Page 77 – Electronics-Lab.com

Optimized Octa-core Cortex-A55 Platform for Advanced Commercial Display Solutions

Posted on 2 July, 20242 July, 2024 by mixos

MYIR has launched the MYD-LT527-SX Commercial Display Board, powered by the Allwinner T527 processor. This processor features an Octa-core ARM Cortex-A55 CPU clocked at up to 1.8GHz and a G57 MC1 GPU, and is capable of supporting 4K@30fps H.265 video decoding and 4K@25fps H.264 video encoding.

The MYD-LT527-SX is centered around the MYC-LT527 System-On-Module (SOM), which incorporates 2GB of LPDDR4 memory and 16GB of eMMC storage. Pre-configured to run the Android Operating System, it offers an extensive operating temperature range, spanning from -20 to 70 degrees Celsius.

The MYD-LT527-SXexcels in multimedia performance. It provides a comprehensive array of video output interfaces, including HDMI, eDP, MIPI-DSI, and a 1x Dual-LVDS, along with 2x MIPI-CSI video input interfaces, enabling seamless multi-screen displays. Furthermore, it features a diverse range of advanced connectivity options, including dual Gigabit Ethernet, one USB 3.0 and five USB 2.0 ports, two CAN interfaces, a Mini PCIe interface for USB-based 4G/5G modules, a Micro SD card slot, dual RS232 and RS485 interfaces, and an onboard WiFi/Bluetooth module. These features significantly enhance its network and data transfer capabilities.

With its robust performance and versatile interfaces, the MYD-LT527-SXis an outstanding choice for applications such as high-performance industrial robots, energy and power systems, medical devices, display control integrated machines, edge intelligent boxes, vehicle terminals, and other embedded devices that require advanced multimedia functionalities.

The MYD-LT527-SX is delivered with a Quick Start Guide and one power plug. MYIR also offers the MY-CAM003M MIPI Camera Module as an add-on option for the board.

The MYD-LT527-SX is an advanced commercial display solution that caters to your system integration requirements, offering robust performance and functionality, all packed into a sleek and user-friendly design at an affordable price of $95 per unit. Whether you’re using it for high-resolution video playback, data visualization, or any other graphics-intensive task, the MYD-LT527-SX delivers impeccable results.

More information about the MYD-LT527-SX Commercial Display Board can be found at: https://www.myirtech.com/list.asp?id=766

AAEON’s PICO-RAP4 Harnesses 13th Gen Intel Core Processing on the Tiny 2.5” Pico-ITX Form Factor

Posted on 26 June, 2024 by mixos

Power-efficiency, real-time data processing, and synchronized interfaces make the PICO-RAP4 a small board for big projects.

AAEON, an industry-leading provider of embedded solutions, has announced the latest addition to its line of PICO-ITX boards: the PICO-RAP4. Equipped to host CPUs from the latest 13th Generation Intel® Core™ processor platform, the PICO-RAP4 is armed with a variety of features catering to advanced computing applications such as service robots and healthcare imaging devices.

With a CPU support list ranging from Intel® Processor U300E all the way to the 6 P-core, 8 E-core, 20-thread Intel® Core™ i7 1370PE, the PICO-RAP4 offers a hybrid CPU architecture for efficient, high-speed processing for the demanding tasks associated with its target uses. The board also provides faster data transfer rates and improved bandwidth in a more flexible configuration through 32GB of SODIMM-based DDR5 (up to 5200 MT/s).

The platform supports Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics, which pairs well with the PICO-RAP4’s HDMI and co-layed eDP and LVDS display interfaces, allowing for two simultaneous displays. Unlike its predecessors, the board exclusively supports Intel® Ethernet interfaces, with one RJ-45 port for Intel® Ethernet Controller I226-V at 2.5GbE and a second supporting Intel® Ethernet Connection I219-LM at Gigabit Ethernet speed. The board’s remaining physical ports are populated by dual USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports.

