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Introducing CAPUF’s Feature-Rich CH32V003 Development Board

Posted on 3 December, 20239 December, 2023 by Debashis Das

CAPUF Embedded recently released an All-in-One MCU Development Board powered by the popular CH32V003 microcontroller. This board includes a 0.96-inch 128×64 pixel OLED display, along with an integrated buzzer and RGB LED for enhanced functionality.

After the initial release of this 10-cent microcontroller, we have seen a lot of development boards built on top of this microcontroller, the NANOCH32V003, and the original CH32V003 Dev Board being among them. We have seen YouTubers like CNLohr and EEVblog talk about this incredible 10-cent microcontroller, CNLohr even went a step further and introduced bit-banged USB on this tiny device.

But the developers of this All-in-one board planned something unique and different, and we were presented with this All-in-one development board that features a CH32V003 microcontroller. Additionally, this board uses the USB-C Port for Power and Serial Interface; it also has an I2C – Temperature Humidity Sensor, a 0.96″ Pixels OLED Display, an 8Mbit SPI NOR Flash, an Option for Connecting an External 24Mhz Oscillator, an MCU Reset Button, a Buzzer and many other features, full features list can be found in the section below.

At the heart of the board is the CH32V003 microcontroller, which is an ultra-low-cost (10-cent) 32-bit microcontroller based on the RISC-V 2A core. It has a maximum system central frequency of 48MHz and features 2KB of SRAM and 16KB of Flash memory. CH32V003 also has a wide range of peripheral interfaces, including a DMA controller, a 10-bit ADC, an op-amp comparator, multiple timers, and standard communication interfaces such as USART, I2C, and SPI. With these features, CH32V003 can be used in a wide range of applications.

The company will provide the firmware, example code, and tutorials which will make it easy for beginners to get started with the development board. Additionally, helpful resources like the PDF schematic and a 3D model (STEP file) of the Dev Kit will be released soon. To program the board, you’ll use the WCHLinkE programmer, which CAPUF Embedded just started reselling. For more details and updates about the product, you can visit their official page.

CH32V003 Dev Kit Technical Features

USB-C Port: Provides 5V power and serial interface.
3.3V LDO: On-board Low Dropout Regulator.
UART: USB to UART interface.
I2C Interfaces:
- Temperature and humidity sensor.
- Qwiik Connector for external sensor boards.
- 0.96″ OLED display module (128×64 pixels).
- 4-pin header for jumper wire connections (connector not pre-soldered).
SPI Interface: 8Mbit SPI NOR Flash.
PWM: RGB LED for various color outputs.
GPIO Inputs: Two keys for user input.
ADC Input: Variable resistor/potentiometer.
GPIO Outputs: One LED and one buzzer.
Programming Interface: 3-pin header for WCH-LinkE Programmer.
I/O Ports: 20-pin MCU I/Os breakout on headers.
Status Indicators: LED indicators for 5V, 3.3V, UART RX, and TX.
External Oscillator: Option to connect a 24Mhz oscillator.
Reset Feature: MCU reset button on the board.

The company says the development kit will include a programmer and a USB-C cable, ensuring that users have everything needed for evaluation and development. The expected price range for this development board is around $35-45 with accessories.

The product is not yet available to purchase. However, the product page indicates that it will be released soon. Once available, it can be purchased from Makerpals, Tindie, and Indian store Evelta.

MaTouch is A ESP32-S3 Based Rotary Display Module for IoT Applications

Posted on 3 December, 20233 December, 2023 by Debashis Das

MaTouch is a rotary encoder with a circular display attached to it. This nifty device is designed and developed by Makerfabs and powered by an ESP32-S3 module. Priced at $44.80 this this compact gadget features Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities and can be used for IoT applications.

A year back I came around to this DIY haptic input knob designed by scottbez1 and since then I always wanted to make something like this but the availability of parts and the time required to build was always an issue. But a few days ago I found out about MaTouch, which perfectly fits the requirements for my home automation project.

The device uses an ESP32-S3 chip, which has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 capabilities. It’s enhanced with 8M of PSRAM and 16MB of flash memory for storage. It also has a dual-core processor that can run up to 240 MHz, making it quite powerful for handling various tasks.

