The Raspberry Pi Radio Module 2 (RM2) is a small, powerful add-on that makes it easy to bring Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity to your projects. Designed to work seamlessly with Raspberry Pi’s affordable microcontrollers (like the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W), this module is ideal for makers, product designers, and anyone building connected devices.
Instead of spending weeks figuring out wireless hardware, RM2 offers a ready-to-use, certified solution — so you can focus on your project, not compliance and antenna tuning.
Why RM2 is Useful
- Perfect for adding wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi + Bluetooth) to your PCB designs.
- Compact size with castellated edges makes it easy to mount directly on your board.
- Comes with a built-in antenna, so no external antenna design is needed.
- Cost-efficient – fewer external components means lower production cost.
- Fully certified, saving you from complex regulatory approval steps.
Key Features
- Wi-Fi Support:
- Wi-Fi 4 (802.11 b/g/n) – 2.4 GHz band
- Data rates up to 96 Mbps
- Bluetooth 5.2:
- Supports both Classic and Low Energy (BLE) modes
- Hardware Compatibility:
- Works with Raspberry Pi Pico W and Pico 2 W SDK
- Uses a low-pin-count SPI interface (gSPI) for easy integration
- Extra GPIOs:
- 3 host-controlled GPIOs for extra flexibility
- Efficient Design:
- Single antenna handles both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Built-in amplifiers improve signal range and reliability
- Power & Performance:
- Operates between −30°C to +70°C
- Low power consumption for battery-powered devices
How It Works
At the heart of RM2 is the Infineon CYW43439 chip — the same radio chip used in the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W. This chip handles both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth communication.
The module connects to a Raspberry Pi microcontroller using:
- SPI interface (gSPI) for data transfer
- Power & reset signals
- Shared antenna for wireless signals
Because the module already includes regulatory certification, you can integrate it directly into your project without worrying about compliance testing.
Pinout
The function of each pin on a Raspberry Pi Radio Module 2
| Pin | Description | Default connection |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ground | |
| 2 | No connect | |
| 3 | gSPI SCLK | GPIO29 |
| 4 | Ground | |
| 5 | gSPI Data In | GPIO24 |
| 6 | gSPI Data out | GPIO24 through a 470 Ω resistor |
| 7 | Ground | |
| 8 | GPIO0 | |
| 9 | gSPI CS | GPIO25 |
| 10 | nIRQ | GPIO24 through a 10 kΩ resistor |
| 11 | Ground | |
| 12 | Wi-Fi on | GPIO23 |
| 13 | Bluetooth on | GPIO23 |
| 14 | VDDIO (IO voltage either 3.3 V or 1.8 V) | 3.3 V |
| 15 | Ground | |
| 16 | Vin (3.0 V to 4.8 V) | 3.3 V |
| 17 | GPIO2 | |
| 18 | GPIO1 | |
| 19 | No connect | |
| 20 | No connect | |
| 21 | Ground |
Typical Applications
- DIY IoT gadgets (smart home devices, wireless sensors)
- Wearables and portable electronics
- Robotics projects needing wireless control
- Prototyping connected products before mass production
The Raspberry Pi Radio Module 2 (RM2) makes adding wireless connectivity simpler, faster, and more affordable. Whether you’re building a hobby project with the Raspberry Pi Pico or designing your own commercial PCB, RM2 saves you time by providing a plug-and-play Wi-Fi + Bluetooth solution.
👉 If you’re already comfortable with the Pico W, you’ll feel right at home with RM2.
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