Key Specifications

13th Gen Intel® Core™ i7/i5/i3 Processor SoC
DDR5 SODIMM (32GB)
2.5GbE x 1, 1GbE x 1
HDMI 1.4 + eDP 1.4/LVDS
Half Size mPCIe/mSATA x 1, M.2 2280 M-Key x 1
USB 3.2 Gen 2 x 2, USB 2.0 x 2, RS-232/422/485 x 2
TPM 2.0, SATA, SMBus/I2C, GPIO 8-bit
MIPI-CSI support
TCC, TSN, and timed-GPIO support

For internal connectors, the PICO-RAP4 offers a wider variety of functions, including two serial COM connectors for RS-232/422/485, an 8-bit GPIO, SMBus (co-lay I2C), and an optional audio header. TCC, TSN, and timed-GPIO support provide an added bonus by offering reliable communication channels with which users can assimilate sensors, actuators, and control systems. Its powerful processor selection and DDR5 system memory augment the utility of its communication protocol selection, with the capacity to process large datasets for SLAM, object recognition, and path planning when developing service robot solutions.

With regard to expansion, the PICO-RAP4 features an M.2 2280 M-Key for a PCIe 4.0 [x4] interface, along with additional storage through a Mini PCIe/mSATA slot. Additionally, a 61-pin FPC connector offers two 4-lane MIPI CSI interfaces, granting users with an alternative option for high-quality camera installation, on top of standard USB and ethernet camera support.

The board is compatible with both Windows and Ubuntu operating systems. Depending on customer requirements, AAEON also provides a choice between a heat spreader or an active fan cooler.

The product is now available on the eShop, with pricing as follows:

Intel® Core™ i7 1370PE SKU: US$1,085.00
Intel® Core™ i5 1340PE SKU: US$700.00
Intel® Core™ i3 1320PE SKU: US$590.00
Intel® Processor U300E SKU: US$374.00

The PICO-RAP4 is now in mass production and available for order via both the AAEON eShop and through its website contact form. For more information and detailed specifications, please visit the PICO-RAP4 product page.

ThingPulse Pendrive S3 – A ESP32-S3 Pendrive with RGB LED, Wireless Storage and Much More

Posted on 24 June, 2024 by Debashis Das

Though it’s called a Pendrive, the ThingPulse Pendrive S3 is not your average drive it’s a versatile device that can transform into various USB gadgets, like a memory stick, keyboard, mouse, or even a networking tool. But its most intriguing use? It can be a “BadUSB” with the SuperWifiDuck software, and at this point, we all know what a USB Rubber Ducky can do!

The module is built around The Espressif ESP32-S3-MINI-1 module which features an Xtensa dual-core 32-bit LX7 core with 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5 (low-energy). Previously we have written about many different ESP32-S3-based products including Waveshare ESP32-S3-Matrix Dev Board, Waveshare ESP32-S3-Tiny Board, Unexpected Maker Nano S3, and much more, feel free to check those out if you are interested in the topic.

The ESP32-S3 Pendrive S3 incorporates a hidden capacitive touch button, activated by touching the device’s casing. This design choice preserves the device’s sleek appearance. The innovative use of a spring for this button is detailed in Dani Eichhorn’s article.

The ESP32-S3 Pendrive S3 can be used as a hacking tool. It can inject scripts onto a computer, allowing remote control by simulating keystrokes. The SuperWifiDuck software enhances this by enabling wireless script management through a web interface. Other potential applications include a memory stick with cloud sync, a Wi-Fi dongle, and a password manager.

The ESP32-S3 Pendrive S3 leverages the open-source TinyUSB stack to emulate various USB devices like keyboards, mice, storage drives, and more. It is compatible with CircuitPython, making it user-friendly for programming enthusiasts. Similar USB stick devices include the Waveshare RP2040-GEEK, T-Dongle ESP32-S2, and Overdrive USB.

