The Black Art of Hardware Design with Raspberry Pi Pico 2

Name: The Black Art of Hardware Design with Raspberry Pi Pico 2
Rating: 4.7 (39 reviews)

Design and build a Raspberry Pi Pico 2 clone from schematic design and PCB layout to manufacturing and custom firmware.

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Created byAndre LaMothe

Last updated 6/2026

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What you'll learn

Master real-world hardware design: Take a product from initial concept and ideation to a fully finished, functional device.
Architect robust schematics: Build complex, professional-grade circuits with hundreds of components that work flawlessly on the first power-up.
Analyze like an engineer: Gain the confidence to decode complex datasheets and design hardware directly from official processor specifications.
Adopt professional standards: Learn the industry-standard workflow to prepare your designs for seamless manufacturing and assembly.
Optimize PCB layouts: Master high-speed routing strategies, I/O management, and power supply design best practices for clean, reliable performance.
Design a single-board computer: Acquire the ability to architect and lay out a complete, high-speed microcontroller-based SBC.
Develop across the stack: Learn the full lifecycle of hardware interaction, from powering up your board to coding in MicroPython and C++.
Navigate regulatory compliance: Understand the requirements for RoHS, CE, and FCC, and learn how to design your products with compliance in mind.
Design for scale: Implement smart part-selection strategies and "Design for Manufacturing" (DFM) techniques to optimize cost and reliability.
Launch your hardware empire: Learn the business side of engineering—how to manufacture, market, and sell your custom products to consumers.
New Students use Code - L O G I C P R O B E

Course content

5 sections • 17 lectures • 10h 51m total length

Course Overview and Setup44:10
In this lecture we run through an overview of the course, discuss the project we are building then we install a number of programs to setup our workflow. Additionally, we take a look at where to download resources for the course, the main course outline, and more. Finally, we run through some EasyEDA CAD examples and learn how to load projects and some of the tricks and tips for the tool.

The Engineering Plan for the Clone22:06
In this lecture we discuss the overall goals of our clone design, the R&D component of the design, datasheet review, hardware guide review and more.
Datasheet and R&D Deep Dive39:58
In this lecture we begin our datasheet and document research on the RP2350, and Raspberry Pi Pico 2.
Datasheet and R&D Deep Dive Part II38:22
In this lecture we continue our datasheet and document research on the RP2350, and Raspberry Pi Pico 2.
Datasheet and R&D Deep Dive Part III59:15
In this lecture, we finish our comprehensive review of the datasheets and documentation for the RP2350 and Raspberry Pi Pico 2, laying the foundation, so we can start designing.

Design and PCB Layout of the Power Supply Part I48:31
In this tutorial lecture, we begin the PCB layout process by focusing on the USB power sub-section of the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 clone. This lecture serves both as a practical introduction to the overall project and a comprehensive hands-on demonstration of the core features within EasyEDA.
Design and PCB Layout of the Power Supply Part II31:46
In this tutorial lecture, we continue our work on the USB power sub-section of the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 clone. Building on the previous lesson, we dive deeper into the PCB layout process, offering further hands-on experience with the advanced routing tools and component placement features in EasyEDA.
Manufacturing the Pico 2 Power Supply33:28
In this lecture, we move from digital design to physical reality. You will learn the critical workflow for exporting your power supply design for professional PCB manufacturing and automated assembly via EasyEDA. We will perform a final verification of the Gerber files, explore the nuances of selecting a fabrication house, and walk through the exact steps to get your custom hardware board built and ready for testing.
Design Review and PCB Layout of the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 Clone51:26
In this lecture, the project reaches its peak! We dive deep into the comprehensive design review and full-scale PCB layout of the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 clone. From optimizing critical component placement to executing complex, high-density signal routing, you will watch as the entire system comes together on the virtual board. We will tackle mechanical constraints and signal integrity head-on, transforming our schematic into a refined, production-ready masterpiece.
Design Review and PCB Layout of the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 Clone - Part II25:05
In this lecture, we push the design to completion! We continue our deep-dive review and precision PCB layout, carefully fine-tuning traces for optimal signal integrity and finalizing the board's complex geometry. By the end of this session, you will have a fully routed, perfectly polished PCB that is ready to move beyond the design phase and into the real world of fabrication.
Manufacturing the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 Clone41:27
In this lecture, we bridge the gap between virtual design and professional hardware. We perform a rigorous final design review, conducting critical last-minute checks to ensure your PCB and assembly files are flawless. Once verified, we navigate the industrial manufacturing process step-by-step, sending our design to be professionally fabricated and assembled. By the end of this lecture, you will have navigated the entire pipeline required to transform your custom electronics from a computer file into a tangible, high-quality hardware product.

