💻 Mastering Asynchronous Programming with MicroPython on Raspberry Pi Pico

This short guide will walk you through the asynchronous programming on the 🍓 Raspberry Pi Pico using 🐍 MicroPython and the asyncio module. You’ll learn the difference between asynchronous (non-blocking, concurrent tasks) and synchronous (blocking, sequential tasks) programming.

It covers key concepts like event loops, coroutines, tasks, and the await keyword, along with setting up MicroPython firmware and using 👷‍♂️ Thonny IDE or 👩‍💻 VS Code to write and upload code. By following the tutorial, you'll master running multiple tasks concurrently, ideal for applications like networking, sensor data handling, and user interactions.

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#guides #micropython #raspberry

🍓 What’s New on the Raspberry Pi CM5

The Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 (CM5) brings the power of 🇳🇱 Raspberry Pi 5 to a compact, CM4-compatible form, ideal for industrial and maker applications. It offers significant performance upgrades while maintaining broad accessory compatibility.

Key features of the board:
➡️Faster CPU, GPU, and storage speeds, with eMMC storage nearing PCIe Gen 2 performance.
➡️Support for optional NVMe SSDs for high-speed operations.
➡️Enables dual camera or display configurations with flexible setups.
➡️Multiple variants (2GB–8GB RAM, eMMC, Wi-Fi) to match project needs.
➡️Broad GPIO support with most CM4-compatible accessories.

Cooling can be a challenge—passive solutions suffice for standard tasks, but overclocking requires better thermal management than the current active cooling setup offers.

Designed for embedded projects, the CM5 starts at $45 and is a powerful tool for makers and professionals seeking scalable, customizable solutions. Those with simpler needs may prefer the standard Raspberry Pi 5.

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#boards #raspberry

📺 What's going on with Intel?

This week, Intel announced the retirement of its CEO, Pat Gelsinger. This event marks the culmination of the company's decline, leaving many people wondering how such a dominant force in the semiconductor market has reached this point. To better understand the situation surrounding Intel, it is highly recommended to watch this YouTube video.

⛓ https://youtu.be/OZrPOjnAyqs

#video #news #Intel

💻 Embedded System Simulations: Techniques and Tools for Realistic Testing

This article explores advanced techniques for simulating embedded systems, helping developers streamline testing and development. Readers will learn about leveraging virtual hardware simulators, such as Wokwi, Renode, and QEMU, which mimic microcontrollers and external components with varying levels of fidelity. It discusses how these tools can model real-world hardware interactions and evaluates their ease of use, integration with build systems, and support for specific microcontrollers.

The article also covers the use of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) to enhance simulation realism and usability. Developers can transition from text-based inputs and outputs to interactive dashboards with buttons, sliders, gauges, and graphs. This makes simulations more intuitive, akin to operating a physical device, while improving debugging and control capabilities.

More information:
🔗 Part 1: Simple Simulations with printf
🔗 Part 2: Simulations with Virtual Hardware and GUIs

#articles #design

⏲ Open-Source Electronic Caliper

This project explores the development of custom electronic calipers based on capacitive coupling principles. By utilizing a 🦋 STM32 microcontroller and signal processing software, this project creates a highly precise linear position-sensing system capable of millimeter-level accuracy at 500 Hz.

Features of the device:
➡️Leverages passive PCB “scale” and active sliding components for accurate measurements.
➡️Implements sinusoidal signal emission, phase offset calculation, and noise reduction using the Embassy Rust framework.
➡️Achieves sub-mm resolution and high-frequency phase measurements through parameter optimization.
➡️Provides a pathway for experimentation and customization by hobbyists and engineers.
➡️Includes Python-based data analysis workflows and an iterative design process for performance enhancement.

With its open-source framework and adaptability to various applications, it provides an excellent platform for learning and innovation in instrumentation engineering and software development.

More information:
🔗 The main page
😹 The GitHub page

#projects #stm32

🧑‍💻 Bluetooth with MATLAB for Wireless Communication

This guide explains how to establish wireless communication between 👨‍🏫 MATLAB and an ♾ Arduino using Bluetooth, with the HC-05 module as the bridge. It covers two methods: using MATLAB's command window and creating a graphical user interface (GUI) for controlling devices like LEDs.

Features of the project:
➡️Setup and communication using MATLAB's built-in Bluetooth functionality.
➡️Command-line method to send data and control an Arduino from MATLAB.
➡️GUI-based approach with interactive buttons for sending ON, OFF, and BLINK commands.
➡️Sample Arduino and MATLAB code provided for immediate implementation.
➡️Hardware diagrams and troubleshooting tips for beginners.