The device features a 2.1” IPS display with 480×480 pixels resolution and the display has a 75FPS refresh rate with a 65K color range. Additionally, the device provides UART and I2C pins for further expansion and connectivity options.

Like the DIY version we have talked about earlier, this device also supports clockwise and counterclockwise rotation and touch inputs you can check out the attached video for further reference.

The MaTouch ESP32-S3 Rotary Encoder features:

Memory: 16MB Flash, 8MB PSRAM.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, PCB antenna.
Display: 2.1” TFT LCD with capacitive touch, RGB565 + 3-wire SPI.
I/O: 2x Grove connectors, rotary encoder, flash, and reset buttons.
USB: USB Type-C port.
Operating Temperature: -40℃ to 85℃.
Power: Onboard LDO, 5V DC via USB Type-C.
Size: 71.27 x 71.27mm.

The most challenging aspect of the DIY approach was the software side of things. Even though it was open source, you needed to write your own code for additional features and enhancements. However, MATouch solves this problem with its well-documented Wiki page and a GitHub repository filled with examples to speed up software development.

You can purchase the MaTouch ESP32-S3 Rotary Encoder from their official website makerfabs

Expand Raspberry Pi 5 Storage with Pineberry Pi’s NVMe Hats

Posted on 3 December, 20233 December, 2023 by Debashis Das

To fully harness the capabilities of the PICe on Raspberry Pi 5, Pineberry Pi has released two new PICe NVMe Expansion Boards The HatDrive Top and HatDrive Bottom. Both bordas are designed to increase the storage capacity of Raspberry Pi 5 using NVMe technology.

A few months back, the Raspberry Pi Foundation introduced the new Raspberry Pi 5 SBC, offering new and exciting features; one of them was PCIe. This lets the Raspberry Pi 5 be more flexible and technically you can connect a full-sized GPU in that port.

So, to take full advantage of this, Pineberry Pi has released two boards, the HatDrive Top and HatDrive Bottom. The major difference between the two boards is in the size of the NVMe drives they support. TM1S (TOP) Supports smaller NVMe drives (2230, 2242 sizes), and the BM1L (BOT) Supports both smaller and larger NVMe drives (2230, 2242, and 2280 sizes).

Youtuber and SBC expert Jeff Gerling covered this board in one of his recent videos and demonstrated how to get started with the HatDriver Top with the Raspberry Pi 5. In his video, he was able to run the NVMe Drive with PCIe Gen2 and Gen3 speeds. And he was able to get 500MBPs and 700MBPs Respectively.

Each Pineberry Pi product includes a kit with all accessories, including a specialized impedance-controlled FPC PCIe ribbon cable, several spacer pins, M2.5 screws, and a mounting pin for M.2 cards. This kit helps ensure that you don’t need anything else to get started with this new Pineberry Pi HAT.

Technical Specifications of Pineberry Pi ToP:

Tailor-made for the new Raspberry Pi 5 model with a dedicated design
NVMe Drive Support is compatible with 2230 and 2242 sizes
PCIe x1 Interface supporting Gen2 and Gen3 speeds
Dual LED Indicators for monitoring power and disk activity
Standard Size fitting Raspberry Pi HAT dimensions for compatibility
40-Pin Connector & I2C EEPROM enabling easy connection and advanced setup
Power Monitoring feature for real-time power supply tracking
M.2 Power System with a 3A voltage regulator ensuring stability
Easy M.2 Disk Installation with a special bracket for quick setup
Flexible M.2 Powering Options available via PCIe ribbon or 40-pin connector
Quality Build using high-quality components and a 4-layer PCB
Stackable Design allows the addition of more boards
Accessories Included providing all necessary parts for setup

Technical Specifications of Pineberry Pi Bottom:

Custom-built and optimized for the latest Raspberry Pi 5 version
Supports more NVMe sizes including 2230, 2242, and 2280 drives
PCIe x1 compatibility ensures it works with Gen2 and Gen3
LED Indicators to display power and disk status
Larger PCB design to accommodate longer drives
Advanced Enhanced Power Monitoring system for effective power tracking
M.2 Compliant Power with a stable 3A regulator included
Simple M.2 Drive Setup for easy installation
Versatile M.2 Powering options via PCIe ribbon or a 4-pin cable
Made with High-Quality Components for premium build quality
Unique Design specifically for longer SSDs in the 2280 format
Full Accessory Kit included with all necessary installation materials

You can now preorder the HatDrive Top for €20.00 and the HatDrive Bottom for €25.99, not including shipping fees. According to their Twitter updates, the company plans to start shipping these items in early December 2023.

