The RP2350 is the next-generation evolution of Raspberry Pi’s silicon. Released in late 2024, it introduces a “dual-architecture” design that allows you to choose between high-performance ARM cores or open-source RISC-V cores. It doubles the RAM and adds a significant security layer for professional applications.
Description
The RP2350 is a high-performance, secure microcontroller featuring a unique “switchable” dual-core architecture. Developers can choose to run two ARM Cortex-M33 cores or two Hazard3 RISC-V cores at up to 150 MHz. It is designed to be a “drop-in” spiritual successor to the RP2040, providing nearly double the internal SRAM (520KB), a third PIO block, and hardware-accelerated security including TrustZone and SHA-256. This chip is aimed at developers who need more “oomph” for machine learning, digital video (via HSTX), and secure IoT deployments.
RP2350 Pinout (QFN-60 / QFN-80)
The RP2350 comes in two main sizes: the A variant (30 GPIO) and the B variant (48 GPIO).
| Pin Category | Pin Names | Description |
| Power | IOVDD, VREG, DVDD | 3.3V I/O and 1.1V Core supply |
| Cores | M33 / Hazard3 | Selectable dual-core Arm or RISC-V |
| Digital I/O | GPIO0 – GPIO47 | Up to 48 General Purpose I/O pins |
| Analog | ADC0 – ADC7 | 4 or 8 channels of 12-bit ADC |
| High Speed | HSTX | High-speed serial transmit for video/DVI |
| QSPI | QSPI_SD0-3, SS0-1 | Support for Flash and external PSRAM |
| USB | USB_DP, USB_DM | Full-speed USB 1.1 Host/Device |
Technical Specifications – maximum
- Processor: Dual ARM Cortex-M33 or Dual Hazard3 RISC-V @ 150MHz
- SRAM: 520 KB (10 independent banks)
- Flash: External QSPI (up to 16MB) or 2MB internal (RP2354 variant)
- Operating Voltage: 1.8V to 3.3V
- PIO: 3 blocks, 12 state machines (50% more than RP2040)
- DMA: 16 channels with peripheral pacing
- Security: Arm TrustZone, SHA-256, TRNG, and OTP key storage
- Power Consumption: <10µA in deep sleep
Key Features & Benefits
- Architecture Switching: Unprecedented flexibility to boot into either ARM or RISC-V modes via software or OTP.
- Expanded PIO: 12 total state machines allow for even more complex hardware emulation (e.g., handling multiple displays and high-speed sensors).
- HSTX Peripheral: Dedicated hardware for high-speed bit-banging, making it easy to drive DVI/HDMI displays directly.
- TrustZone Security: Professional-grade security for protecting firmware and sensitive user data.
- PSRAM Support: Native support for external Pseudo-Static RAM to expand your working memory for data-heavy apps.
Common Applications
- Secure IoT Gateways: Using TrustZone and SHA-256 for encrypted communication.
- Portable Gaming & Video: Driving small screens via HSTX and using the FPU for math.
- Edge AI: Using the Cortex-M33’s DSP instructions for faster sensor processing.
- Industrial Control: Utilizing the high GPIO count and 12-bit ADC for precision monitoring.
RP2350 Equivalent & Substitutes
- RP2040: If cost is the primary factor and security/FPU is not required.
- STM32H5: A high-performance ARM alternative with security features.
- ESP32-P4: A high-performance non-wireless RISC-V alternative.
Related Tutorials on ElxHub – with links
- Selection Guide: Ultimate Microcontroller Selection Guide
- FUTURE TUTORIALS:
- Migrating from RP2040 to RP2350: What You Need to Know
- Switching Architectures: Running RISC-V on the RP2350
- Using HSTX for Digital Video Output
- Secure Boot and TrustZone Setup on RP2350
Conclusion
The RP2350 is a masterclass in microcontroller evolution. By offering a choice between ARM and RISC-V in a single package, Raspberry Pi has created a future-proof platform for hobbyists and professionals alike. Its massive increase in RAM and enhanced security make it the top choice for advanced 2026 embedded projects.
Download the Microcontroller’s Datasheet pdf
Yoast SEO Settings: focus keyword: RP2350 Datasheet seo title: RP2350 Pinout, RISC-V vs ARM, and Specifications | ElxHub slug: rp2350-microcontroller-datasheet meta description: Complete RP2350 datasheet. Explore the unique dual-core ARM/RISC-V architecture, 520KB SRAM, 12 PIO machines, and TrustZone security.
Image Inventory for ElxHub (Raspberry Pi Series)
| Filename Suggestion | Alt Text | Description | Context/Purpose |
| elxhub-rp2040-minimal-circuit-diagram.png | RP2040 minimal circuit diagram with QSPI flash and 1.1V regulator logic. | A clean technical schematic showing the RP2040 chip, W25Q128 Flash, and the 12MHz crystal oscillator setup. | Standalone RP2040 hardware guide. |
| elxhub-rp2350-minimal-circuit-diagram.png | RP2350 dual-architecture circuit diagram highlighting QFN-60 pinout and power. | A professional schematic for the RP2350 showing the power rails, flash memory, and 150MHz clock requirements. | Technical illustration for the RP2350 datasheet. |
| elxhub-rp2040-vs-rp2350-comparison.png | Comparison chart showing RP2040 vs RP2350 specs: RAM, Cores, and Security. | A side-by-side infographic comparing the M0+ cores of the RP2040 with the M33/RISC-V cores of the RP2350. | Blog post or “Upgrade Guide” article. |
| elxhub-rp2040-pinout-qfn56.png | RP2040 QFN-56 pinout diagram with PIO and ADC channel highlights. | Functional pin mapping for the RP2040, color-coded for SPI, I2C, UART, and PIO. | Pinout section of the RP2040 datasheet. |