Raspberry Pi Pico VS ESP32 S2 speed comparison benchmark using CircuitPython Watch Learn Build

MicroPython and CircuitPython are both  supported on Pi Pico as are other languages. I had used Mu before and still like it, Thonny is clean entry level editor that I found a bit simpler. The PyCharm link below is a very detailed and accurate step-by-step tutorial on getting PyCharm working properly. I wanted to show how a resistive touch screen can be interfaced to a Pico.

These pull down resistors are so weak, they have minimal effect on the voltage gradient when a touch occurs. The Pico inputs can be configured with internal pull-ups or pull-downs, but they are strong enough to have some influence on the reading, so I am using external pull-down resistors. The bottom layer has conductive contacts along the top and bottom edges. This sketch shows how these contacts are driven differently depending on whether the X position is being read or the Y position is being read. One layer is being driven while one layer just reads the voltage at the touch point. The driven layer has voltage gradient across its resistance, similar to a potentiometer.

The ESP32 has a slightly more powerful processor, with a clock speed of up to 240 MHz, compared to the Raspberry Pi Pico’s maximum clock speed of 133 MHz. The ESP32 has a faster instruction rate than the RP2040 chip in the Pico. The ESP32 has quickly emerged as a community favorite due to its low cost, low energy consumption, and wireless connectivity features, making it suitable for Internet of Things (IoT) projects. It comes with a dual-core ARM cortex M0+ processor, 264 on-chip static random-access memory, 26 multifunction GPIO pins, a temperature sensor and an on-chip clock. Furthermore, its dual-mode Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are ideal for connected projects, from smart homes to wearables. I applied for this road test because I think the Raspberry Pi Pico is the most exciting Raspberry Pi so far, and I had not been able to get my hands on one.

A Raspberry Pi Pico responds to a variety of coding languages, including C, C++, and MicroPython. MicroPython is a more lightweight and simple version of traditional Python, and it is the most common language used by Raspberry Pi Pico hobbyists. So if you know Python already, it should be easy for you to get started with MicroPython on the Raspberry Pi Pico, and you shouldn’t have any trouble with this starter project. A pin is basically a small hole that lets you connect external devices.

This serves to both flatten the learning curve and give a little room for creative juices right out of the gate. As you might know, but I will still tell you, the ESP32 WiFi + Bluetooth module is a great microcontroller made by Espressif Systems. It https://traderoom.info/raspberry-pi-pico-compare-with-arduino-uno-esp32/ has a powerful dual-core Xtensa LX7 processor that runs at a fast 240 MHz. When we look inside at the Raspberry Pi Pico W, what a magnificent microcontroller made possible by today’s tech from the Raspberry Pi Foundation.

The loop will continually check for scheduled tasks and execute them. The following line initiates the event loop, as we’ve seen previously. This is achieved by executing tasks in a non-blocking manner and using callback functions to handle the results. This way, the program can continue executing other tasks while waiting for the results of the asynchronous task. On the other hand, in synchronous programming, each task must wait for the previous task to complete before starting.

1. As a result, it provides more options to provide services to all types of users.
2. This is a simple program to show that the Arduino IDE works fine with Pi Pico.
3. The “Arduino” C++ demo program is actually very short, because all it does is display some text, flash an LED and display a couple of images.
4. Programming using the Espressif ESP32-C3 devkit feels a lot like programming the Raspberry Pi Pico.

Ease of Use and Programming

In conclusion, the choice between ESP32, STM32, ESP8266, and RP2040 depends on the specific requirements of your project. Evaluate factors like processing power, connectivity, peripheral support, and the complexity of your application to make an informed decision. Each microcontroller offers unique strengths, so choose the one that aligns best with your project goals. The STM32 development board is another powerhouse in the microcontroller world. Based on the ARM Cortex-M3 architecture, this board offers high performance and flexibility, making it a popular choice for a wide range of applications.

Flash Memory

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this comparison in the comments section below. Before running the computation speed benchmark, I have developed, let’s take a quick look at the most basic specs of each board to get a sense of what to expect. Both microcontrollers support various interfaces, with the ESP32 C3 being compatible with I2C, GPIO, ADC, PWM, and UART interfaces. On the other hand, the Raspberry Pi Pico supports additional interfaces, including 2 × I2C, 2 × SPI, 16 × PWM channels, and 2 × UART. If your objective involves establishing wireless connections between devices, the ESP32 proves to be the superior option, facilitating seamless communication with other wireless devices. As a result, you can perform multiple tasks concurrently without having to wait for each one to complete before moving on to the next.

Raspberry Pi emerges as a technological juggernaut, significantly outstripping the capabilities of conventional Arduinos. Its robustness is underscored by generous RAM allocation, multiple USB slots, HDMI support, and the unique ability to boot from a micro SD card. Let’s delve deeper into the profound distinctions and applications of these highly popular systems. Raspberry Pi Pico offers the typical USB support whereas the ESP 32 lacks this most basic and convenient feature.

STM32 Development Board: Power and Flexibility

While the exact specifications vary among the MCUs in the family, they generally have two additional I/O pins and twice the flash memory compared to the Pico. However, they also consume double the energy and are nearly twice as expensive. Also the ESP32 is a commercial project whereas the Pico is backed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, a registered charity with the aim to educate. If a user is looking for a low-cost and easy to use device, he/she can go with Raspberry Pi Pico. However, if the focus is creating industrial projects with a better speed and performance, ESP32 is a better choice in that case.

Let’s now measure the power consumption of each board while running the benchmark. The Raspberry Pi Pico and the display needs around 45mA of current while running the script, while the ESP32 S2 and the display needs around 77mA of current. The display needs around 20mAs so we have around 25mAs of current for the Raspberry Pi Pico and 57mAs of current for the ESP32 S2. So, the ESP32 S2 needs 128% more current to run the script but for 107% less time. In total, the Raspberry Pi Pico needed 10% less power to perform this task which in my opinion is not significant.

I have about a dozen Raspberry Pi computer modules spanning a half dozen different models, but they are all computer modules with HDMI and USB. My activities are much more focused on small microcontrollers and the Raspberry Pi Pico brings a new level of performance at a nice low price point to the application space where I spend most of my time. I fully expect to use more Pico’s than any other model of Raspberry Pi.

1. This way, students can make their prototype projects with very little money.
2. Whether you’re working on automotive applications, industrial control systems, or advanced robotics, the STM32 development board offers the power and flexibility needed to bring your projects to life.
3. While dormant mode consumes even less power, it necessitates an external trigger for activation.
4. The RP2040 is a microcontroller crafted and manufactured by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, representing the company’s inaugural entry into the microcontroller realm.
5. I can afford to pay extra for next day delivery and peace of mind in the event of a problem, i know it will be promptly dealt with and a replacement sent.

Programming a Raspberry Pi Pico

You’ll also need to have certain software installed on your computer for Raspberry Pi Pico programming. Most projects use the Thonny Integrated Development Environment, which you will need to download and install. Next, download the MicroPython file to your computer, and you’re all set to start programming. SPI, I2C, UART, and ADC are each different types of input protocols/formats.

The event loop continues to run while the coroutine is paused, checking for other tasks and events. Then, we can use loop.create_task() to schedule this coroutine as a task to be executed by the event loop. The Raspberry Pi runs on Linux-based operating systems, such as Raspbian, which is specifically designed for the Raspberry Pi. It can also run other operating systems like Ubuntu, Windows 10 IoT Core, and others.