SparkFun Pro Micro - RP2350

Jargon buster

Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.

I2C

I2C is a two-wire communication bus used by many sensors and small modules. It matters because several I2C devices can share the same two wires, but each device needs a compatible address and your controller must support I2C.

LED

A light-emitting diode is a small electronic component that lights up when current flows through it in the correct direction. In this kit, LEDs create the flashing effect, so polarity and correct soldering matter for the project to work.

microcontroller

A microcontroller is a small computer on a chip that runs your program and controls connected inputs and outputs. For this product, it is the part that reads buttons and sensors, drives the display and speaker, and communicates over Bluetooth.

MicroPython

A version of the Python programming language made to run on microcontrollers. It matters because it lets beginners write readable code to control LEDs, sensors, motors and displays without needing to start with lower-level languages.

PTC fuse

A resettable fuse that increases its resistance when too much current flows, helping protect the board from short circuits or overloads. It matters because it can recover after a fault instead of needing replacement like a traditional fuse.

PTH

Plated through-hole means the pin holes are metal-lined so solder connects the pad on both sides of the board. It is useful for connectors and headers that need a strong mechanical and electrical connection.

Qwiic

Qwiic is a plug-in connector system for I2C devices that uses small 4-pin cables, so you can connect compatible sensors without soldering. It matters because your controller or adapter also needs Qwiic, or you will need a cable or breakout to wire it up.

RGB

Short for red, green and blue, usually referring to an LED that can mix those three colours. It matters because controlling an RGB LED teaches how separate outputs combine to create different colours.

RISC-V

An open processor architecture used inside some modern microcontroller chips. It matters because it affects the software tools, performance, and low-power features available for developing projects on the board.

RP2350

A microcontroller chip from Raspberry Pi used as the main processor on some development boards. Knowing the board is built around an RP2350 helps you check software support, pin capabilities and whether it suits MicroPython projects.

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.

SRAM

Fast temporary memory used by a processor while a program is running. More SRAM helps with projects that handle larger data buffers, networking, displays, or more complex code.

USB-C

A modern reversible USB connector used for power and data connections. On this product it matters because it can connect directly to a computer as well as to a microcontroller project.