The RP2040 is a microcontroller by Raspberry Pi designed for consumer electronics, available in large quantities from Mouser. Unlike other companies offering a variety of similar microcontrollers, Raspberry Pi chose to use just one model, simplifying choices for users. The RP2040’s design focuses on being cost-effective and flexible, with features like two cores, 30 GPIO pins, and a unique PIO peripheral for fast and precise IO operations. It also includes a read-only bootloader and prioritizes functionality over unnecessary security measures. The deliberate design choices make the RP2040 a unique and practical option for various projects.
https://dgroshev.com/blog/rp2040/