A powerful Raspberry Pi HAT featuring an RP2040 microcontroller for dual-MCU projects, prototyping, and real-time I/O control.

The RP2040 Pi HAT is an expansion board that seamlessly integrates a Raspberry Pi Pico (RP2040 microcontroller) with your Raspberry Pi via the standard 40-pin GPIO header. This creates a powerful dual-MCU system, perfect for offloading real-time tasks, adding user interfaces, and prototyping complex projects directly on your Pi.

The HAT provides easy access to the RP2040's GPIO pins and includes built-in peripherals like a display, RGB LED, buzzer, and buttons, making it an all-in-one solution for developers, hobbyists, and educators.

• Dual-MCU Architecture: Leverage the Linux power of the Raspberry Pi and the real-time capabilities of the RP2040.
• Seamless Integration: Connects directly to any standard 40-pin Raspberry Pi (Pi 3, 4, 5, Zero).
• Comprehensive Onboard Peripherals:
  • 1.14" IPS TFT Display (135x240) over SPI
  • Addressable RGB LED (WS2812B)
  • Buzzer for audio feedback
  • 2x Programmable Buttons
  • MicroSD Card Slot
• Flexible Communication: Dedicated UART and I2C channels for robust data exchange between the Pi and RP2040.
• Easy Programming: USB Type-C port for directly programming the RP2040 without disturbing the Pi.
• GPIO Breakout: All unused RP2040 GPIO pins are broken out to a standard header for further expansion.

Following GPIO pins consumed when RP2040 Pi HAT connected on Raspberry Pi, 

1. Connect the HAT: Connect the RP2040 Pi HAT to your laptop using a USB Type-C connector.

   

2. Install MicroPython Firmware:

   • The board needs the MicroPython firmware (.UF2 file). If it is not pre-installed, please follow the official guide here to install it.

3. Install Thonny IDE:

   • Download and install the Thonny IDE from the official website here. This software will be used for programming and testing.

The RP2040 Pi HAT supports two distinct operational configurations:

1. Standalone Mode: Utilizing only the onboard RP2040 microcontroller
2. Dual-MCU Mode: Integrated operation with Raspberry Pi host

1. Repository Setup: Download or clone the complete GitHub repository

2. IDE Configuration: Open Thonny IDE and select "MicroPython (Raspberry Pi Pico)" as the interpreter

3. File Upload: Transfer all directories from the "Rp2040_Pi_HAT/example" folder to the RP2040

4. Demo Execution: Run any demonstration code from the "Standalone RP2040 Pi HAT" directory

Before attempting to integrate the HAT with a Raspberry Pi host, it is essential to have a firm understanding of how to operate the HAT as a standalone device using its onboard RP2040 microcontroller.

1. Hardware Assembly: Mount the RP2040 Pi HAT onto the Raspberry Pi GPIO header and connect via USB Type-C

2. Firmware Setup: Execute the "pico_UART_communication.py" script located in "example/RP2040 HAT with Pi"

1. Access Configuration Tool:

sudo raspi-config

2. Navigation

   • Select "Interface Options" using arrow keys

   • Choose "Serial Port" from the menu

3. Serial Settings Configuration

   • Disable login shell over serial (Select "No")

   • Enable serial port hardware (Select "Yes")

4. Finish and Reboot

   • Select "Finish" and reboot your Raspberry Pi when prompted

1. Repository Acquisition:

   git clone https://github.com/sbcshop/RP2040_Pi_HAT_Software.git
   

2. Navigate to Examples:

   cd 'RP2040_pi_HAT_Software/examples/RP2040 HAT with Pi'
   

3. open pi_uart_communication.py file

   nano pi_uart_communication.py
   

4. Change the UART port according to your Raspberry Pi model

       port='/dev/ttyS0',  # Change the UART port as per your Raspberry Pi model
   

   Find this line and update it to the correct port, such as "ttyAMA0", "ttyS0" depending on your hardware configuration.

5. Execute Communication Script:

   python pi_uart_communication.py
   

6. Expected Output: