Waveshare
Waveshare RP2040-LCD-1.28
Best compact controller for interactive wearable and motion-sensing projects.
The Waveshare RP2040-LCD-1.28 is a compact and powerful MCU board built around the Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller. It features a vibrant 1.28-inch round IPS LCD display with a 240x240 resolution, perfect for visual feedback. This board integrates a dual-core Arm Cortex M0+ processor, 2MB of flash memory, and a 6-axis sensor for motion detection. It also includes a Li-Ion battery charger and a USB Type-C connector for easy power and programming. With all GPIO pins accessible, it's designed for rapid development and integration into various projects.
$29.51
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
606
/ 1541
#606 in Development Boards
Price vs Category Average
-66%
Below average
Processor
0133
/ Dual-core Arm Cortex M+ up to MHz
Who it's for
- Engineers building compact projects with limited internal space
- Wearable developers needing a sleek, integrated circular interface
- Makers requiring high-performance processing in a user-friendly package
Who should skip it
- Prototypers needing extensive GPIO access for complex sensor arrays
- Designers preferring standard rectangular enclosures for easier mounting
- Mobile project builders prioritizing long-lasting battery life
Performance breakdown
Visual Clarity
The 240x240 IPS display delivers crisp, vibrant feedback for compact interfaces.
Processing Efficiency
Dual-core M0+ architecture handles complex logic and sensor data with ease.
Sensor Integration
Built-in 6-axis motion sensing simplifies orientation tracking for wearable projects.
Development Versatility
Extensive GPIO access allows for seamless expansion into diverse hardware ecosystems.
Power Flexibility
Integrated battery charging makes mobile, untethered applications straightforward to implement.
Programming Accessibility
Drag-and-drop file loading removes barriers for rapid prototyping and deployment.
Key Specs
Processor
Dual-core Arm Cortex M0+ up to 133 MHz
Memory
264KB SRAM, 2MB On-board Flash
Display
1.28-inch IPS LCD, 240x240 pixels, 65K colors
Interfaces
2x SPI, 2x I2C, 2x UART, 16x PWM channels, 4x 12-bit ADC
Connectivity
USB 1.1 (Device and Host)
Power
USB Type-C, Lithium Battery Recharge/Discharge Header
Sensors
6-Axis (3-axis accelerometer, 3-axis gyroscope)
Dimensions
Compact form factor with 1.27 pitch female headers
Features
- Powerful dual-core Arm Cortex M0+ processor
- On-board 6-axis sensor for motion and orientation detection
- Includes a Li-Ion battery charger for mobile applications
- Easy drag-and-drop programming via USB mass storage
- All GPIO pins are accessible for flexible integration
- Low-power sleep and dormant modes for energy efficiency
- Supports both USB device and host modes
What customers say
The Waveshare RP2040 LCD 1.28 earns high marks for its sleek design and impressive integration of a vibrant circular display within a compact footprint. Users frequently praise the build quality and the versatility it offers for creative wearable projects. While the setup requires some familiarity with microcontrollers, the overall value is exceptional given the hardware features provided. It stands out as a reliable choice for hobbyists seeking a polished look without a premium price tag. The seamless blend of form and function makes it a favorite for those prioritizing aesthetic appeal and hardware efficiency.
Know before you buy
Yes, the board includes a built-in Li-Ion battery charger and header, making it well-suited for portable applications. It also supports low-power sleep and dormant modes to help extend battery life.
The board is fully compatible with the Raspberry Pi RP2040 ecosystem, meaning you can program it using C/C++, MicroPython, or CircuitPython.
Programming is straightforward; the board supports drag-and-drop file transfers via its USB Type-C connection, which acts as a USB mass storage device.
The integrated sensor combines a 3-axis accelerometer and a 3-axis gyroscope. This allows you to track orientation, tilt, and movement, which is ideal for interactive projects or wearable devices.
Yes, the board is designed for flexibility and exposes all GPIO pins. This allows you to easily connect external sensors, actuators, or other peripherals to the board.
The 1.28-inch IPS display features a 240x240 resolution and 65K colors. It provides a sharp, vibrant image that is well-suited for displaying data, icons, or simple animations.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$30