WeAct RP2040 brings USB Type-C connectivity, 16 MB flash and a reset button to the Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller
WeAct has introduced an RP2040-based board with a few advantages of its Raspberry Pi Pico competitors. Brought to our attention by CNX Software, it seems that the board has been available in some capacity since December 2021. As the image above shows, WeAct has improved upon the Raspberry Pi Pico in a few areas, not least by removing its micro USB port.
In its place is a USB 1.1 Type-C port that the WeAct RP2040 uses for programming and power. Additionally, the dual Cortex-M0+ cores run at 133 MHz but are overclockable to 250 MHz or higher. Moreover, WeAct includes 2 MB to 16 MB QSPI flash, another advantage over the Raspberry Pi Pico. WeAct has even included an NRST reset button, plus dual 20-pin headers with 2.54 mm pitches.
According to WeAct, its board supports 28 GPIO inputs, among other connections. For reference, the WeAct RP2040 measures 53 x 21.5 mm, compared to 51 x 21 mm for the Raspberry Pi Pico. Currently, the WeAct 2040 starts at US$3.03 with 2 MB flash, with the 4 MB version retailing for US$4.03. Furthermore, 8 MB and 16 MB versions retail for US$4.90 and US$5.62, respectively. All units are orderable through AliExpress, which charges US$3.23 shipping if you purchase one unit.
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