Waveshare RP2350-Tiny Development Board User Manual

1. Introduction

The Waveshare RP2350-Tiny Development Board is a compact microcontroller board based on the Raspberry Pi RP2350A chip. This chip features a unique dual-core and dual-architecture design, incorporating a dual-core Arm Cortex-M33 processor and a dual-core Hazard 3 RISC-V processor, capable of flexible clock speeds up to 150 MHz. It is designed for integration into various projects requiring small dimensions and robust performance.

This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining your RP2350-Tiny Development Board.

2. Package Contents

Verify that all items are present in your package:

RP2350-Tiny Development Board (x1)

Image showing the Waveshare RP2350-Tiny Development Board as package content.

Figure 2.1: RP2350-Tiny Development Board included in the package.

3. Key Features

The RP2350-Tiny Development Board offers the following features:

RP2350A Microcontroller: Dual-core Arm Cortex-M33 and dual-core Hazard 3 RISC-V processors, flexible clock up to 150 MHz.
Memory: 520KB SRAM and 4MB on-board Flash memory.
Connectivity: Onboard FPC 8PIN connector for USB Type-C via adapter board (adapter board not included in base package).
Form Factor: Castellated module for direct soldering to carrier boards, compact size.
USB Support: USB 1.1 with device and host support.
Power Management: Low-power sleep and dormant modes.
Programming: Drag-and-drop programming via mass storage over USB.
GPIO: 28 multi-function GPIO pins (20 via edge pinout, others via solder points).
Peripherals: 2 × SPI, 2 × I2C, 2 × UART, 4 × 12-bit ADC, 16 × controllable PWM channels.
Timing: Accurate clock and timer on-chip.
Sensors: Integrated temperature sensor.
Performance: Accelerated floating-point libraries on-chip.
PIO: 12 Programmable I/O (PIO) state machines for custom peripheral support.

Image highlighting key features of the RP2350-Tiny Development Board including tiny size, dual-core CPU, high operating performance, and multi-function GPIO pins.

Figure 3.1: Overview of RP2350-Tiny Development Board features.

Image detailing board specifications and showing two version options: RP2350-Tiny (development board only) and RP2350-Tiny-Kit (development board + USB port adapter + FPC cable).

Figure 3.2: Detailed board specifications and available versions.

4. Setup

4.1 Initial Connection

To begin using your RP2350-Tiny, you will typically connect it to a computer for programming. If you have the RP2350-Tiny-Kit, use the provided FPC cable and USB adapter board. If you have the standalone RP2350-Tiny, you will need to solder it to a carrier board or use an appropriate FPC adapter (not included) to connect via USB.

For initial programming, connect the board to your computer via a USB cable. The board supports drag-and-drop programming via mass storage mode.

4.2 Software Development Kit (SDK)

Waveshare provides a complete SDK and open-source tutorials to facilitate development. The RP2350-Tiny supports multiple programming languages, including Pico C/C++ SDK and MicroPython.

Image showing support for C/C++ and MicroPython development environments for the RP2350-Tiny.

Figure 4.1: Supported programming languages and SDKs.

Refer to the official Waveshare Wiki resources for detailed documentation and examples. Contact Waveshare support for more information on accessing these resources.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 Powering On

Once connected via USB or integrated into a powered circuit, the board will power on. Onboard RGB LEDs indicate the program running status.

5.2 Programming the Board

The RP2350-Tiny supports drag-and-drop programming. When connected to a computer, it typically appears as a mass storage device. You can drag compiled firmware files (e.g., .uf2 files for MicroPython) directly onto this device to flash the board.

5.3 GPIO Usage

The board features 28 multi-function GPIO pins, allowing for flexible development and integration. 20 pins are available via the edge pinout, with others accessible via solder points. Refer to the pinout diagram for specific functions.

Detailed pinout diagram for the RP2350-Tiny Development Board, showing the function of each of the 28 multi-function GPIO pins.

Figure 5.1: RP2350-Tiny GPIO Pinout Diagram.

5.4 Low-Power Modes

The RP2350-Tiny supports low-power sleep and dormant modes, which can be utilized in your applications to conserve energy. Consult the RP2350A datasheet and SDK documentation for details on implementing these modes.

6. Maintenance

The RP2350-Tiny Development Board is a robust electronic component. Minimal maintenance is required.

Cleaning: Keep the board clean and free from dust and debris. Use a soft, dry brush or compressed air for cleaning. Avoid liquids.
Storage: Store the board in an anti-static bag when not in use to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage.
Handling: Handle the board by its edges to avoid touching components, especially the microcontroller chip.
Firmware Updates: Regularly check the Waveshare Wiki or Raspberry Pi documentation for firmware updates and security patches for the RP2350A chip.

7. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your RP2350-Tiny Development Board, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

Board Not Powering On:
- Ensure the USB cable is securely connected to both the board (via adapter if applicable) and the computer.
- Try a different USB port or cable.
- Verify the power source is adequate (e.g., a powered USB hub if necessary).
Board Not Recognized by Computer:
- Ensure the board is in bootloader mode if required for initial flashing (consult Waveshare Wiki for specific boot sequence).
- Reinstall USB drivers if prompted by your operating system.
- Try a different computer.
Program Not Running:
- Verify your code compiles without errors.
- Ensure the firmware was successfully uploaded to the board.
- Check for any short circuits or incorrect wiring in your external connections.
- The onboard RGB LEDs can provide status indications; refer to your program's logic for their meaning.
FPC Cable Issues:
- Ensure the FPC cable is correctly inserted and latched into both the board and the adapter. Incorrect insertion can lead to connection failures.

For further assistance, refer to the Waveshare Wiki or contact technical support.

8. Technical Specifications

Detailed specifications for the Waveshare RP2350-Tiny Development Board:

Feature	Specification
Microcontroller	Raspberry Pi RP2350A (Dual-core Arm Cortex-M33 & Dual-core Hazard 3 RISC-V)
Clock Speed	Up to 150 MHz
SRAM	520 KB
Flash Memory	4 MB (on-board)
GPIO Pins	28 (20 via edge pinout)
Interfaces	2 × SPI, 2 × I2C, 2 × UART, 4 × 12-bit ADC, 16 × PWM channels
USB	USB 1.1 (device and host support)
Power Modes	Low-power sleep and dormant modes
Dimensions	23.5 mm × 18 mm (approximate, excluding FPC connector)
Weight	0.704 ounces (approximate)

Image showing the components on the RP2350-Tiny board and its outline dimensions in millimeters.

Figure 8.1: Board components and outline dimensions.

9. Support and Resources

For additional information, technical documentation, and community support, please refer to the following resources:

Waveshare Wiki: Official documentation and tutorials for Waveshare products.
Raspberry Pi Documentation: Comprehensive resources for the RP2350A microcontroller.
Technical Support: Contact Waveshare directly for product-specific inquiries.

Official Product Video:

Video 9.1: Overview of the RP2040 Tiny Kit, demonstrating its features and compact design. Note: This video refers to RP2040, but the features shown are highly relevant to the RP2350-Tiny's form factor and design principles.