ThingPulse Pendrive S3 Specifications

Wireless Module: ESP32-S3-MINI
- CPU: Dual-core Xtensa LX7 @ 240 MHz
- Wireless: 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5 (LE)
Memory/Storage:
- 512 KB SRAM
- 8 MB on-chip flash
- 128 MB flash memory (addressable via SDIO/MMC or SD card interface, in 1-bit or 4-bit mode)
Enclosure: USB stick plastic enclosure
Interfaces:
- USB-C male connector
Features:
- Capacitive touch button (spring-based, not visible externally)
- WS2812B addressable RGB LED
USB Functionality:
- Uses TinyUSB open-source USB stack
- Emulates multiple device classes:
  - Human Interface Devices (mice, keyboards)
  - Mass Storage
  - Video
  - Network
Development Support:
- Compatible with CircuitPython
Applications:
- Can function as a BadUSB device for hacking and penetration testing
- Supports keystroke injection attacks with SuperWiFiDuck
- Scripts can be managed wirelessly via the web interface
Other Potential Uses:
- Memory stick with cloud sync capabilities
- Wi-Fi dongle
- Password manager functionality

The ESP32-S3 Pendrive S3 has multiple uses. It can act as a hacking tool (BadUSB) to inject keystrokes and remotely control computers, with scripts managed wirelessly through SuperWifiDuck. Additionally, it can serve as a regular memory stick with cloud sync, a Wi-Fi adapter, or even a password manager.

ThingPulse Pendrive S3 is priced at around $25 and can be purchased from the ThingPulse website. While not flawless, it’s suitable for hobbyists and experimentation.

Mixtile Zigbee and Z-Wave 2-in-1 mPCIe Interface Cost Only $19.90

Posted on 24 June, 202424 June, 2024 by Debashis Das

The Mixtile Zigbbee & Z-Wave Interface card is designed to provide Zigbee & Z-Wave capabilities to IoT gateways and other devices. The module has an M.2 connector and can be integrated with the Home Assistant and other similar dev platforms. The module is relatively inexpensive and enables Zigbee, Thread, Matter (with future firmware updates), and Z-Wave capabilities into your smart home setup. This module is compatible with any IoT gateway that features a mini PCIe interface and runs Home Assistant, making it an ideal addition to the Mixtile Edge 2 Kit IoT gateway.

This module works with any device that has a mini PCIe socket and USB 2.0 interface like the Mixtile Edge 2 Kit. The only catch is that you need additional space for two IPEX-1 antennas that need to be connected to the board. Previously we have written about SparkFun Thing Plus Matter, which uses an EFR32MG24 chip to enable IEEE802.15.4 and Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity.

Mixtile Zigbee & Z-Wave Interface Specifications

Module Type: mPCIe interface module
Supported Interfaces:
- Mini-PCIe with USB 2.0 support
Transceiver 1 (Zigbee, Matter, Thread):
- SoC: Silicon Labs EFR32MG24
- Radio MCU: IEEE 802.15.4 multi-protocol 2.4GHz
- TX Power: Up to +19.5 dBm
- RX Sensitivity: -105.4 dBm (250 kbps)
Transceiver 2 (Z-Wave):
- SoC: Silicon Labs EFR32ZG23
- Radio MCU: Sub-1 GHz
- TX Power: Up to +14 dBm
- RX Sensitivity: -109.9 dBm (9.6 kbps)
Antenna Connectivity:
- Two IPEX-1 antenna connectors (separate for Zigbee and Z-Wave)
Supported Protocols:
- Zigbee 3.0 (EmberZNet/EZSP)
- Matter (formerly known as Thread)
- Z-Wave
Operating Frequency Bands:
- 2.4 GHz (for Zigbee, Matter, Thread)
- Sub-1 GHz (for Z-Wave)
Power Supply: 3.3V
TX Power Levels:
- Zigbee/Matter/Thread: Up to +19.5 dBm
- Z-Wave: Up to +14 dBm
RX Sensitivity Levels:
- Zigbee/Matter/Thread: -105.4 dBm (250 kbps)
- Z-Wave: -109.9 dBm (9.6 kbps)
Dimensions: mini PCIe form-factor

