Raspberry Pi's $4 radio module 2 adds affordable wireless to microcontroller projects

Raspberry Pi's $4 Radio Module 2 enables wireless capabilities for microcontroller projects affordably.

: Raspberry Pi introduced the $4 Radio Module 2 to simplify adding wireless features to microcontroller projects, targeting industrial and amateur developers. It uses the Infineon CYW43439 radio silicon, supporting Wi-Fi 4 and Bluetooth 5.2, and features a 2.4GHz antenna with excellent performance. The module offers complete modular certification for easier development worldwide. Raspberry Pi manages radio certifications to alleviate compliance burdens for customers.

The Raspberry Pi $4 Radio Module 2 was released as an innovative solution to add reliable wireless communication capabilities to microcontroller projects at an affordable price. Designed for both industrial manufacturers and hobbyists, this module aims to simplify integrating Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity into custom designs. Particularly, this new module is well-suited for embedding into projects using the Raspberry Pi Pico and other RP2040- or RP2350-based products, allowing easy scaling of hardware manufacturing efforts.

The foundation behind Raspberry Pi ensures that its radio modules are pre-certified with major regulatory agencies globally, thereby simplifying the often complex radio certification process for its clients. The $4 Radio Module 2 utilizes the Infineon CYW43439 radio silicon, which has been a mainstay in Raspberry Pi Pico boards, ensuring compatibility and continuity in existing projects, as well as reducing development time and cost for new ventures.

This module supports dual connectivity standards—Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) and Bluetooth 5.2—via a single onboard 2.4GHz antenna. Raspberry Pi asserts the module’s radio performance is exceptional, particularly notable due to the single antenna managing the two wireless standards. For ease of integration, the module includes castellated edge pads, and a low-pin-count SPI host interface.

Such strategic features are intended to address a common requirement from Raspberry Pi’s customer base for full software compatibility with the Raspberry Pi Pico board series. This approach not only fulfills customer needs but also positions Raspberry Pi as a key player in easing the manufacturing processes for businesses navigating wireless technology.

The official Raspberry Pi store provides comprehensive information on the module, including full specifications, a datasheet, and design files, catering especially to industrial customers who could gain significant benefits. Developing hardware with pre-certified wireless modules reduces regulatory hurdles, diminishes development complexity, and accelerates time to market for new devices.

Sources: TechSpot, Raspberry Pi Website

TechnologyHardwareinnovation