Microchip’s PIC18-Q20: Microcontroller with native I3C interface compatibility

Posted on 27 November, 202327 November, 2023 by Aditi Ambadkar

Microchip has introduced the PIC18-Q20 microcontroller product line, bringing forth a set of versatile chips available in 14- and 20-pin packages. These microcontrollers not only support multi-voltage I/O but also mark a significant milestone as the first low-pin count microcontroller with an I3C target mode. The I3C target mode is a distinctive capability of these microcontrollers. I3C, or Improved Inter-Integrated Circuit, is a communication interface standard. The PIC18-Q20 microcontrollers are the first of their kind with low-pin counts to incorporate this I3C target mode. This mode enhances their communication capabilities, offering new possibilities for connecting and interacting with other devices in a network.

In 2016, a significant advancement occurred with the introduction of the Improved Inter-Integrated Circuit (I3C) standard. This innovation quickly found its way into diverse devices, including Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) and switch products.

I3C operates as a two-wire multi-drop bus (clock and data) and maintains backward compatibility with I2C buses. The improvement comes in the form of data rates, with the standard data rate (SDR) reaching up to 12.5 megabit/s, a substantial leap from the legacy 1 megabit/s. Optional faster rates are also on the table.

Microchip's PIC18-Q20 — PIC18-Q20 Is Microchip’s First Microcontroller Supporting the New I3C Interface

These microcontrollers, bring a host of features designed to make them adaptable and efficient in various electronic applications. Offering configurable peripherals means that users can customize different parts of the microcontroller to suit specific needs, enhancing their versatility. Notably, these MCUs excel in interfacing across multiple voltage domains without the need for additional components, allowing for flexible integration into different power environments. Furthermore, their support for 1V operation in I3C interfaces demonstrates energy efficiency and compatibility with a range of devices.

In terms of processing capabilities, these MCUs feature a fast 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter with Computation (ADCC). This means they can quickly convert real-world analog signals into digital data, and the computation feature adds an extra layer of functionality to this process. Additionally, the inclusion of capacitive touch sensing support enables the detection of touch, enhancing their applicability in user interfaces. The 8-bit signal routing port serves as a digital organizer, facilitating the interconnection of various digital peripherals within the MCU.

The PIC18-Q20’s core logic showcases its flexibility by operating at lower voltages through the I3C interface, ranging from 0.95 to 3.63 voltage levels. Beyond this unique feature, the microcontroller family boasts standard attributes like up to 64 kilobytes of program flash memory, 4 kilobytes of SRAM, 256 bytes of data EEPROM, multi-channel 10-bit ADCs, capacitive touch sensing, and timers. For more details on variants and a comprehensive datasheet, the PIC18-Q20 product page serves as a valuable resource.

Individual chips from the PIC18-Q20 series are currently available in various surface mount packages and the through-hole PDIP style. Additionally, Microchip hints at an upcoming Curiosity Nano development board featuring the PIC18F16Q20, offering developers a hands-on experience with this innovative microcontroller family. Understand the product in depth on their product page.

Blues Wireless released a new line of Notecards supporting Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity

Posted on 27 November, 2023 by Aditi Ambadkar

Streamlining IoT Connectivity with Blues Wireless’s Notecards and Notehub

Notecard Cell + WiFi

Blues Wireless, a provider of IoT connectivity, has announced a new line of Notecards. A Notecard is a versatile and compact IoT connectivity module that facilitates easy and efficient communication between IoT devices and the cloud. It acts as a bridge that enables IoT devices to transmit data to and receive instructions from cloud-based platforms, making it an essential component for IoT (Internet of Things) solutions. It is an upgrade to the existing models released three years ago. These Notecards are used in various devices and are connected to a platform called Notehub.

