The Raspberry Pi Pico is a powerful and versatile microcontroller that is ideal for educational and professional projects. Its compatibility with MicroPython and C++ allows for an accessible learning curve while offering flexibility for advanced applications. Exploring the various functionalities of the Pico and trying out practical projects is the best way to take advantage of its full potential. This tutorial will guide you through the basics of getting started with the Raspberry Pi Pico, from setting up your development environment to writing your first programs. We will also cover some more advanced topics, such as using the PIO (Programmable I/O) and working with different communication protocols. Whether a beginner or an experienced programmer, this tutorial will help you get the most out of your Raspberry Pi Pico.
What is the Raspberry Pi Pico?
The Raspberry Pi Pico is a development board that features a high-performance microcontroller built on low-cost, high-efficiency silicon designed by Raspberry Pi. The Pico is built around the RP2040 microcontroller, a dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ chip with a wide range of connectivity options.
Key features and use cases.
- Dual-core RP2040 processor at 133 MHz.
- 264 KB of RAM and up to 2 MB of flash storage.
- Support for MicroPython and C/C++.
- 26 GPIO pins with functions such as PWM, SP1, ADC, and I2C.
- Low power consumption, ideal for IoT and portable applications.
- Common uses: robotics, automation, embedded systems, and learning programming.
Getting started with Raspberry Pi Pico
Before you start programming, it is important to know the hardware and the necessary components.
Hardware description
- Pinout: The Raspberry Pi Pico has 40 pins, including power (3.3V and GND), GPIO pins, analog pins, and communication buses such as I2C, SPI, and UART.
- Power supply: It can be powered via the USB port or an external 5V source connected to VSYS.
Necessary Components
- Raspberry Pi Pico
- Micro USB cable
- Breadboard and connecting wires
- LEDs and resistors (for basic tests)
Setting up
Installing the development environment
To program the Raspberry Pi Pico, you can use MicroPython or C++.
- MicroPython:
- Download Thonny IDE from thonny.org.
- Download the MicroPython firmware from the official Raspberry Pi website.
- Connect the Pico in BOOTSEL mode (press the BOOTSEL button and connect it via USB).
- Copy the .uf2 file to the drive that appears.
- C++ (Raspberry Pi SDK):
- Install the Raspberry Pi SDK on a Linux or Windows machine.
- Configure CMake and compile code using a terminal.
Basic Programming
- Blinking an LED (MicroPython/C++ example).
- GPIO control (buttons, PWM, ADC).
Turning an LED On and Off (Blinking LED)
MicroPython:
from machine import Pin
import time
led = Pin(25, Pin.OUT) # LED Raspberry Pi Pico
while True:
led.toggle()
time.sleep(1)
C++:
#include “pico/stdlib.h”
int main() {
gpio_init(25);
gpio_set_dir(25, GPIO_OUT);
while (true) {
gpio_put(25, 1);
sleep_ms(1000);
gpio_put(25, 0);
sleep_ms(1000);
}
}
GPIO Control
- Reading buttons.
- Controlling PWM signals to vary the intensity of an LED.
- Reading analog sensors with ADC.
Example projects
Let’s see some examples of Raspberry Pi Pico projects you can implement
Reading a temperature sensor
Using the internal temperature sensor:
from machine import ADC
import time
sensor_temp = ADC(4)
factor = 3.3 / (65535)
while True:
read = sensor_temp.read_u16() * factor
temperature = 27 – (read – 0.706) / 0.001721
print(“Temperature:”, temperature, “C”)
time.sleep(1)
Simple IoT Device
- Connect the Pico to an external Wi-Fi module such as ESP8266 or ESP32.
- Send data to a cloud API.
Controlling a Servo Motor
from machine import Pin, PWM
import time
servo = PWM(Pin(15))
servo.freq(50)
while True:
servo.duty_u16(3000) # Position 0 degrees
time.sleep(1)
servo.duty_u16(7000) # Position 180 degrees
time.sleep(1)
Advanced topics
Interrupts and timers
- Using machine.Timer in MicroPython.
- Configuring external interrupts on GPIOs.
Low power mode
- Reducing clock frequency.
- Using sleep mode to optimize consumption.
Debugging and external libraries
- Using the PIO debugger and tools like OpenOCD.
- Importing and using external libraries for sensors and communication.
Comparison with other boards
- ESP32 (more power and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, but higher consumption).
- Arduino Nano (popularity in the community and ease of use).
- STM32 Blue Pill (more hardware options but more complex learning curve).
Communication and protocols
Add examples of using communication protocols such as:
- I2C: To connect sensors such as an MPU6050 or an OLED screen.
- SPI: To work with external memory modules or TFT screens.
- UART: To communicate with other microcontrollers or a PC.
I2C communication example with a sensor:
from machine import Pin, I2C
import time
i2c = I2C(0, scl=Pin(17), sda=Pin(16), freq=100000)
devices = i2c.scan()
print(“Devices:”, devices)
while True:
time.sleep(1)
Using the PIO (Programmable I/O)
The Raspberry Pi Pico has one of its most powerful features: the PIO (Programmable I/O), which allows you to run tasks in parallel without overloading the CPU.
import rp2
from machine import Pin
@rp2.asm_pio(out_init=rp2.PIO.OUT_LOW)
def blink():
wrap_target()
set(pins, 1) \[31\]
set(pins, 0) \[31\]
wrap()
sm = rp2.StateMachine(0, blink, freq=2, out_base=Pin(25))
sm.active(1)
while True:
time.sleep(1)
Security and best practices
- Use of watchdogs to avoid lockups.
- Efficient memory management in MicroPython.
- Techniques to reduce power consumption in IoT projects.
Final thoughts on this Raspberry Pi Pico tutorial
The Raspberry Pi Pico is a powerful and versatile microcontroller that is ideal for educational and professional projects. Its compatibility with MicroPython and C++ allows for an accessible learning curve while offering flexibility for advanced applications. Exploring the various functionalities of the Pico and trying out practical projects is the best way to take advantage of its full potential.
Resources for continued learning:
