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I'm quite surprised they stuck with the off-the-shelf Pi Pico module. When you're designing your own PCB already, why not just use the bare RP2040 chip? It'd sa
by crote 2y ago
I'm quite surprised they stuck with the off-the-shelf Pi Pico module. When you're designing your own PCB already, why not just use the bare RP2040 chip? It'd save them an awful lot of money, and they clearly already have the necessary hardware design skills.
The only part you can't trivially clone is the wifi module, really.
- linkpuff 2y agoI believe it is done that way because it helps replacing the component if needed without having to order a new bespoke pcb Edit: Also, the rp2040 is harder to solder than the other chips in the board due to the different packaging, so that might play a role on it
- naoru 2y agoLook at PicoGUS [0], at first it was a similar semi-prototype board with an off-the-shelf Pico module and then it was redesigned into a neat simple expansion card. Give it some time. [0] https://picog.us/ https://picog.us/
- yyzkevin 2y agoRegulatory/Licensing and complexity of pcb design for rf and assembly issues and all that aside, if you look up the cost on the CYW43 wireless chip, it costs more than the Pico W module last I checked. Wireless is a very popular feature on PicoMEM from the discussions I see and from my own personal use.
- numpad0 2y agoNo, it doesn't save an awful lot at small scale(in my gut feeling <200 units). Engineering time saving far outweighs paying $4 extra for Pico.