The company has identified several needs of its customers– multi-protocol connectivity, like global LTE Cat-1 access, and LoRa support. Customers want the ability to connect their devices using multiple communication protocols. There’s a demand for expanded global access to LTE Cat-1, which is a category of LTE technology. Also, they are interested in leveraging LoRa technology, especially for connecting device clusters.

Notecard

The Notecard Cell+WiFi comes with built-in capabilities for both cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity. This means it can connect to networks using either cellular data or Wi-Fi, and it allows users to enable one or both of these options simultaneously.

Regardless of whether the Notecard is using Wi-Fi or cellular, all data generated by the device will still be sent to Notehub, which is likely a cloud-based platform or service provided by the company. This ensures that data from the device is reliably transmitted and accessible to users. Notehub plays a crucial role in simplifying IoT device management, data handling, and remote monitoring, making it a valuable tool for organizations and developers looking to build and maintain IoT solutions efficiently and effectively. Specific details about Notehub’s features, pricing, and availability can typically be found on the Blues Wireless website.

The company says that users can configure how the Notecard Cell+WiFi behaves in terms of its transport method (Wi-Fi or cellular) using a request called “card.transport.” This gives users flexibility in determining the primary and fallback communication methods based on their specific needs and network conditions.

Availability and detailed pricing can be found on the Blues Wireless website, making it easy for IoT developers and organizations to access and integrate these powerful connectivity solutions into their projects. For more information, head to the official product page.

Blues is organizing a webinar, and those interested can join to discover the full capabilities of the new Notecards, complete with live demonstrations.

Don’t miss out—secure your spot now!

Make Wireless Pentesting Easy with ESP32-DIV

Posted on 27 November, 2023 by Debashis Das

ESP32-DIV is a palm-sized wireless pen-testing device powered by an ESP32. It features an ST7735 TFT LCD display and can perform Packet Monitoring, Wi-Fi Scanning, Beacon Spamming, and Deauth Detection.

The ESP32-DIV combines the powerful ESP32 microcontroller with an ST7735 TFT LCD screen, along with four microswitches, a buzzer, and a few additional switches making it easier to operate.

This is a very handy tool and can be used to detect and resolve Wi-Fi issues efficiently. It can also be used for Ethical Hacking Practices, Security Audits, IoT Project Integration, and many more tasks. The code for ESP32-DIV is also available on GitHub for those interested in implementing or customizing it for their needs.

In terms of updates and enhancements, first on the agenda is addressing its numerous existing bugs for a smoother user experience. Additionally, the GitHub Repository indicates that a De-Auth attack feature, a WiFi sniffer, and a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) scanner will be introduced in the future to extend wireless monitoring capabilities.

Key Features of the ESP32-DIV Board:

Packet Monitoring: Offers real-time surveillance of Wi-Fi traffic, capturing and analyzing wireless packets.
Wi-Fi Scanning: Detects and lists nearby access points, providing valuable network information.
Beacon Spamming: Enables users to understand network announcements by creating and broadcasting fake Wi-Fi access points.
Deauth Detection: Monitors and alerts users to de-authentication attacks in the network.

CiferTech’s ESP32-DIV can be considered a big step forward for anyone working in network security and analysis.

If you are seeking more information on this project you can visit cifertech or follow them on social media for updates.

TickTagOpenSource is an Open-Source GPS Logger for Wildlife Tracking

Posted on 27 November, 202327 November, 2023 by Debashis Das

Built on an open-source sentiment, TickTagOpenSource is a versatile GPS tracker featuring customizable hardware and user-friendly firmware. Complementing these features is an intuitive Android app, accompanied by detailed assembly guides and numerous other resources.

In wildlife research and conservation, GPS trackers are essential, But the problem is, that commercial GPS trackers are often expensive, and their complex features aren’t always necessary for basic tracking. That’s why TickTagOpenSource is so valuable. It’s a DIY GPS tracker designed for tracking and monitoring wildlife. Being open-source, it’s freely available for anyone to use and customize. when I checked out the GitHub Repo The project provides everything you need easy-to-follow instructions for building the tracker, user-friendly software for its operation, and even designs for a 3D-printed case.

