How to Use Raspberry Pi Pico H Upside Down: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Raspberry Pi Pico H Upside Down is a compact microcontroller board developed by Raspberry Pi, based on the RP2040 chip. This variant of the Pico H features pre-soldered headers and an upside-down pin orientation, making it ideal for applications where the board needs to be mounted in a specific orientation. It is designed for easy prototyping, embedded systems, and interfacing with a wide range of sensors and devices.

• IoT (Internet of Things) devices
• Robotics and automation
• Sensor data acquisition
• Home automation systems
• Educational projects and prototyping

The Raspberry Pi Pico H Upside Down has 40 pins, with pre-soldered headers. Below is the pinout description:

For the complete pinout, refer to the official Raspberry Pi Pico documentation.

1. Powering the Board:

   • The board can be powered via the Micro-USB port or through the VSYS pin (1.8V to 5.5V).
   • Ensure the power supply is stable and within the specified range to avoid damage.

2. Connecting Peripherals:

   • Use the GPIO pins to interface with sensors, actuators, or other devices.
   • The pins operate at 3.3V logic levels. Use level shifters if interfacing with 5V devices.

3. Programming the Board:

   • Connect the board to your computer via the Micro-USB cable.
   • Hold the BOOTSEL button while plugging in the USB cable to enter USB mass storage mode.
   • Drag and drop the firmware file (e.g., MicroPython or C/C++ binary) onto the board.

4. Example Circuit:

   • Connect an LED to GP15 with a 330-ohm resistor in series.
   • Use the following code to blink the LED.

// This example code blinks an LED connected to GPIO 15 on the Raspberry Pi Pico H.
// Ensure the LED is connected with a current-limiting resistor (e.g., 330 ohms).

#define LED_PIN 15  // Define the GPIO pin for the LED

void setup() {
  pinMode(LED_PIN, OUTPUT);  // Set the LED pin as an output
}

void loop() {
  digitalWrite(LED_PIN, HIGH);  // Turn the LED on
  delay(500);                   // Wait for 500 milliseconds
  digitalWrite(LED_PIN, LOW);   // Turn the LED off
  delay(500);                   // Wait for 500 milliseconds
}

• Voltage Levels: Ensure all connected devices operate at 3.3V logic levels or use level shifters.
• Pin Current Limits: Each GPIO pin can source/sink up to 12mA, with a total maximum of 50mA across all pins.
• Static Protection: Handle the board with care to avoid damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD).

1. The board is not recognized by the computer:

   • Ensure the USB cable is data-capable (not just a charging cable).
   • Hold the BOOTSEL button while connecting the board to enter USB mass storage mode.

2. GPIO pins are not working as expected:

   • Verify the pin configuration in your code.
   • Check for loose connections or incorrect wiring.
   • Ensure the total current draw does not exceed the board's limits.

3. The board overheats:

   • Check the input voltage on the VSYS pin. Ensure it is within the 1.8V to 5.5V range.
   • Avoid short circuits on the GPIO pins.

4. Cannot upload code to the board:

   • Ensure the correct firmware is being used (e.g., MicroPython or C/C++).
   • Verify that the board is in USB mass storage mode when uploading firmware.

Q: Can I use the Raspberry Pi Pico H Upside Down with 5V sensors?
A: The GPIO pins operate at 3.3V logic levels. Use a level shifter to safely interface with 5V sensors.

Q: What programming languages are supported?
A: The board supports C/C++, MicroPython, and CircuitPython.

Q: How do I reset the board to factory settings?
A: Re-flash the firmware by entering USB mass storage mode and uploading the desired firmware file.

Q: Can I power the board with batteries?
A: Yes, you can power the board via the VSYS pin using a battery pack within the 1.8V to 5.5V range.

For additional support, refer to the official Raspberry Pi Pico documentation or community forums.