Pico Enviro+ Pack

Jargon buster

Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.

Headers

Rows of metal pins used to plug a module into a breadboard or connect it with jumper wires. Pre-soldered headers make the module easier to use straight away without needing to solder the pins yourself.

IPS

IPS is a type of LCD panel that keeps colours and contrast more consistent when viewed from an angle. This matters for small displays that may be mounted in a dashboard, handheld project, or enclosure where the viewer is not always looking straight on.

LCD

LCD stands for liquid crystal display, a screen technology that uses a backlight and liquid crystals to show images or text. It matters because LCD modules usually need a display driver and enough controller pins or a bus interface to send image data.

Matter

A smart home connectivity standard designed to let devices work across different ecosystems. It matters if you want a project to integrate more easily with platforms such as Apple Home, Google Home, or other Matter-compatible systems.

MEMS microphone

A tiny microphone made using micro-electromechanical systems, the same style of miniature manufacturing used in many phone sensors. It lets the board detect sound without needing an external microphone, which is useful for noise-reactive projects and simple audio input.

particulate matter

Particulate matter means tiny particles suspended in the air, such as dust, smoke, pollen, or pollution. A sensor that measures it is useful for air-quality projects because particle levels can affect comfort and health.

SPI

A fast serial communication bus often used for displays, memory cards, and sensors. It matters because SPI devices need specific pins for clock and data, plus a separate chip-select line for each device.

VOC

Volatile organic compounds are gases released from things like paints, cleaners, smoke, and some plastics. A VOC reading helps indicate indoor air quality, but it is usually an index or estimate rather than a direct identification of each chemical.