The Pimorini PGA2350 is a versatile microcontroller board designed specifically for use with the Raspberry Pi 2. It features a wide range of GPIO pins and interfaces, making it an excellent choice for hobbyists, students, and professionals working on electronic projects. The PGA2350 is ideal for applications such as robotics, IoT devices, home automation, and sensor integration. Its compatibility with the Raspberry Pi 2 ensures seamless integration and ease of use.

The following table outlines the key technical specifications of the Pimorini PGA2350:

The Pimorini PGA2350 uses a 40-pin GPIO header, which is fully compatible with the Raspberry Pi 2. Below is the pinout description:

For the full pinout, refer to the Pimorini PGA2350 datasheet.

1. Powering the Board: The PGA2350 is powered through the Raspberry Pi 2's 5V power supply. Ensure that the Raspberry Pi 2 is properly powered before connecting the PGA2350.
2. Connecting Peripherals: Use the GPIO pins to connect sensors, actuators, or other peripherals. Ensure that the voltage levels of connected devices are compatible with the 3.3V logic level of the PGA2350.
3. Programming: The PGA2350 can be programmed using Python or other supported languages on the Raspberry Pi 2. Libraries such as RPi.GPIO or gpiozero can be used for GPIO control.

• Voltage Levels: Avoid connecting devices that operate at 5V logic levels directly to the GPIO pins, as this may damage the PGA2350.
• Current Limits: Do not exceed the maximum current output of 16mA per GPIO pin to prevent damage.
• Static Protection: Handle the board with care to avoid static discharge, which can damage the microcontroller.
• Pin Mapping: Double-check the pin mapping to ensure correct connections.

Below is an example of how to blink an LED connected to GPIO4 using Python on the Raspberry Pi 2:

import RPi.GPIO as GPIO  # Import the GPIO library
import time              # Import the time library for delays

LED_PIN = 4 # GPIO4 is used for the LED

GPIO.setmode(GPIO.BCM) # Use Broadcom pin numbering GPIO.setup(LED_PIN, GPIO.OUT) # Set GPIO4 as an output pin

try: while True: GPIO.output(LED_PIN, GPIO.HIGH) # Turn the LED on time.sleep(1) # Wait for 1 second GPIO.output(LED_PIN, GPIO.LOW) # Turn the LED off time.sleep(1) # Wait for 1 second except KeyboardInterrupt: # Clean up GPIO settings on exit GPIO.cleanup()

1. No Response from GPIO Pins:

   • Cause: Incorrect pin configuration or wiring.
   • Solution: Double-check the pin mapping and ensure proper connections.

2. Overheating:

   • Cause: Exceeding the current limit of GPIO pins.
   • Solution: Ensure that the connected devices do not draw more than 16mA per pin.

3. I2C or SPI Communication Fails:

   • Cause: Incorrect configuration or missing pull-up resistors.
   • Solution: Verify the I2C/SPI settings and ensure pull-up resistors are in place for I2C lines.

4. Board Not Detected by Raspberry Pi:

   • Cause: Improper connection or power supply issues.
   • Solution: Ensure the PGA2350 is securely connected to the Raspberry Pi 2 and that the power supply is adequate.

• Use a multimeter to check voltage levels and continuity of connections.
• Refer to the Raspberry Pi 2 GPIO documentation for additional guidance on pin usage.
• Update the Raspberry Pi's firmware and software to ensure compatibility with the PGA2350.

By following this documentation, users can effectively integrate and utilize the Pimorini PGA2350 in their electronic projects.