-M0+ processor with 264KB of SRAM is offered in two package variants: a QFN-56 and a future LGA package with stacked external flash memory. The QFN-56 is available for immediate purchase, offering a cost-effective solution for diverse embedded applications. The stacked memory variant promises simplified design and reduced board space, though pricing and availability for that package are yet to be announced.
The Raspberry Pi Foundation has officially launched the RP2350 microcontroller, a pivotal component in their broader strategy to expand beyond single-board computers and delve deeper into the microcontroller unit (MCU) market. This newly available chip, detailed extensively in a Phoronix article, marks a significant step for the Foundation as it's their first foray into designing a microcontroller in-house. Previously, they relied on third-party microcontrollers for products like the Raspberry Pi Pico. The RP2350, manufactured using a 40nm process, distinguishes itself with a dual-core Arm Cortex-M33 processor clocked at 133MHz, offering substantial processing power for embedded applications. Importantly, this processor incorporates the Armv8-M architecture, bringing with it TrustZone security features for enhanced device protection and secure boot capabilities.
Beyond the processing power, the RP2350 comes equipped with a flexible memory configuration. The currently available version features 264KB of tightly coupled memory (TCM), which provides low-latency access for critical code and data. However, the article reveals that a future variant is planned with 4MB of stacked external flash memory integrated directly onto the chip package. This forthcoming option will significantly expand the storage capacity for more complex applications and data-intensive operations, catering to a wider range of embedded projects.
The release of the RP2350 aims to cater to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and other businesses seeking to integrate the chip into their own products. While not explicitly designed for the hobbyist market like some other Raspberry Pi offerings, the chip’s availability opens up new possibilities for customized embedded solutions across various industries. The article underscores the strategic significance of this release for the Raspberry Pi Foundation, marking their evolution beyond the single-board computer domain and solidifying their presence within the growing microcontroller market. The dual-core architecture, robust security features, and upcoming memory options position the RP2350 as a versatile and powerful solution for a broad spectrum of embedded applications.
Summary of Comments ( 16 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43388221
Hacker News users generally expressed excitement about the RP2350's availability and potential, particularly its low cost and the possibilities opened by the stacked memory variant. Several commenters discussed the chip's suitability for specific applications, including robotics, industrial control, and amateur radio. Some expressed skepticism about the real-world performance impact of the stacked memory, wanting to see benchmarks. Others debated the merits of the RP2350 compared to other microcontrollers like the ESP32, highlighting trade-offs in processing power, memory, and peripheral options. A few users also mentioned challenges they've faced with Raspberry Pi availability in the past, hoping this release would be smoother.
The Hacker News comments section for the post "Raspberry Pi RP2350 Now Available for Purchase, Stacked Memory Variant Coming" contains several interesting discussions. Many commenters focus on the potential applications and implications of this new chip.
Several users express excitement about the RP2350's potential for embedded systems, particularly in industrial control and robotics. They highlight the chip's real-time capabilities and its ability to handle demanding tasks. Some anticipate it being a strong contender against existing industrial microcontrollers. The relatively low cost compared to other industrial-grade solutions is mentioned repeatedly as a major advantage.
A significant thread discusses the stacked memory variant and its benefits. Commenters anticipate that this will simplify designs and reduce board space, making it even more attractive for compact embedded systems. Some speculate about potential performance improvements from having the memory closer to the processor.
Another thread explores the availability and pricing of the RP2350. Some users express concern about potential supply chain issues, drawing parallels with the difficulties encountered with other Raspberry Pi products. Others discuss the different purchasing options and the potential markups from resellers.
A few comments delve into the technical specifications of the RP2350, comparing it to other microcontrollers and discussing the implications of its architecture. There's some discussion of the development tools available for the RP2350 and how easy it will be to integrate into existing projects.
Several commenters share their own project ideas and potential use cases for the RP2350, ranging from simple control systems to more complex robotic applications. This demonstrates the enthusiasm and creative potential within the community surrounding this new chip.
Finally, some users comment on the wider implications of the RP2350 for the microcontroller market. Some speculate that it could disrupt the existing landscape and put pressure on established players to lower their prices. Others predict a surge in innovation and new applications as developers explore the possibilities of this new platform.