Raspberry Pi Pico basics

What is Raspberry Pi Pico?

Raspberry Pi Pico is a microcontroller board—a small, low-cost device designed to run a single program that controls electronics. Unlike the Raspberry Pi 4 or Pi 5 (which are full computers), Pico doesn't run an operating system, doesn't have HDMI output, and doesn't connect to a keyboard or mouse directly.

Instead, Pico is programmed by connecting it to a computer via USB, uploading your code, and then running that code whenever Pico is powered on. It's closer to how an Arduino works than how a Raspberry Pi 4 works.

Key features

• RP2040 microcontroller: A custom chip designed by Raspberry Pi, with dual-core Arm Cortex-M0+ processors running up to 133 MHz
• 264KB of RAM and 2MB of onboard flash memory
• 26 GPIO pins: Programmable input/output pins for controlling LEDs, sensors, motors, and more
• Analog inputs: 3 ADC pins for reading analog signals (temperature sensors, potentiometers, etc.)
• PWM outputs: 16 channels for controlling brightness, motor speed, or generating signals
• Low power consumption: Runs on 1.8–5.5V, ideal for battery-powered projects
• Affordable: Typically under $5

Pico vs. Raspberry Pi

Pico and Raspberry Pi (4, 5, etc.) are designed for different purposes:

Raspberry Pi Pico is a microcontroller

• No operating system: Runs one program at a time, stored in flash memory
• No HDMI: Can't connect to a monitor directly
• No USB ports for peripherals: Designed to be programmed via USB, not to use keyboards or mice
• Low power: Runs on batteries, ideal for embedded projects
• Immediate response: Code starts running instantly when powered on—no boot time
• Best for: Controlling electronics, reading sensors, driving motors, blinking LEDs, embedded projects

Raspberry Pi 4/5 is a computer

• Full operating system: Runs Linux (Raspberry Pi OS), multitasks, opens apps
• HDMI output: Connects to monitors, keyboards, and mice
• USB ports: Use external storage, peripherals, and accessories
• Internet connectivity: Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet
• Best for: Programming, web browsing, games, servers, desktop computing

Think of it this way: Raspberry Pi is a small computer you can use for general-purpose computing. Pico is a specialized tool for controlling electronics and physical projects.

Getting started with Pico

To use a Raspberry Pi Pico, you need:

• Raspberry Pi Pico board
• USB cable: USB Type-A to Micro-B cable to connect Pico to your computer
• A computer: Windows, macOS, or Linux (or even another Raspberry Pi) to write code and upload it
• Optional: Breadboard, jumper wires, LEDs, resistors, and sensors for building projects

Vilros offers Raspberry Pi Pico starter kits that include the board, USB cable, breadboard, jumper wires, and components to get started with your first projects.

Do I need a Raspberry Pi to use Pico?

No. You can program Pico from any computer—Windows, Mac, or Linux. A separate Raspberry Pi is not required, though you can use one if you have it.

How to program Pico

You write code on your computer, then upload it to Pico via USB. Pico supports two primary programming methods:

MicroPython (recommended for beginners)

MicroPython is a lightweight version of Python designed for microcontrollers. It's beginner-friendly, has a simple syntax, and makes hardware control easy.

To program Pico with MicroPython:

1. Download the MicroPython firmware for Pico from the Raspberry Pi website
2. Connect Pico to your computer while holding the BOOTSEL button—it appears as a USB drive
3. Drag the firmware file onto the Pico drive to install MicroPython
4. Use an editor like Thonny IDE to write and upload Python code to Pico

The official Getting Started with MicroPython on Raspberry Pi Pico book (available from Vilros and Raspberry Pi Press) walks you through this process step by step.

C/C++ SDK (for advanced users)

The Pico C/C++ SDK offers lower-level control and better performance but requires more setup. It's recommended for advanced users or projects that need maximum speed.

Arduino IDE (alternative option)

Pico can also be programmed using the Arduino IDE, making it familiar to Arduino users. This requires installing Pico board support in the Arduino IDE.

Understanding Pico pins

The Pico has 40 pins along its edges. Most are GPIO (General-Purpose Input/Output) pins that can be programmed to send or receive signals.

Pin types

• GPIO pins: Programmable as input (reading a button) or output (turning on an LED). Numbered GP0, GP1, GP2, etc.
• Power pins: Provide 3.3V or 5V (from USB) to power components like sensors or displays
• Ground (GND) pins: Complete the circuit by connecting components back to Pico's ground
• ADC pins (GP26, GP27, GP28): Analog-to-digital converters for reading analog signals (e.g., temperature sensors, light sensors, potentiometers)

Pinout reference

Raspberry Pi provides an official pinout diagram showing each pin's function. You can also access it in Raspberry Pi OS by typing pinout in the terminal.

When wiring circuits, always check the pinout to ensure you're connecting components to the correct pins. Using the wrong pin can damage your Pico or components.