SparkFun Thing Plus RP2040 | Raspberry Pi Dual-Core MCU | Feather-Compatible Development Board
Description
The (SPIDER Automation) SparkFun Thing Plus – RP2040 is an advanced, low-cost microcontroller board that harnesses the power of the Raspberry Pi Foundation’s RP2040 chip. Designed on the standard Thing Plus / Feather footprint layout, it provides developers with 18 accessible GPIO pins while vastly expanding the core capabilities of the silicon with professional-grade peripherals.
Engineered for standalone edge applications and data logging, this board includes 16MB of external flash memory, a built-in microSD card socket, and an intelligent power management system with single-cell LiPo battery charging and fuel-gauge monitoring. Complete with Programmable I/O (PIO) blocks, an addressable WS2812 RGB LED, JTAG debugging pins, and a Qwiic connector, the Thing Plus RP2040 delivers an exceptional platform for both rapid prototyping and robust embedded deployments.
Key Features
- Raspberry Pi RP2040 SoC: Dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ processor operating at speeds up to 133 MHz.
- Generous Memory Layout: Includes 264KB of embedded SRAM across six banks and 16MB (128Mbit) of onboard flash memory.
- Programmable I/O (PIO): Custom hardware peripherals support extended protocol emulation and flexible signal handling.
- Integrated MicroSD Slot: Dedicated card socket enables local data logging and large file storage.
- Smart Battery Management: JST battery connector paired with a charging circuit and a hardware fuel gauge sensor.
- Plug-and-Play Qwiic Support: Standard 4-pin I2C connector for fast interconnection with environmental and motion sensors.
Benefits
- Expanded Feather Ecosystem: Compatible with a vast array of existing Feather-format shields, wings, and sensor modules.
- Autonomous Power Monitoring: Onboard fuel gauge allows precise tracking of battery levels for portable field projects.
- High-Speed Analog Inputs: Four 12-bit ADC channels running up to 0.5 MSa/s with an internal temperature sensor.
- Flexible Development Options: Supports standard C/C++ SDK as well as MicroPython and CircuitPython environments.
- Robust Mechanical Mounting: Features four 4-40 screw mounting holes for secure installation inside physical enclosures.
- Native USB Connectivity: Built-in USB 1.1 Host/Device functionality for seamless PC programming and data transfer.
Applications
- Portable Data Loggers: Remote environmental and telemetry logging using onboard SD storage and battery power.
- Wearable & IoT Gadgets: Compact, battery-backed connected devices utilizing wireless or sensor modules.
- Smart Home Automation: Centralized sensor nodes communicating over I2C via the Qwiic network.
- Robotics & Motor Control: Precise signal generation and timing leveraging unique RP2040 PIO blocks.
- STEM & Advanced Education: Teaching dual-core microcontroller programming, Python, and hardware interfacing.
- Interactive Light & Display Projects: Dynamic visual effects driven by the onboard addressable RGB LED.
Package Includes
- 1 x SparkFun Thing Plus – RP2040
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Item Type | Development Board |
| Brand | SPIDER Automation |
| Model Series | SparkFun Thing Plus |
| Microcontroller Chip | Raspberry Pi RP2040 (Dual-Core ARM Cortex-M0+) |
| Max Clock Frequency | 133 MHz |
| Embedded SRAM | 264 KB (in 6 banks) |
| Flash Memory | 16 MB (128 Mbit) |
| Analog Input (ADC) | Four 12-bit channels (up to 0.5 MSa/s with internal temp sensor) |
| Expansion & Storage | MicroSD Card Slot, Qwiic I2C Connector, JTAG PTH Pins |
| Power & Battery | JST Single-Cell Battery Connector with Charging Circuit & Fuel Gauge |
| Onboard Peripherals | WS2812 Addressable RGB LED, Reset & Boot Buttons |
| USB Interface | USB 1.1 Host / Device Capability |
| Board Dimensions (L × W × H) | 90 mm × 25 mm × 46 mm |
| Net Product Weight | 7.81 g |
| Gross Shipping Weight | 0.01 kg |
| Package Shipping Dimensions | 9 cm × 5 cm × 1 cm |