Bus Pirate 5

Descripción

Bus Pirate 5 is an open-source hardware debugging tool for examining and communicating with electronic devices during authorised security testing, research and development. Its VT100 terminal lets you configure supported interfaces and send commands without writing a separate program for every task. Live pin readings, current monitoring and a programmable power supply help teams work methodically with embedded hardware.

Key features

• VT100 terminal: Colour interface with live pin status, voltage readings and a status bar.
• Colour IPS display: Shows pin labels, measured voltage and power-supply current consumption.
• Buffered I/O: Eight bidirectional pins support direct interfacing from 1.2 V to 5 V.
• Power supply: Programmable 1 V to 5 V output with current sensing and a configurable hardware current limit.
• Protocol support: Supports 1-Wire, I2C, SPI, UART, MIDI and serial LEDs, with additional protocols documented by the manufacturer.
• Auxiliary header: Provides a separate connection point for tools such as logic analysers.
• Single-button control: Supports user input and repetitive command workflows.

Technical details

• Raspberry Pi RP2040 dual-core microcontroller running at 125 MHz.
• 264 KB RAM and 128 Mbit program flash.
• 1 Gbit NAND flash storage that appears as a USB drive.
• Eight I/O pins with voltage measurement and optional 10 kΩ pull-up resistors.
• Programmable 1 V to 5 V supply with a 0 to 500 mA current limit, current sense, resettable fuse and protection circuit.
• 240 × 320 pixel IPS LCD and 18 RGB LEDs.

Compatibility and setup

Bus Pirate 5 provides USB CDC serial interfaces for the user terminal and binary scripting interface, plus USB mass storage for onboard files. Firmware is open source, based on the Raspberry Pi Pico C SDK, and updates can be installed through the USB bootloader. Probe and auxiliary cables may be required depending on the target hardware.

Buying in the UK and EU

RedKit Labs offers Complete and Standalone options, with prices shown in GBP, EUR or USD and VAT handled at checkout. Use Bus Pirate 5 only on hardware you own or have explicit permission to assess, and check any applicable electrical safety and import requirements before purchase.