The latest update to the Pico-SDK now officially supports a 200 MHz clock speed for the RP2040 microcontroller, a significant increase from the previous 133 MHz limit. This enhancement allows for faster processing speeds, which is particularly beneficial for applications like emulating retro systems or running classic games. The SDK, which provides the necessary tools to program RP-series microcontrollers in C, C++, and Assembly, introduces the ability to set higher clock speeds before the program’s main function starts. Developers can specify a 200 MHz clock speed using the “#define SYS_CLK_MHZ 200” preprocessor directive, with the regulator voltage adjusting as needed. The release also hints at potential future support for even higher frequencies across different platforms. Additionally, a guide has been published demonstrating the RP2040’s capabilities, including how to manually overclock most boards to 270 MHz. However, the official certification for 200 MHz ensures all RP2040 chips can reliably achieve this speed, marking a significant advancement without entering the realm of overclocking, which implies exceeding manufacturer specifications.
Read more at Tom’s Hardware…