Taking a look at the Hardwear side of things, the Rev3 and Rev4 PCBs for the TickTagOpenSource are built with Autodesk Eagle 9.5.2. So if you are an Eagle user it’s very easy for you to modify the schematic and PCB according to your needs. With Such flexibility, you can be certain that the logger is well-equipped to handle the diverse challenges of wildlife tracking.

The TickTagOpenSource project also features easy-to-use software. The logger runs on firmware written in C/C++, allowing for straightforward flashing using Arduino or Atmel-ICE. This makes it easy for nontech-savvy people who are new to this field.

The open-source nature of this project makes it very easy for users to assemble their GPS trackers. All that users need to do is solder batteries, attach them to the terminals, and place the entire assembly inside the enclosure. The project also provides clear instructions and how to operate their trackers safely in various weather conditions. This allows people to utilize advanced technology with minimal difficulty.

For data storage, the project utilizes a lossless compression algorithm. As a result, you can collect a substantial amount of information without the need for frequent downloads. It’s also straightforward to download, reset, and configure the tracker, with the data output in a user-friendly CSV format that’s easy to work with.

Another cool part is that it includes designs (STL files) for 3D-printed cases. This creates a protective cover for the tracker, which makes it durable and useful out in the field.

Unique Features of TickTagOpenSource :

Detailed guides for both hardware production and software programming.
Customizable design catering to various tracking needs.
Emphasis on community involvement and feedback.

For more details, including access to the project’s resources, visit the TickTagOpenSource repository on GitHub.

Arduino Announces Major Upgrades to Cloud Platform, Enhancing IoT Experience

Posted on 27 November, 202327 November, 2023 by Debashis Das

In a recent update, the Arduino team announced significant updates to their Arduino Cloud platform, while taking notes on user feedback to enhance its functionality and design. Improvements include a new user interface, improved sketch management, and enhanced IoT project templates.

In an announcement, Team Arduino stated

At Arduino, we’ve always believed in the power of community. Our journey has been shaped by the incredible feedback and input we’ve received from our users, and today, we’re thrilled to introduce a renewed and improved Arduino Cloud based on your insights

The new and updated Arduino Cloud features a redesigned user interface that includes a new navigation bar for faster access to device and sketch management, as well as dashboard views. Additionally, various sketch management features have been improved, and users now have access to more starter templates for their IoT projects. Business users can customize the platform with their own logo, replacing the Arduino icon with a white label option. The dashboard now also includes a shared spaces view for easier operations.

In summary, the new Arduino Cloud update offers a fresh user interface with a handy navigation bar for easy access to different sections like device and sketch management. It has a cleaner look, better organization tools for sketches, quick-start templates for projects, and a special dashboard for shared projects. Business users can even replace Arduino’s logo with their own. In a recent post on Hackster, Gareth Halfacree demonstrates the new Device Manager, which features a custom logo on every device.

Key upgrades to the Arduino Cloud include:

Revamped User Interface (UI): The new UI is tailored to user needs, offering a cleaner design, a sleek navigation bar, and a focus on project visibility. This ensures a more intuitive and streamlined development environment.
Enhanced Sketchbook Features: The update transforms sketch management, making it easier to handle IoT projects and standalone sketches effectively.
Easy Access to Pre-built Templates: Users can now quickly access a variety of templates for common IoT projects directly from the new navigation bar.
Shared Spaces Dashboard: A novel feature for monitoring cloud usage more efficiently.
Customization with White Labeling: The new white labeling feature allows the personalization of dashboards with custom logos, making it truly user-centric.

Arduino has teased more announcements in the coming weeks, hinting at further enhancements and features that will make development and IoT project management even more accessible.

The new Arduino Cloud user interface is now live and available to all users on the official website.

Taking UI Design to the Next Level with Arduino’s GIGA Display Shield

Posted on 24 November, 202324 November, 2023 by Aditi Ambadkar

The Arduino GIGA Display Shield is feature-packed, with a multitouch display, microphone, IMU for motion, and the option to add a camera sensor.

Arduino is calling on makers to elevate their user interface design skills by introducing the Arduino GIGA Display Shield. This add-on board will revolutionize the world of DIY electronics, boasting an array of impressive features, including a multitouch display, a built-in microphone for voice interaction, an IMU for motion sensing, and the option to integrate a camera sensor. The GIGA Display Shield board is designed for the new GIGA R1 WiFi development board.