This guide serves as an excellent starting point for exploring MATLAB's integration with IoT and Bluetooth-based automation projects.

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#guides #tutorials #matlab #arduino

🇳🇱 Channel Rewind: Highlights from 2024

As 2024 comes to an end, it’s the perfect time to revisit the stories and ideas that captured the most interest. This channel is dedicated to aggregating the best of embedded systems, and this roundup highlights your favorite posts from the year.

The most popular open-source projects:
➡️ESP32-Based Smartwatch with LiDAR and Wi-Fi Scanning
➡️High-Resolution POV Display based on ESP32
➡️CatSniffer - Compact Hacker's Tool

The most popular embedded libraries:
➡️LVGL - GUI library for embedded systems
➡️pcb2blender - KiCad to Blender 3D model workflow
➡️BitNetMCU - Neural networks on the cheapest microchips!

The most popular programming articles:
➡️Qt vs. Flutter: What to choose?
➡️Mastering State Machines
➡️5 Techniques to Simulate Embedded Software

The most popular videos:
➡️Mastering Decision-Making in C: Switch vs. If Statements
➡️Gear Indicator for Manual Cars: Arduino Tutorial
➡️Raspberry Pi Pico RP2350 - Performance Boost Trick

Embedded systems have seen incredible growth and innovation throughout 2024, and it’s been amazing to share this journey with you. Let’s look forward to an even more groundbreaking 2025—see you next year!

🚀 Give channel a boost

#news

🖥 Open-Source Portable Air Quality Meter

This device designed to monitor environmental air quality using the MQ135 sensor. This project provides an easy-to-build solution for detecting specific hazardous gases, offering a portable and affordable tool for personal air quality awareness.

Features of the device:
➡️MQ135 sensor, FireBeetle 2 ESP32 microcontroller, SSD1306 OLED screen, and a rechargeable 14500 Li-ion battery.
➡️3D-printed housing with ergonomic handles, a hook for portability, and color accents for aesthetics.
➡️Measures CO2, benzene, ammonia, smoke, and nitrogen oxides; outputs readings visually and categorizes air quality.
➡️Built-in charging circuit for the lithium battery and I2C communication for efficient display control.

The project provides the ♾ Arduino framework firmware code, the diagram of element's connections and 3D models of the case.

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#projects #esp32

📺 Building a PCB Fabrication Machine: Challenges and Breakthroughs

The project focuses on creating a desktop machine capable of fabricating circuit boards automatically, akin to 3D printing's speed and convenience. Unlike traditional methods that involve complex chemical processes, this innovation aims to simplify and speed up the production of circuit boards in-house.

The key challenge lies in developing a viable method for creating vias (connections between board layers) without using corrosive chemicals, which is crucial for enabling rapid prototyping. By eliminating chemical baths and exploring alternative techniques like conductive ink and novel electroplating approaches, the project aims to revolutionize PCB fabrication, potentially paving the way for faster and more accessible electronics prototyping on a small scale.

⛓ https://youtu.be/0vtCyUHz1Mo

#video #projects

🤦‍♂️ Write Better Code with Block Diagrams and Flowcharts

This article explores how software developers can enhance their coding processes using block diagrams and flowcharts. You will learn how these graphical aids can clarify problem-solving, improve modular design, and facilitate understanding of complex systems. The article also highlights tools like Mermaid and PlantUML, providing practical tips for integrating these techniques into coding workflows to make code easier to write, debug, and comprehend.

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#articles

📺 Embedded Software Engineering Interview Questions & Answers

The YouTube video discusses top 10 embedded software engineering interview questions, providing detailed explanations for each. It covers fundamental concepts like SBI interfaces, DMA operations, semaphores vs. mutexes, data synchronization across sensors, use cases for volatile keyword, MCU power consumption optimization, benefits of real-time operating systems, and tips for writing interrupt service routines. The content is valuable as it not only prepares viewers for technical interviews but also emphasizes practical applications and optimization strategies crucial for embedded systems development.

⛓ https://youtu.be/-7pfWTp_FsU

#video #interview

©️ Writing a simple pool allocator in C

This article provides a detailed guide on writing a simple pool allocator in C, a memory management technique that offers faster allocation and deallocation compared to traditional malloc by using fixed-size memory chunks.

This technique is especially useful when writing embedded firmware where the RAM is limited and you need to save resources. New readers will learn how to implement a basic pool allocator, including creating, expanding, and managing memory pools, as well as optimizing performance with constant-time operations.

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#articles #programming