The module’s EFR32MG24 chip can run Zigbee and Thread simultaneously, while the EFR32ZG23 handles Z-Wave. As the module uses the EFR32MG24 and the EFR32MG23 chip the company mentions that Matter protocol will also be supported in a future firmware update. The company also claims that the module will also support Over the Air Updates (OTA). The module appears as a USB device in Home Assistant OS and is automatically identified as a Zigbee and Z-Wave card. Mixtile has also released instructions on installing Home Assistant OS on their Edge 2 Kit.

The Mixtile Mixtile Zigbee & Z-Wave Interface module costs $19.90 and can be purchased from Mixtile’s website, but it doesn’t include the necessary 2.4GHz and sub-GHz antennas, which must be purchased separately.

Apple’s Embedded Swift Programming Language Now Supports ESP32-C6, nRF52840, RP2040 and other MCUs

Posted on 24 June, 2024 by Debashis Das

Apple has recently released a beta version of Embedded Swift programming language that is said to work with ESP32-C6, Pi RP2040, STM32F7, and nRF52840 microcontrollers. Additionally, the company has also developed example codes for matter protocol based on ESP-IDF and ESP-Matter SDKs that help to accelerate development and foster innovation in the smart home and IoT space.

Apple is expanding Swift’s reach beyond mobile apps into the realm of microcontrollers. Previously, it was used on Mad Machine’s SwiftIO boards. Now, Apple has created “Embedded Swift,” a streamlined version of Swift tailored for microcontrollers. This new subset is currently compatible with STMicro STM32F746, Raspberry Pi Pico, nRF52840, and ESP32-C6.

@_cdecl("app_main")
func app_main() {
  print("🏎️   Hello, Embedded Swift! (LED Blink)")

  let led = LED()
  led.color = .red
  led.brightness = 10

  while true {
    sleep(1)
    led.enabled.toggle()
    if led.enabled {
      led.color = .hueSaturation(Int.random(in: 0 ..< 360), 100)
    }
  }
}

Embedded Swift, looks very similar to C programming language but without the semi-colons, the company also showcased a Matter demo on GitHub. Another sample code along with the matter demo is present on the other repo along with support for additional examples for ESP32-C6, STM32, RP2040, and nRF52840 in a separate repository.

Apple’s Embedded Swift, designed for microcontrollers, is a compact version of Swift with binaries as small as 10KB. It includes the Swift MMIO library for accessing memory-mapped registers and is supported through online forums.

Experienced ESP-IDF developers may not find Embedded Swift revolutionary, but it could be a game-changer for Swift mobile app developers. They can leverage their existing Swift knowledge to easily transition to embedded development, without the need to learn ESP-IDF or Arduino programming. However, it’s important to note that Embedded Swift is still under development and requires downloading snapshot versions of Swift for experimentation.

HealthyPi Move: Open-Source Biometric Monitor in a Watch Form Factor

Posted on 24 June, 202424 June, 2024 by Aditi Ambadkar

HealthyPi Move is an open-source biometric monitor in a sleek watch form factor, designed for continuous or intermittent monitoring of vital biometric signals such as ECG, heart rate, HRV, PPG, SpO₂, blood-pressure trends, and respiration. Engineered for both everyday use and advanced research applications, HealthyPi Move integrates health tracking seamlessly into personal wellness routines and innovative projects.

HealthyPi Move is built on principles of open hardware, open-source software, clinical-grade precision, ease-of-use, and standalone operation. Unlike many health tracking devices, it does not rely on cloud services or paid subscriptions, making it a versatile tool for personal health tracking, healthcare-related device development, and clinical research. While not currently certified for medical use, it has the potential for medical patient monitoring with appropriate regulatory approval.

