©️ Fixing C strings

This article explores an alternative to traditional null-terminated C strings, which are notorious for being error-prone and unsafe.

The author introduces a safer string implementation using two structures: struct str (for immutable strings) and struct str_buf (for mutable string buffers). These structures store both the string data and its length, eliminating common issues like buffer overflows and off-by-one errors.

The article provides practical examples of how to create, manipulate, and use these strings, emphasizing readability, correctness, and safety.

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#articles #programming

🐟 How to Run DeepSeek R1 on Raspberry Pi 5

DeepSeek R1 can run on the 🍓 Raspberry Pi 5, enabling local AI experimentation without cloud reliance. Setting it up is simple, making it accessible even for beginners. However, running the model on the Pi 5 comes with limitations, requiring creative workarounds for better performance.

Features of this approach:
➡️Optimized distilled LLM for Raspberry Pi 5’s 8GB RAM.
➡️No AI acceleration; external GPU possible via PCIe.
➡️Simple setup using ollama’s installation script.
➡️Much slower than desktop GPUs, with noticeable latency.

This guide is perfect for AI enthusiasts and developers exploring LLMs on low-cost hardware. While the Pi 5 can handle basic tasks, serious AI work requires more powerful setups. Still, it’s an interesting experiment for those curious about running AI on compact devices.

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#deepseek #tutorials #raspberry #artificial_intelligence

👉 OpenHeat – Open-Source Smart Heating Pad

The OpenHeat project is a smart, open-source heating pad designed for PCB reflow soldering. It boasts a sleek design and powerful functionality, potentially making it one of the most visually appealing and feature-rich heating pads available.

Key features of the device:
➡️A sleek, compact design.
➡️High power and temperature capabilities (200W, up to 300°C).
➡️Bluetooth connectivity for future mobile app integration.
➡️Aluminum substrate PCB for efficient heat dissipation.
➡️Customizable firmware for advanced temperature control.

This project is ideal for electronics enthusiasts looking for a cost-effective, high-performance heating pad with a modern design. The creator plans to release additional resources, such as 3D printing files and complete firmware, in the future.

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#projects #esp32

👩‍💻 Free YouTube Course: Developing a Linux Driver

This tutorial series is a practical guide to writing Linux kernel modules and drivers, with a focus on hardware access. It starts with an introduction to the Linux kernel, explaining its role as a hardware abstraction layer and its monolithic nature.

The series emphasizes Loadable Kernel Modules (LKMs), which allow dynamic driver loading to keep the kernel lightweight and flexible.

Key topics covered include:
➡️Kernel basics – Process management, resource allocation, and system calls.
➡️LKMs – How to write and load kernel modules dynamically.
➡️Essential mechanisms – Linked lists, mutexes, memory management, and logging.
➡️User-space interfaces – Working with /proc, /sys, and device files.
➡️Hardware interfacing – GPIOs, I²C, SPI, timers, and more.
➡️Device Tree – Adding and probing devices dynamically.

The tutorials use 🍓 Raspberry Pi for hands-on development due to its affordability, GPIO support, and ease of configuration. The series is continuously updated to reflect kernel API changes, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to master Linux driver development.

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#courses #programming #linux #raspberry

💻 The Rise of Chiplets: Opportunities and Challenges in Next-Gen Semiconductor Design

The shift from monolithic SoCs to chiplet-based architectures is making semiconductor design more complex but also more flexible. Chiplets allow companies to mix and match different components, optimizing performance and cost by using different process nodes for different functions.

This approach is crucial for AI and high-performance computing, where demands for bandwidth, power efficiency, and speed continue to rise. By 2025, an estimated 50% of high-performance computing systems and nearly all AI chips will be multi-die, signaling a major industry-wide transformation.

However, integrating third-party chiplets brings challenges like standardization, signal integrity, and power distribution. Engineers must address thermal issues and ensure interoperability through standards like UCIe. Different industries also have unique requirements, from durability in automotive applications to power efficiency in data centers.

Despite these obstacles, chiplets offer customization, cost savings, and faster development. Companies like 〽️ Intel and 🧿 AMD are embracing this shift, and future advancements in integration and interconnect technology will be key to unlocking their full potential.

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#news #electronics

🇨🇳 Undocumented Backdoor Found in Popular ESP32 Bluetooth Chip, Raising Security Concerns

Researchers have discovered an undocumented backdoor in the ESP32 chip, used in over a billion devices worldwide. This vulnerability could allow attackers to access data, spoof devices, and infiltrate networks.

Spanish security experts found 29 hidden commands in the chip’s Bluetooth firmware. These commands enable memory manipulation, MAC address spoofing, and advanced Bluetooth attacks. Hackers could potentially exploit these functions to take full control of affected devices and move laterally within networks.

If exploited, this backdoor could enable long-term persistence and spread to other devices. The lack of public documentation from Espressif raises concerns about security risks and potential misuse.

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#news #esp32 #security

📠 ClockworkPi PicoCalc - Modular Open-Source Calculator

ClockworkPi PicoCalc is an open-source, modular device that resembles a scientific calculator but functions as a powerful microcontroller development platform. It features a QWERTY keyboard and a 🍓 Raspberry Pi Pico carrier board, making it ideal for customization.

Features of the project:
➡️Compatible with multiple Raspberry Pi Pico models.
➡️4-inch IPS screen, SD card slot, speakers, and 8MB PSRAM.
➡️Runs on two 18650 batteries with USB-C charging.
➡️Open-source firmware and hardware for easy modifications.
➡️QWERTY layout with backlight, connected via I2C.

By digging into PicoCalc, users can explore hardware design, firmware development, and embedded programming. The open-source nature provides an excellent opportunity to study schematics, experiment with software, and even create custom enclosures using 3D printing or CNC machining.

This project is perfect for electronics enthusiasts, programmers, and makers who enjoy building and customizing their own devices. Whether for learning, prototyping, or developing unique applications, PicoCalc offers a hands-on experience in open-source hardware and embedded systems.

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#projects #raspberry

🪟 Windows 95 running on ESP32 (Tiny386 Emulator)

Tiny386 is a lightweight x86 PC emulator that transforms the low-cost 🇨🇳 ESP32-S3 microcontroller into a fully functional retro desktop computer capable of running classic operating systems like Microsoft Windows 95 and various 16- and 32-bit software. The project showcases the surprising power of modern microcontrollers when paired with efficient emulation techniques.

The features of the project:
➡️Written in C99 with only around 6,000 lines of code for the CPU emulator.
➡️Emulates an Intel i386 CPU, supporting most 16/32-bit software with added 486/586 instructions for newer OS compatibility.
➡️Runs directly on the ESP32-S3 (dual 240 MHz cores) with optional external PSRAM for memory expansion.
➡️Features include VGA graphics, Ethernet emulation, and multiple sound options (PC Speaker, AdLib OPL2, Sound Blaster 16).
➡️Incorporates SeaBIOS firmware for BIOS/VGABIOS functionality, with the option to boot Linux kernels directly.
➡️Fully open-source under the BSD 3-Clause license, with browser-based and hardware demos available.

Tiny386 impressively demonstrates how modern embedded hardware can recreate classic computing environments once reserved for full-sized PCs.

More information:
🔗 The main article
😹 The GitHub repository

#projects #esp32 #windows95 #emulator