Waveshare RP2040-PiZero
A Raspberry Pi Zero form-factor development board based on the RP2040 dual-core Cortex-M0+ MCU with 16MB flash, Mini HDMI (DVI) output via PIO bitbanging, USB-C, PIO-USB host port, microSD card slot, LiPo battery charging, and a 40-pin Raspberry Pi-compatible GPIO header.
$9.99
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Specifications
Components
Raspberry Pi RP2040 dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ processor at 133MHz with 264KB SRAM, 8 PIO state machines, and USB 1.1 support. PIO enables bitbanged DVI output and USB host functionality.
Winbond 16MB (128Mbit) serial NOR flash memory with QSPI interface for firmware and data storage.
Bus Interfaces
GPIO Map
Overview
The Waveshare RP2040-PiZero is a development board that brings the Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller into the familiar Raspberry Pi Zero form factor. With its 40-pin GPIO header fully compatible with Raspberry Pi Zero HATs and accessories, it serves as a capable MCU-based alternative to the Pi Zero for projects that need deterministic real-time control rather than a full Linux environment.
The standout feature is the onboard Mini HDMI connector providing DVI video output, achieved through the RP2040's PIO (Programmable I/O) state machines using the PicoDVI library. This enables driving external HDMI monitors at up to 640x480p 60Hz resolution directly from a microcontroller, opening up possibilities for retro computing, digital signage, and custom display applications. The PIO-USB port adds USB host capability, also implemented via PIO, enabling connection to USB keyboards, mice, and other peripherals.
With 16MB of onboard flash (W25Q128JV), a microSD card slot for expanded storage, and a LiPo battery charging circuit with PH2.0 connector, the RP2040-PiZero is well-suited for portable and battery-powered projects. The board supports C/C++ via the Pico SDK, MicroPython, and Arduino development, though DVI and PIO-USB features require C/C++ and cannot be used simultaneously due to PIO resource constraints.
Use Cases
6Video Output
Driving external displays via DVI, HDMI, or VGA for video output applications.
Retro Computing
Emulate classic microcomputers, run vintage operating systems, and build retro computing platforms.
Raspberry Pi Zero Replacement
A microcontroller board in Raspberry Pi Zero form factor, compatible with Pi Zero HATs and accessories.
Prototyping
Rapid hardware prototyping and proof-of-concept development with breadboard-friendly form factors and accessible development environments.
Data Logging
Recording time-stamped sensor readings, environmental data, or system events to local storage.
Portable Display Controller
Compact boards with display and navigation input for building portable device control interfaces.
Resources
Where to Buy
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