Own Your Device & Your Data

In a world where health data is highly valued and often traded, HealthyPi Move ensures that you own your data. The device operates independently of cloud services and subscriptions, providing you with complete control. You can share your data with healthcare providers or use it for research purposes at your discretion. HealthyPi Move’s open-source platform also allows you to train your own models and conduct your own research. Designed for repairability and modularity, HealthyPi Move is easy to maintain and upgrade. Components like the display, main board, sensor board, and battery are easily replaceable, ensuring long-term usability. The device is user-programmable, allowing customization of algorithms and applications.

Sensors & Biometric Signals

HealthyPi Move is equipped with multiple sensors for comprehensive biometric monitoring:

Electrocardiogram (ECG): A single-lead ECG with electrodes on the back and side of the device provides heart rate, HRV, and respiration rate data. Parameters such as QT interval and QRS duration can be derived using custom algorithms.\
Photoplethysmogram (PPG): Two PPG sensors (wrist-based and finger-based) enable accurate SpO₂ monitoring and blood-pressure trending. The dual-location PPG configuration allows for diverse applications, from fitness tracking to pulse transit time (PTT) measurement.
Galvanic Skin Response (EDA/GSR): Measures skin conductance to monitor stress levels and emotional responses.
Additional Sensors: Include a body temperature sensor and a 6-axis IMU for activity and motion tracking.

Onboard Computing & Interfaces

Powered by the Nordic nRF5340 dual-core SoC, HealthyPi Move offers robust processing capabilities with 1 MB of flash and 512 KB of RAM. An onboard 128 MB flash memory stores up to 10 days of processed data. The device supports Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) 5.2 and USB Type-C for data transfer, charging, JTAG, and UART access.

Software & Programming

HealthyPi Move’s firmware is based on Zephyr RTOS and the nRF Connect SDK, enabling over-the-air (OTA) updates via BLE or USB. It’s also user-programmable, allowing direct programming with an nRF DK or J-Link programmer through a USB Type-C port.

Features & Specifications

Microcontroller: Nordic nRF5340 dual-core ARM M33
Sensors: MAX30001 ECG, MAX30101 PPG, MAX32664 Sensor Hub, LSM6DSO 6-DoF IMU, MAX30205 Body Temperature Sensor
Memory: 128 MB NOR QSPI flash
Display: 1.28-inch TFT with capacitive touchscreen
Power Management: Includes a Nordic nPM1300 PMIC with USB Power Delivery support
Battery: 200 mAh Li-Po with integrated charger

Enclosure Design

The current prototype is SLA 3D-printed, with a final version planned to be injection molded from biocompatible ABS. The enclosure supports easy assembly and repair, accommodating any standard 22 mm watch strap.

Support & Documentation

HealthyPi Move’s hardware and software are fully open-source, with comprehensive documentation available on GitHub. The design files, firmware, and companion apps for various platforms are provided to facilitate development and customization.

HealthyPi Move offers a powerful, customizable, and open-source solution for biometric monitoring, combining clinical-grade precision with the freedom of user control and innovation.

JieLi Tech AC6329C4 is Another low cost MCU but with Bluetooth 5.0 Support

Posted on 24 June, 2024 by Debashis Das

JieLi Technology AC6329C4 is a 35 cents MCU that also has support for Bluetooth 5.0, it also has several I/Os, ADC, PWM, and other features. The MCU is very similar to the CH32V003 MCU in terms of cost but the main difference is that the CH32V003 does not have Bluetooth support but the AC6329C4 has.

The microcontroller features a 32-bit RISC core clocked at 96 MHz with 73KB SRAM, and up to 4Mbit of flash. The MCU comes in a 16-pin SOP16 configuration and offers various interfaces like ADC, PWM, SPI, UART, encoders, and decoders, and the most interesting is that it has USB Connectivity built in.