“A few months ago, we promised you that the GIGA R1 WiFi would allow you to ‘think bigger and be more creative than ever,” the Arduino team writes by way of background to the new launch.

In March, Arduino introduced the GIGA R1 WiFi, offering a more robust device in the recognizable Mega and Due form factor. This Arduino board, built around the STMicro STM32H747XI dual-core microcontroller, is great for quick and responsive tasks. It has a fast Arm Cortex-M7 core (up to 480MHz) and a Cortex-M4 core (up to 240MHz). The GIGA Display Shield has been developed to showcase this capability. The add-on board is built around a full-color 3.97″ 800×480 touchscreen display capable of tracking five touchpoints and gestures. Moreover, a connector for an optional camera is included, allowing compatibility with Arducam image sensor boards, although it’s important to note that the camera is not included as a standard component.

“With the GIGA Display Shield, you can quickly add a cool UI (User Interface)to your hardware projects without extra wiring, have graphics adjust automatically according to device orientation or audio commands, or leverage computer vision as your solution’s input,” the Arduino team claims.

Furthermore, the GIGA R1 WiFi, in conjunction with the GIGA Display Shield, brings even more versatility to the table. The board features a new set of top-facing connectors, which keeps the top header available for expansion. This means you can easily attach other shields, expanding your project’s capabilities to new heights. Whether you’re looking to create a user-friendly interface or delve into advanced functionalities, the GIGA Display Shield and GIGA R1 WiFi provide the tools to make your vision a reality./

The GIGA Display Shield is available to order from the Arduino store, priced at $63.60, an Arduino GIGA R1 WiFi, for those who do not yet have one, is an additional $72.82.

Schneider Electric integrates Hailo Technologies processors for greater AI capabilities

Posted on 23 November, 2023 by mixos

Highlights

Low-power consumption processors enable real-time, high-accuracy data analysis at the edge
Increases the intelligence and efficiency of industrial automation solutions

Rueil-Malmaison – Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today announced a technology collaboration with Hailo Technologies, a leading Artificial Intelligence (AI) chipmaker, to integrate Hailo’s advanced processors within Schneider Electric solutions.

AI offers significant benefits in enhancing the performance, efficiency and capabilities of industrial automation systems, allowing industries across all segments to better position themselves for the future.

By integrating the Hailo-8 AI processor within its industrial automation solutions, Schneider Electric will unlock new intelligence at the edge and drive innovation for its customers, with significant and immediate improvements across several common manufacturing tasks, including:

Pick and place: achieving object detection tasks six times faster than central processing units (CPUs)
Quality control: running classification processes 20 times faster than a CPU
Yield optimization: improving output and throughput, reducing waste by 15% on average

Hailo Technologies is leading the AI chip industry for edge devices, with technology enabling new computing possibilities for sectors like automotive, security, retail, and manufacturing. Its Hailo-8 processor is an efficient and compact AI processor with low power consumption, enabling real-time, high-accuracy data analysis at the edge.

“We are always looking to partner with companies that can help us deliver the most cutting-edge solution available on the market,” said Aurelien LeSant, Senior Vice President Innovation & Technology and Chief Technology Officer, Industrial Automation at Schneider Electric. “The Hailo collaboration reinforces our commitment to innovation and next-generation technology. It signifies an important step in delivering intelligent, energy-efficient solutions that will shape the future of industries.”

“We are proud to work with Schneider Electric, an industry pioneer that has recognized the transformative potential of integrating AI capabilities into its industrial automation solutions,” said Eyal Barnea, VP of Business Development at Hailo Technologies. “Our technology will empower its customers to create new powerful, cost-efficient, and smart AI-based solutions quickly and easily.”

Schneider Electric is demonstrating the collaboration with Hailo Technologies at the Smart Production Solutions (SPS) event in Nuremberg, Germany, on November 14 – 16. At booth 540 in Hall 1, visitors can see how it delivers a solution that combines multi-carrier machine applications, robotics, and AI to pick a chip from a circuit board quickly and efficiently.

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