Raspberry Pi foundation has unveiled a major upgrade for Raspberry Pi Pico W users, unlocking Bluetooth 5.2 support in both C/C++ and MicroPython programming languages. The Pico W, introduced as a higher-priced variant of Raspberry Pi Pico, retained its familiar design with castellated pin headers and a micro-USB connector. However, it now features an Infineon CYW43439 radio module for IoT projects. Initially, only Wi-Fi functionality was available, but now the Bluetooth mode has been fully enabled, allowing for Bluetooth Classic and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) modes in MicroPython. Raspberry Pi has released MicroPython firmware with Bluetooth support, which can be downloaded from their official website, offering existing Pico W owners an upgrade without the need for new hardware.
The integration of Bluetooth capabilities posed engineering challenges, but Raspberry Pi acknowledges the support of Infineon and other contributors in making this upgrade possible. While Bluetooth Classic mode currently lacks support for certain features such as Asynchronous Connectionless Link (ACL) and Synchronous Connection Oriented Link (SCO) modes, Raspberry Pi is working on addressing these limitations in future updates. BLE mode, meanwhile, supports both Central and Peripheral operating modes. The new Bluetooth functionality is powered by BlueKitchen's BTstack library, with a commercial license provided with every Raspberry Pi Pico W sold. This ensures no licensing issues for commercial use of Bluetooth-enabled Pico W devices. The updated MicroPython firmware empowers Pico W users to leverage Bluetooth functionalities in their IoT projects with ease.
Existing Raspberry Pi Pico W owners can access the Bluetooth feature with the latest version 1.5.1 of the C SDK, and the latest MicroPython build.