At the time of writing, there is not much information about this new MCU except for the datasheet. But after searching for a considerable amount of time I have Zhuhai Jieli Technology’s GitHub account with two SDKs for the AC63 series of MCUs there are many documents in the repo but what sticks out is that one for Bluetooth (with English and Chinese documentation) and another for the MCU core (Chinese only). There’s also a Chinese-language documentation website.

JieLi Tech AC6329C4 MCU Specifications

CPU: High-performance 32-bit RISC architecture Operating frequency@96 MHz
Memory:
- 73 KB data RAM
- 8 KB I-cache, 2-way associative
- 1 KB Rocache, 1-way associative
Bluetooth:
- Integrated Bluetooth module compliant with Bluetooth v5.3+BR+EDR+BLE specifications
- Supports Bluetooth Piconet and Scatternet configurations
- Class 2 and class 3 transmitting power requirements met
- Supports GFSK and π/4 DQPSK modulation schemes
- Wide range of Bluetooth profiles supported: A2DP, AVCTP, AVDTP, AVRCP, HFP, SPP, SMP, ATT, GAP, GATT, RFCOMM, SDP, L2CAP
- +8 dBm transmitting power with -92 dBm sensitivity for the receiver
Interrupts:
- 64 vectored interrupts
- 8 levels of interrupt priority
I/O and GPIO:
- Flexible I/O configuration
- 10 GPIO pins, individually programmable as input or output
- Internal pull-up/pull-down selection for each GPIO
- CMOS/TTL level Schmitt triggered input support
Peripherals:
- Full-speed USB OTG controller
- Four 32-bit timers supporting capture and PWM modes
- Three full-duplex advanced UARTs with DMA
- Three SPI interfaces supporting host and device modes with DMA
- One IIC interface supporting host and device modes
- Real-time clock (RTC) with alarm function
- 16-bit PWM generator for motor driving
- Three IQ Encoder channels
- 6-channel 10-bit ADC
- Low Power Detector and embedded PMU for low power modes
- Watchdog timer
Power Management:
- LDOIN: 4.5V to 5.5V
- VBAT: 1.8V to 4.5V
- VDDIO: 1.8V to 3.4V
Package: SOP16
Temperature:
- Operating temperature: -40°C to +85°C
- Storage temperature: -65°C to +150°C

Jieli Tech offers AC63-based development boards, but none specifically for AC6329C4 or AC6329C2. However, a 2G GSM Bluetooth GPS tracker using AC6329C4 for Bluetooth exists. The MCU is cheap and really available but like all other newly introduced developments will be difficult due to lack of documentation, examples code, and most importantly documentation in Chinese, until and unless we get some proper documentation in English the difficulty will be present. but that is not an issue for those who read and speak Chinese.

The IC can be found on LCSC where a single unit will cost you only $0.35 and for a pack of 500 the price goes down to $0.25 that’s crazy for an MCU with this might. The company also provides a development board which will cost you around $7.62 and is available on Aliexpress only.

Waveshare PCIe-Based 5G HAT for Raspberry Pi 5 is Compatible with SIMCOM and Quectel Modules

Posted on 24 June, 202424 June, 2024 by Debashis Das

Waveshare PCIe-Based 5G HAT+ for Raspberry Pi 5 enables high-speed 5G/4G/3G networking for the Pi. It supports multiple SIMCom/Quectel 5G modules such as Quectel RM502Q-AE and is compatible with both Raspberry Pi OS and OpenWRT. The HAT features a Type-C port for connecting to Windows/Linux hosts for 5G networking, firmware updates, and debugging. It also includes a power monitoring chip and EEPROM for real-time monitoring and data storage. With its 5G-4IN1-PCB Antenna, the HAT offers easy installation and reliable communication for applications like industrial routers, home gateways, set-top boxes, and more.

This HAT was designed for a fast and reliable 5G connection, ideal for quick data transfer with minimum delay. The kit consists of a 4-in-1 PCB antenna, cables, a heatsink, a 4cm 16-pin PCIe FPC cable, a 40-pin female header, and mounting fixtures.

