5611

Meet the $4 Raspberry Pi Radio Module 2 Affordable and powerful, the new Radio Module 2 brings Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity to Raspberry Pi’s low-cost, high-performance microcontrollers—perfect for your next wireless project.

Introduction
Raspberry Pi has just launched its first standalone wireless module, the Raspberry Pi Radio Module 2 (RM2) — a fully certified Wi‑Fi 4 + Bluetooth 5.2 radio, now available for just $4.

While every Raspberry Pi computer since the Raspberry Pi 3B+ has functioned as a "radio module" from a conformance standpoint — thanks to shielded RF components — the RM2 marks a new chapter. It’s a compact, castellated-edge module built around the Infineon CYW43439 chipset, the same one used in the Pico W and Pico 2 W, and is now available as a turnkey solution for RP2040- and RP2350-based designs.

Designed for Scalable, Wireless-Enabled Projects
The RM2 answers a common request from product developers:
“Can we get the same wireless performance and compatibility of Pico W, but in a standalone form for custom designs?” 
Yes — and that’s exactly what the RM2 delivers: 
  • Castellated edge pads for easy SMT integration
  • On-board 2.4 GHz antenna
  • Low pin-count SPI interface (ideal for I/O-limited MCUs)
  • Compact size: 16.5 × 14.5 mm
  • Minimal BOM: just host the MCU + power supply
  • Full modular RF certification: FCC, CE, IC, etc.
This means no extra RF compliance costs, making the RM2 perfect for rapid development, scaling, and low-cost manufacturing.

Compact Connectivity with Powerful Performance
The new Raspberry Pi Radio Module 2 delivers seamless wireless connectivity with support for single-band 2.4GHz Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) and Bluetooth 5.2, including both Bluetooth Classic and Low Energy (LE). Designed for efficient integration, the module features an on-board power amplifier (PA), low-noise amplifier (LNA), and transmit/receive (T/R) switch. This combination ensures robust and reliable wireless performance, even when operating over a single, shared antenna for both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functions.
raspberry-pi-rm2-block-diagram.jpg

Raspberry Pi Radio Module 2 Nomenclature
radio-module-2-nomenclature.jpg

Dual-Mode Wireless, Shared Antenna
The RM2 supports:
A shared single PCB antenna handles both protocols, and integrated PA, LNA, and T/R switch circuitry ensure excellent performance, even in crowded RF environments.  

Compatible with Pico SDK and MicroPython
Developers can leverage:
  • The official Raspberry Pi Pico SDK (C/C++)
  • MicroPython (with ready Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth libraries)
  • Full software stack compatibility with Pico W and Pico 2 W
This means you can prototype on a Pico W, then migrate to RM2 for production without rewriting your wireless code — a massive time-saver for makers and startups alike.

Already in Use by Leading Brands
The RM2 is already integrated into new products like:
  • SparkFun Thing Plus – RP2350
  • Pimoroni Pico Plus 2 W
Expect to see it pop up in the next generation of connected gadgets — and maybe your project could be one of them.

Specifications 
  • Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), single-band (2.4 GHz), and Bluetooth 5.2 support
  1. Bluetooth Classic and Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) support up to 100 m (Class 1) and 10 m (Class 2)
  2. Full software compatibility with Pico W and Pico 2 W SDK
  • Simple GPIO expander: Three host-controlled GPIOs for added I/O capabilities
  • Low-pin-count gSPI host interface allows for simplified integration with minimal I/O requirements
  • SISO configuration supports efficient single antenna wireless performance
  • Supports 20 MHz channels with data rates up to 96 Mbps (PHY rate)
  • Operating temperature of −30°C to +70°C
  • IEEE Power Save PM1 DTIM1 average rate 1: 1.19 mA
  • Receive active rate MCS7 (at –50 dBm): 43 mA
  • Transmit active rate MCS7 (at 16 dBm): 271 mA
  • List price: $4  
You can find all the technical information about Radio Module 2 in its comprehensive datasheet. The link is as follows:
https://www.raspberrypi.com/products/radio-module-2/

Buy Raspberry Pi Radio Module 2
The Raspberry Pi RM2 is available through select official resellers, though current availability is limited to regions such as the US, UK, and select EU countries.