PIMORONI Tiny 2040
PIMORONI Tiny 2040
PIMORONI Tiny 2040
The PIMORONI Tiny 2040 is a compact RP2040-based microcontroller board featuring dual ARM Cortex-M0+ processors running at 133MHz, designed for space-constrained IoT and embedded applications. Professional developers, roboticists, and hardware engineers use this board for rapid prototyping of connected devices, wearables, and edge computing solutions where size and power efficiency are critical constraints. It solves the challenge of fitting powerful microcontroller capabilities into minimal form factors while maintaining extensive GPIO, SPI, I2C, and UART connectivity for complex sensor integration and real-time control systems.
Product Overview
The PIMORONI Tiny 2040 leverages the Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller, a dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ processor architecture that delivers exceptional performance-per-watt for embedded applications. The board operates at 133MHz with 264KB of on-chip SRAM and supports up to 16MB of external flash memory via QSPI interface, enabling sophisticated firmware implementations and data logging capabilities. Its ultra-compact 18x21mm form factor integrates 23 GPIO pins, making it ideal for wearable devices, compact robotics platforms, and IoT nodes where PCB real estate is premium. The integrated USB-C connector provides both power delivery and programming capability, while the onboard voltage regulator supports input from 3.3V to 5.5V, offering flexibility in power source selection for battery-powered and mains-powered applications alike.
What distinguishes the Tiny 2040 from competing microcontroller boards is its exceptional integration density combined with open-source firmware support through MicroPython and C/C++ SDKs. The board features dedicated SWD debugging pins for professional development workflows, alongside standard UART interfaces for serial communication and real-time monitoring. The RP2040's programmable I/O (PIO) subsystem enables custom protocol implementation without sacrificing CPU cycles, making it exceptionally capable for timing-critical applications like LED matrix control, servo driving, and custom communication protocols. Built-in temperature sensing and power monitoring features provide diagnostic capabilities essential for production deployments and field troubleshooting.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Product Type | RP2040-based Microcontroller Board |
| Brand | PIMORONI |
| Origin | Original/Authentic |
| Warranty | 7 days on manufacturing defects |
| Shipping | 1-5 days from Bengaluru |
| Delivery | 7-8 days across India |
| Support | 24/7 via Email and WhatsApp |
| Processor | Dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ at 133MHz |
| RAM | 264KB on-chip SRAM |
| Flash Memory | Up to 16MB external via QSPI |
| GPIO Pins | 23 digital I/O pins |
| Interfaces | USB-C, SPI, I2C, UART, SWD Debug |
| Power Input | 3.3V to 5.5V via USB-C or headers |
| Board Dimensions | 18mm x 21mm ultra-compact form factor |
Key Features
- Dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ processor at 133MHz delivering 264 DMIPS for real-time control and signal processing tasks without external accelerators
- Ultra-compact 18x21mm footprint with 23 GPIO pins enabling integration into space-constrained wearable devices and miniature robotic platforms
- Programmable I/O (PIO) subsystem supporting custom protocol implementation for LED control, servo driving, and specialized communication without CPU overhead
- USB-C power and programming interface with integrated voltage regulator supporting 3.3V to 5.5V input for flexible power architecture design
- Full MicroPython and C/C++ SDK support with extensive documentation enabling rapid development cycles and community-driven libraries
- Integrated SWD debugging pins for professional-grade firmware development and real-time code execution analysis
Applications and Use Cases
- Wearable IoT devices and smart accessories requiring minimal power consumption and compact form factors for body-worn integration
- Miniature robotics and drone control systems leveraging dual-core processing for simultaneous motor control and sensor fusion algorithms
- Edge computing nodes for distributed sensor networks collecting environmental data with local processing before cloud transmission
- Custom LED and lighting control systems utilizing PIO subsystem for precise timing-critical animations without dedicated LED controller chips
- Portable medical devices and biometric monitors requiring low-power operation with real-time signal processing capabilities
- Industrial IoT gateways and protocol converters implementing multiple communication standards simultaneously across SPI, I2C, and UART interfaces
How to Use
Getting started with the PIMORONI Tiny 2040 begins with connecting the board to your development computer via USB-C cable, which provides both power and programming capability. Download the latest RP2040 firmware from the official Raspberry Pi repository and use the Picotool or drag-and-drop UF2 bootloader method to flash your initial firmware. The board enters bootloader mode by holding the BOOT button while applying power, allowing seamless firmware updates without additional programming hardware. Configure your development environment using either the official C/C++ SDK with CMake build system for performance-critical applications or MicroPython for rapid prototyping and educational projects.
For hardware integration, connect your sensors and actuators to the appropriate GPIO pins, ensuring proper voltage levels between 3.3V logic and any 5V peripherals using level shifters where necessary. Utilize the I2C and SPI interfaces for multi-sensor configurations, leveraging the extensive community libraries available for common components like IMUs, temperature sensors, and OLED displays. The SWD debugging interface enables real-time code execution monitoring using OpenOCD or commercial debuggers, essential for troubleshooting complex firmware interactions. Monitor power consumption using the integrated power monitoring features and implement sleep modes to extend battery life in portable applications, with the board consuming less than 1mA in deep sleep state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What programming languages does the PIMORONI Tiny 2040 support?
The Tiny 2040 supports both MicroPython for rapid development and C/C++ using the official Raspberry Pi Pico SDK. MicroPython is ideal for beginners and prototyping with its interactive REPL environment, while C/C++ provides maximum performance for computationally intensive applications. Both environments have extensive community libraries and documentation available through GitHub and official repositories.
Can I use the Tiny 2040 with Arduino IDE?
Yes, the Tiny 2040 is fully compatible with Arduino IDE through the community-maintained RP2040 core. Install the RP2040 board package through Arduino's board manager, and you can program the board using familiar Arduino syntax and libraries. This approach bridges the Arduino ecosystem with the RP2040's advanced features like PIO and dual-core processing.
What is the maximum current output per GPIO pin?
Each GPIO pin can source or sink up to 12mA at 3.3V logic levels. For applications requiring higher current output, use external transistors or MOSFETs as level-shifted drivers. The total current across all GPIO pins should not exceed 100mA to prevent voltage regulation issues and ensure stable operation.
How do I debug code on the Tiny 2040?
The board includes dedicated SWD (Serial Wire Debug) pins for professional debugging using OpenOCD with a Raspberry Pi Pico Debug Probe or commercial JTAG debuggers. This enables real-time code execution monitoring, breakpoints, and variable inspection. Alternatively, use UART serial communication for logging-based debugging, which is simpler but less powerful than real-time SWD debugging.
What is the power consumption in different operating modes?
Active operation at 133MHz consumes approximately 10-15mA depending on peripheral usage. Sleep mode reduces consumption to 5mA, while deep sleep mode achieves less than 1mA. The integrated voltage regulator is highly efficient, losing minimal power as heat, making the board suitable for battery-powered applications with proper sleep scheduling.
When will I receive my order?
Orders are dispatched within 1-5 business days from our Bengaluru warehouse. Delivery takes 7-8 days to most locations across India.
What is your return and warranty policy?
We offer a 7-day return policy on manufacturing defects only. Contact support within 7 days of receipt for free replacement or full refund. Not applicable for user damage or misuse.
Are bulk discounts available?
Yes, wholesale pricing for orders of 10 or more units. Contact our sales team via WhatsApp or email for a customized bulk quote.
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- Returns: 7-day return policy on manufacturing defects only
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