Previously, we have seen products like ESP32-S3-SIM7670G-4G and the ESP32-S3-A7670E-4G which gives access to a 4G network to Raspberry Pi but now with this new module your Raspberry Pi not only have 4G but also have 5G access. We have written about similar development boards like the Sixfab 5G Modem Kit for Raspberry Pi 5, which Integrated Quectel RM502Q-AE 5G Sub-6Ghz. Feel free to explore those subjects if they catch your interest.

Waveshare offers compatibility with five distinct 5G modules designed for global deployment. Under the Quectel Modules, they use RM502Q-AE which is global except for China, RM520N-GL, and RM530N-GL for global uses. For SIMCom Modules, they use SIM8262E-M2 which is Global except for America and SIM8262A-M2 is only for the Americas. You can find more details on its official Waveshare page. Each module supports a wide range of frequency bands and offers high-speed data rates suitable for diverse global deployments in IoT and edge computing applications.

Waveshare PCIe to 5G HAT+ specifications:

Compatibility: Raspberry Pi 5 with optional SIMCom or Quectel 5G modules
Chipset – Qualcomm RM520N
Interface: PCIe with MHI driver support
Operating Systems: Raspberry Pi OS, OpenWRT
Networking: 5G/4G/3G (NSA and SA), 3042/3052 package support
Connectivity:
- PCIe interface for Raspberry Pi 5
- USB Type-C port for Windows/Linux hosts
Antenna: 5G-4IN1-PCB Antenna (top or bottom mount)
Monitoring: Onboard power monitoring chip (voltage, current, power)
USB – Type-C port for 5G networking of Raspberry Pi or PC via USB cable, firmware updating, or external power supply input
Storage: Onboard I2C EEPROM for HAT+ ID and product info
Other Features: Reset button, power/network indicators, SIM card slot
Misc:
- 40-pin GPIO stacking header
- Reset button
- Storage – I2C EEPROM for Raspberry Pi HAT+.
Indicators –
- Power indicator
- Network indicator
Power Management – Onboard power monitoring chip for real-time measurement of voltage, current, and power
Dimension – HAT+ form factor

Waveshare PCIe to 5G HAT+ for Raspberry Pi 5 is now available to order from its official store depending on the selected model. It can also be purchased from Aliexpress for $259.43 to $338.55 as well as from the Amazon store.

ESP32-Based FluidNC TMC2209 CNC Controller runs FluidNC open-source firmware

Posted on 24 June, 2024 by Debashis Das

FluidNC TMC2209 Pen/Laser CNC Controller is an ESP32-based 2-axis CNC controller with FluidNC firmware. This CNC controller is designed for machines that use stepper motors on 2 axes. These include pen drawing machines, laser cutters/engravers, sand plotters, etc. It also has an RC Servo connector for pen lift on a Z axis.

ESP32 wireless modules have been used for years in 3D printers and CNC controllers, such boards as Phi Mainboard 5LC 3D printer controller, Pen/Laser Engraver ESP32 Controller, Longer RAY5 Laser Engraver. Feel free to check those out if you are interested in those topics.

FluidNC TMC2209 Pen/Laser CNC Controller specifications:

Wireless module: Espressif Systems ESP32-WROOM-32E
- Xtensa dual-core 32-bit LX6 microprocessor, up to 240 MHz
- 4MB flash
- 448 KB ROM, 520 KB SRAM and 16 KB SRAM in RTC
- 2.4 GHz WiFi and Bluetooth LE connectivity, built-in PCB antenna
Stepper drivers: 2 numbers TMC2209 stepper drivers
USB: USB type C port
Interface: MicroSD card socket
Misc:
- Optional stallGuard for sensorless end stops
- 1 number RC servo connection
- 6 numbers of inputs for limit and control switches
- I/O Expansion port for displays and pendants
- 3 numbers of 5V outputs to control lasers and accessories
Power:
- input voltage (VIN) range 12-30 VDC
- Input current is minimum 3A
Dimensions: 70mm x 70mm

You will find more technical details, a YAML file configuration, and setup information on the wiki page. The FluidNC source code is on GitHub. You can use a FluidNC web installer in Chrome, Edge, or Opera to install the firmware on compatible boards. The PCB design is open-source, and all resources are available in oshwlab. The 3D design of this board is available and you can download it from Fusion360.

