Raspberry Pi has expanded its microcontroller portfolio with the new RP2350 Devkit, a compact board that pairs the powerful dual‑core RP2350 chip with a 1.85‑inch round capacitive touch display. The kit also includes a built‑in microphone, an optional speaker module, and a detachable battery box, making it a versatile platform for portable IoT, wearables, and interactive prototypes. In this article we explore the hardware design, audio options, power management, software support, and the broader impact on the maker community.
Compact design with round touch display
The most striking feature of the devkit is its RP2350 processor, a dual‑core Arm Cortex‑M33 running at up to 300 MHz, paired with 264 KB of SRAM and 2 MB of on‑board flash. The 1.85‑inch round display offers a 240 × 240 pixel resolution, delivering crisp visuals in a circular form factor that fits comfortably in the palm of a hand. The display is driven via an SPI interface, and the board’s layout positions the touch controller directly beneath the glass, ensuring responsive interaction without adding bulk.
Audio capabilities and optional accessories
Embedded audio is handled by a dedicated MEMS microphone that captures clear voice input for voice‑activated projects. For output, Raspberry Pi offers an optional 8 Ω speaker module that snaps onto the board’s dedicated connector, allowing developers to add spoken feedback or simple alerts without external wiring. The audio path supports 16‑bit PCM at 48 kHz, sufficient for most hobbyist applications.
Power management and battery box
Portability is further enhanced by a removable battery box that houses a 1200 mAh Li‑Po cell. The box connects via a JST‑PH connector and includes a power‑management IC that provides over‑charge protection, a USB‑C charging port, and a low‑dropout regulator that supplies a stable 3.3 V to the devkit. Battery life estimates range from 8 to 12 hours depending on display brightness and audio usage.
Software support and developer ecosystem
Developers can program the RP2350 Devkit using the Raspberry Pi Pico SDK, which supports C/C++ and MicroPython. The board is also compatible with the popular PlatformIO environment, enabling seamless integration with VS Code. Pre‑installed examples demonstrate touch UI, audio capture, and power‑monitoring routines, helping newcomers get started quickly.
Implications for makers and future projects
By bundling a high‑resolution circular display, audio I/O, and a battery solution into a single, low‑cost package, the RP2350 Devkit lowers the barrier to creating sleek, handheld devices. Its compact size makes it ideal for wearables, remote sensors, and interactive art installations. Moreover, the modular accessory approach encourages a vibrant ecosystem of third‑party add‑ons, from haptic actuators to extended GPIO shields, promising a rich future for Raspberry Pi‑based innovation.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Processor | Dual‑core Arm Cortex‑M33 (RP2350) @ 300 MHz |
| RAM | 264 KB SRAM |
| Flash | 2 MB on‑board |
| Display | 1.85‑inch round capacitive, 240 × 240 px |
| Touch controller | Capacitive, SPI interface |
| Microphone | Digital MEMS, 16‑bit PCM |
| Speaker (optional) | 8 Ω, 16 bit PCM @ 48 kHz |
| Battery box | 1200 mAh Li‑Po, USB‑C charging |
| Connectivity | USB‑C, UART, I²C, SPI, GPIO (30 pins) |
| Operating temperature | -20 °C to 85 °C |
Overall, the RP2350 Devkit represents a thoughtful convergence of display, audio, and power solutions in a form factor that invites creative, on‑the‑go applications. Its release signals Raspberry Pi’s commitment to serving the embedded market with hardware that is both powerful and approachable.
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