The Micro:bit Educational Foundation released a minor revision of the micro:bit V2 that replaces one of the chips on the board.
This change does not impact the use of the micro:bit with the apps and editors.
If you’d like to know more about this, and future hardware changes, please subscribe to the Devices, Editors and DAL mailing list
What’s changed?
We have changing the ‘interface processor’ of the micro:bit V2. This is the part of the micro:bit responsible for managing USB communication, for example showing the MICROBIT drive, and helping you program the device. It runs the micro:bit firmware
The chip that runs user programs has not changed.
There are no changes to the user experience, features or behaviour of the micro:bit.
Why have you made this change?
Due to the pandemic, there are global problems with the production of the silicon chips that are in so many everyday items from cars and games consoles to washing machines and phones.
This change is necessary in order to continue production of the BBC micro:bit during this supply chain disruption.
How does it affect me?
You do not need to distinguish between the micro:bit V2.0 and V2.2 in everyday use.
You do not need to modify your programs, scripts, editors or printed resources. Any hex files you have that work on micro:bit V2 will work on the updated micro:bit V2.2
This revision will still be referred to as a “micro:bit V2”, but will have the revision number V2.2 (compared to V2.0 for the existing micro:bit V2).
Although most users will never need to update their firmware, the micro:bit firmware update page has been enhanced to guide users through identifying their board when performing a firmware update, as V2.2 requires a different firmware build.
