SparkFun
Sparkfun Micromod RP2040 Processor
Best modular processor for flexible, solderless embedded project development.
The SparkFun MicroMod RP2040 Processor brings the power of the Raspberry Pi Foundation's RP2040 microcontroller to the flexible MicroMod ecosystem. This module features dual ARM Cortex-M0+ cores running at up to 133MHz, coupled with 264KB of SRAM. Its M.2 connector allows for solderless integration with compatible MicroMod Carrier boards, enabling easy processor swapping. With 30 multifunction GPIO pins, four 12-bit ADC channels, and USB 1.1 Host/Device capabilities, it's ideal for a wide range of embedded projects and signal processing tasks. Development is supported via C/C++ and MicroPython.
$35.38
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
407
/ 1543
#407 in Development Boards
Price vs Category Average
-60%
Below average
Microcontroller
20400
/ RP with Dual ARM Cortex-M+ cores
Who it's for
- Prototypers needing rapid hardware iteration without soldering
- Budget-conscious makers requiring high-performance dual-core processing
- Developers seeking versatile language and IDE compatibility
Who should skip it
- Makers preferring universal, non-proprietary hardware standards
- Users wanting a standalone, all-in-one development solution
- IoT engineers requiring integrated wireless connectivity
Performance breakdown
Ecosystem Versatility
The M.2 connector makes swapping processors across carrier boards incredibly seamless.
Processing Efficiency
Dual Cortex-M0+ cores handle parallel tasks with impressive speed and reliability.
Programming Accessibility
UF2 bootloader support makes flashing code as simple as dragging a file.
Peripheral Connectivity
Thirty GPIO pins provide ample headroom for complex sensor and interface arrays.
Development Flexibility
Robust support for both C/C++ and MicroPython suits any coding preference.
Signal Processing Capability
Solid internal bandwidth handles moderate signal processing tasks with consistent performance.
Key Specs
Microcontroller
RP2040 with Dual ARM Cortex-M0+ cores
Clock Speed
133 MHz
SRAM
264KB
GPIO Pins
30
Analog Inputs
4 (12-bit ADC)
USB
USB 1.1 Host/Device
Interface
MicroMod M.2 Connector
Programming
UF2 Bootloader via USB
Features
- Solderless M.2 connector for easy processor swapping
- Dual ARM Cortex-M0+ cores for parallel processing
- High internal bandwidth for signal processing
- UF2 bootloader for simplified programming
- Dedicated hardware for common peripherals
- Runtime debugging support for efficient development
- Flexible digital interfaces
- Low-cost, high-performance RP2040 processor
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Micromod RP2040 for its exceptional ease of use, highlighting the convenience of the standardized Micromod interface. Users appreciate the simple plug and play nature, which significantly reduces setup time compared to traditional development boards. The quality of the board itself is frequently noted as robust and reliable, making it a dependable choice for both rapid prototyping and permanent installations. The powerful RP2040 chip combined with this modularity offers excellent value, allowing developers to quickly swap processors without redesigning the carrier board. This focus on simplicity and reliability makes it a highly recommended component.
Know before you buy
The MicroMod M.2 connector allows you to swap out processors without soldering. This makes it easy to upgrade your project or switch to a different microcontroller architecture on the same carrier board.
Yes, the RP2040 is fully supported by both C/C++ (including the Arduino IDE) and MicroPython. The onboard UF2 bootloader makes loading your code as simple as dragging and dropping a file.
Yes, the MicroMod RP2040 is a processor module and must be plugged into a compatible MicroMod Carrier Board to provide power, USB connectivity, and access to the GPIO pins.
The dual ARM Cortex-M0+ cores allow you to run tasks in parallel. You can dedicate one core to handling real-time sensor data or signal processing while the other manages communication or system logic.
The module itself uses an M.2 connector, so it is not breadboard-friendly on its own. You will need to use a MicroMod Carrier Board, which typically breaks out the pins into standard headers for use with breadboards or jumper wires.
USB 1.1 is sufficient for standard serial communication, HID devices, and firmware updates. However, it is not intended for high-speed data transfers or applications that require the bandwidth of USB 2.0 or 3.0.
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$35