*FluidNC ESP3D WebUI to control the board*

The FluidNC TMC2209 Pen/Laser CNC Controller is now available to order on Tindie at $45 without shipping charges. It is also available on Elecrow at $40 or even lower if you buy two or more. If you need more than this CNC controller for your project, check out FluidNC’s wiki for a wide range of supported hardware options.

Arduino ESP32 Core 3.0.0 Released, but PlatformIO Support Still in Question

Posted on 24 June, 2024 by Debashis Das

Espressif Systems has now released a stable version of ESP32 Arduino Core 3.0.0 with support for ESP32-C6 and ESP32-H2 MCUs based on the ESP-IDF 5.1.4 framework. As usual, you can now use this latest version of IDF in your Arduino IDE, but at the time of writing it’s unclear whether PlatformIO will be (officially) supported.

The new 3.0.0 release includes many changes, like giving you more control in ESPDuino by letting you set CPU speed and partition. It also adds support for the WeAct Studio ESP32C3 board, which is exciting for people using that. There are a few fixes for things like ETH connections and SPI ETH so they work better. The team also updated the code a bit, cleaning up some old bits and fixing some bugs that might have caused issues before. They’ve made changes that specifically affect the Nano ESP32, GPIO pin mappings, and logging. They also updated a tool called merge_package.py to use packaging.version instead of the deprecated distutils.version.

The new 3.0.0 release is available on GitHub, and you can install it in the Arduino IDE just like you did for the Alpha2 version. It’s great news for Arduino IDE users because it now supports even more ESP32-C6 and ESP32-H2 boards out of the box. However, if you’re someone who prefers using PlatformIO, there might be a hiccup. There’s a discussion happening on the PlatformIO site about whether they’ll officially support this new Arduino ESP32 Core version, and it’s not looking too promising at the moment.

Although these discussions took place in late 2023, PlatformIO hasn’t officially added support for the Arduino ESP32 3.x release as of June 2024. However, there’s a glimmer of hope for PlatformIO users: one user found a way to get it working with their ESP32-C6 board using a custom JSON file. Whether this workaround works for everyone or provides full functionality remains unclear.

{
  "build": {
    "core": "esp32",
    "f_cpu": "160000000L",
    "f_flash": "80000000L",
    "flash_mode": "qio",
    "mcu": "esp32c6",
    "variant": "esp32c6"
  },
  "connectivity": [
    "wifi"
  ],
  "debug": {
    "openocd_target": "esp32c6.cfg"
  },
  "frameworks": [
    "arduino",
    "espidf"
  ],
  "name": "Espressif ESP32-C6",
  "upload": {
    "flash_size": "4MB",
    "maximum_ram_size": 327680,
    "maximum_size": 4194304,
    "require_upload_port": true,
    "speed": 460800
  },
  "url": "https://docs.espressif.com/projects/espressif-esp-dev-kits/en/latest/esp32c6/esp32-c6-devkitm-1/index.html",
  "vendor": "Espressif"
}

While it’s possible to use the new Arduino ESP32 Core 3.0.0 with PlatformIO, some users have reported that not everything works perfectly yet. We’ll need to wait and see if this improves over time.

For now, using Arduino ESP32 Core 3.0.0 with PlatformIO requires a bit of extra work. If the companies involved don’t reach an agreement soon, it’s unclear what the future holds for ESP32 development on PlatformIO. If you’re using older ESP32 boards or projects, there’s no need to worry. PlatformIO still fully supports Arduino ESP32 Core 2. x.

by cnx-software