Board Power-Up and Coding with MicroPython26:27
In this lecture, we bring our hardware to life! We power up our custom board, configure the MicroPython environment, and execute the "Hello World" of embedded engineering: a classic blinking LED test. This session confirms your hardware is functioning correctly and provides a solid, verified baseline for moving into more complex software development.
MicroPython Graphics and Game Demos for the RPI Pico 2 Clone34:28
In this lecture, we push the RP2350’s capabilities to the limit. We dive into advanced MicroPython programming to drive the on-board 4x4 RGB LED matrix and the integrated OLED display. You will learn to implement high-performance graphics and game logic, transforming your custom hardware into a fully functional gaming device while optimizing your code for maximum execution speed.
C/C++ Coding for the RPI Pico 2 Clone with Arduino IDE32:23
In this lecture, we shift gears to professional-grade C++ development. We configure the Arduino IDE environment, including the essential Earle Philhower board packages, to unlock the full raw power of the RP2350. We will walk through the core differences in C++ development compared to MicroPython, giving you the high-level control necessary for resource-intensive hardware applications.
Prototyping the RPI Pico 2 Clone on a Solderless Breadboard23:04
In this lecture, we democratize the learning process. I demonstrate how to construct a functional, solderless breadboard prototype of our custom clone using a standard Raspberry Pi Pico 2. This crucial lesson allows you to follow along, test code, and validate your designs immediately, ensuring you can master every project concept without the immediate cost of a full-scale PCB production run.
Epilog – Building Your Hardware Empire and Selling Products39:06
In this lecture, we move beyond the bench and into the business of hardware. We explore the complete lifecycle of a commercial product, from navigating essential industry certifications like FCC, CE, and RoHS to setting up your own LLC and online storefront. We conclude with a strategic roadmap for manufacturing, scaling, and selling your custom electronics, providing the professional insights you need to turn your engineering passion into a sustainable business.

Requirements

Foundational Electronics: A basic understanding of electronics and exposure to microcontroller platforms like Raspberry Pi, Arduino, or similar systems.
Programming Familiarity: Experience coding with a modern language—ideally Python, C/C++, or JavaScript. You don't need to be an expert, just comfortable with logic and syntax.
CAD Exposure: Some prior experience with PCB design software (such as EasyEDA, KiCad, Altium, or Eagle) is helpful, but we will move quickly, so curiosity is the only true requirement!
Hardware: A reliable PC (Windows, Linux, or macOS) with a stable internet connection.

Description

Hardware isn't just built — it's designed with intent. In this one-of-a-kind, project-based masterclass, you'll go hands-on designing and manufacturing your own production-ready Raspberry Pi Pico 2 development board. Starting from raw datasheets, you'll move through schematic entry, high-speed PCB layout in EasyEDA, board bring-up, firmware flashing, and performance-driven coding in both MicroPython and C++. You'll learn to treat signal integrity, power distribution, and mechanical constraints exactly as professional engineers do. (New Student Discount - L O G I C P R O B E)

But we don't stop at the lab bench. You’ll also learn the complete commercial pipeline—from prototyping your design to navigating regulatory requirements and launching your own hardware products. By the end, you’ll have the tools, the confidence, and the real-world strategy to take any hardware idea from a CAD file to a business reality.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

Install and master EasyEDA to leverage its complete suite of electrical CAD, PCB layout, and simulation tools.
Deep dive into technical datasheets and hardware design guides to perform high-level R&D for any project.
Master the architecture of complex microcontroller-based systems, using the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 as your foundational blueprint.
Apply professional PCB routing strategies, I/O mapping, and power supply design best practices to ensure clean, reliable hardware.
Explore advanced engineering concepts such as EMI mitigation, differential signaling, and precision impedance matching.
Design for Manufacturing (DFM) to guarantee your PCB transitions smoothly from the virtual prototype to the production line.
Utilize open-source toolchains to effectively program and flash firmware onto your custom-built boards.
Get hands-on with MicroPython and C++, mastering tools like Thonny, Visual Studio Code, and the Arduino IDE to bring your projects to life.
Navigate regulatory compliance and understand the necessary requirements for RoHS, CE, and FCC certification.
Scale your passion into a business by manufacturing and selling your own professional products to consumers.

Who this course is for:

Students and makers ready to go beyond breadboards and build real hardware.
Embedded developers who want to bridge the gap to understanding the hardware running their firmware.
Entrepreneurs and innovators exploring IoT, robotics, or custom device development.
Electronics hobbyists ready to create their first professional-grade PCB.

The Black Art of Hardware Design with Raspberry Pi Pico 2

What you'll learn

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Course content

Introduction and Setup1 lecture • 44min

Research and Development4 lectures • 2hr 40min

Designing the Circuitry - Schematic Entry and Review1 lecture • 1hr 1min

PCB Layout and Mechanical Design6 lectures • 3hr 52min

Board Power-Up, Prototyping, and Coding with MicroPython and C++5 lectures • 2hr 35min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: