Embedded Systems

👩‍💻 Understanding the Linux Kernel: The Linux Kernel Startup This article explains how the Linux kernel starts up after a computer is powered on, focusing on the x86_64 architecture. It walks through the boot process step by step, from the bootloader handing control to the kernel to the early initialization of memory, hardware, and CPU features. Complex topics such as page tables, interrupts, memory encryption, KASLR, and microcode updates are explained in simple and accessible language with creative examples, like comparing the boot process to setting up a space colony. The article is written in a beginner-friendly style, making difficult low-level operating system concepts easier to understand and more interesting to read. Overall, it serves as an engaging introduction to what happens behind the scenes when Linux boots up and prepares the system to run. ⛓ More information... #articles #linux

🧠 ClawdMeter Token Dashboard Clawdmeter is a desk dashboard built around the ESP32-S3 and the Waveshare ESP32-S3-Touch-AMOLED-2.16 board. It monitors Claude Code token usage in real time on a 2.16-inch AMOLED display, helping users keep track of their limits through animated visuals and live statistics. Features of the project: ➡️ESP32-S3-powered dashboard with a 480×480 AMOLED touchscreen display ➡️Real-time Claude Code token usage monitoring with animated pixel-art visuals ➡️Bluetooth LE connectivity using the NimBLE stack ➡️Built-in BLE HID keyboard support for Claude Code shortcuts ➡️Firmware written in C with 🇳🇱 LVGL-based graphical interface ➡️Portable hardware with WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, microSD slot, IMU, microphones, and optional battery support ➡️Easily portable firmware thanks to clean code structure and resolution-independent constants Clawdmeter is an interesting project for developers, makers, and Claude Code power users who want a dedicated physical monitor for tracking AI usage. Since it relies mostly on firmware and off-the-shelf hardware, it’s also a practical and approachable ESP32 project for embedded and UI development enthusiasts. ⛓ More information... #projects #esp32 #claude

🤖 OpenQDD - 3D-printed open-source robotic actuator The author designed this robotic actuator to be a powerful, easy-to-build, and relatively inexpensive solution to creating dynamic robots. Robots like Spot, Atlas, and the MIT mini cheetah easily impress the eye with their agility, speed, and overall ability to mimic natural motion. With OpenQDD, creating high-performing actuators at an affordable price is possible. Specifications of the project: ➡️9:1 Planetary Gear Set ➡️Helical Gears: 25° Helix Angle, Low Backlash ➡️ODrive S1 FOC Controller with an Onboard Encoder ➡️Air Vents for Passive Cooling ➡️Peak Holding Torque: 16.36 Nm ➡️Total Mass: 935g ➡️13 3D-Printed Parts ➡️ Total Cost: $247 The actuator uses a 90KV Eagle Power BLDC Motor as well as an ODrive S1 FOC controller. In closed-loop control mode, the S1 allows you to control the position, velocity, and torque of a brushless motor. More information... #projects #robots

📺 Air Powered Segment Display This video documents the creation of a unique air-powered seven-segment display that functions as a clock. It shows how vacuum transistors, latching segments, and multiplexing allow multiple digits to be controlled with limited inputs. Inspired by earlier air-powered robots and microfluidic circuits, the video shows the progression from simple air distribution to full computation, including the accidental creation of pneumatic memory. The final build combines solenoid valves, a microcontroller, and a vacuum pump into a working clock with modes like a stopwatch and simple animations. ⛓ https://youtu.be/E1BLGpE5zH0 #video #projects

👩‍💻 Canonical releases Ubuntu 26.04 LTS Resolute Raccoon Ubuntu 26.04 LTS “Resolute Raccoon” has officially launched as Canonical’s latest long-term support release, powered by GNOME 50 and the 👩‍💻 Linux 7.0 kernel. It will receive five years of support (until 2031), with extended security maintenance available up to 2036, making it a stable choice for long-term use. Key changes and updates: ➡️GNOME 50 (Wayland-only, smoother visuals, better scaling) ➡️Linux 7.0 kernel (improved performance and hardware support) ➡️Built-in AI support (NVIDIA CUDA, AMD ROCm) ➡️Stronger security (TPM disk encryption, Rust-based tools) ➡️Updated system tools and bug fixes (new Resources app, better GPU support) Overall, Ubuntu 26.04 LTS focuses on modern performance, security, and future-ready technologies like AI, making it an appealing upgrade for both developers and everyday users seeking a reliable, up-to-date Linux system. ⛓ More information... #news #linux #resoluteraccoon

🎙 AERIS-10: Open-Source Phased Array Radar Traditional phased array radar systems cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, placing them out of reach for most researchers, drone developers, and hobbyists. AERIS-10 solves this by providing a fully open-source, modular 10.5 GHz radar for under a fraction of that cost, making advanced beamforming and pulse compression experimentation accessible. Features of the project: ➡️Full electronic beam steering (±45°) ➡️360° mechanical rotation ➡️Two versions: 3km range or 20km ➡️On-board FPGA for signal processing ➡️GPS/IMU integration ➡️Python GUI with maps This hackable platform removes cost barriers to radar experimentation. It will interest university researchers, drone startups, and serious SDR enthusiasts who have PCB assembly and FPGA experience. ⛓ More information... #projects #radar #fpga #drones

💻 The RAM shortage could last years Demand for memory chips has surged in recent years, driven by rapid growth in AI technologies and data-intensive applications. This has put increasing pressure on global supply chains, especially for RAM, which is essential for both data centers and everyday devices. A global RAM shortage is expected to continue for several years, with supply projected to meet only about 60% of demand by the end of 2027. Major manufacturers are working to expand production, but most new facilities won’t be ready until 2027 or later. While output needs to grow by roughly 12% annually to keep up, current plans fall short at around 7.5%. Much of the new capacity will focus on high-bandwidth memory used in AI data centers, leaving less production for standard DRAM in consumer devices. This imbalance is already driving up prices for products like smartphones, laptops, and gaming devices, and relief may remain limited even as new factories come online. ⛓ More information... #news

🤖 MSG-compliant Open-Source Stepper Gripper The MSG-compliant stepper gripper is a modular robotic gripper designed for precise force control using StepFOC stepper drivers. It is well-suited for tasks like assembly and human-robot interaction, with a design that works well in visually monitored environments. Features of the project: ➡️Precise and responsive force control based on FOC technology ➡️Modular design allowing adjustment of grip span and force output ➡️Fully open-source system compatible with custom tools and robotic platforms Overall, this project provides a flexible and customizable gripping solution for robotics enthusiasts and developers looking to build or integrate a capable gripper into automation or collaborative systems. ⛓ More information... #projects #robots

💻 Velxio: Open Embedded Development for Everyone Velxio is an open-source, browser-based platform for simulating embedded hardware such as Arduino, ESP32, and Raspberry Pi without requiring physical devices or local setup. It began as a personal project exploring microcontroller emulation and evolved into a complete, self-hostable development environment. Features of the project: ➡️Browser-based emulation for multiple architectures (AVR8, RP2040, RISC-V, ESP32, Raspberry Pi) ➡️Multi-board simulation within a single circuit ➡️Integrated code editor with compilation and debugging tools ➡️Rich hardware support (GPIO, ADC, PWM, UART, SPI, I2C, WiFi) ➡️Visual circuit builder with components and wiring system Velxio provides a hardware-free way to develop, test, and understand embedded systems with high realism and flexibility. Its open-source and self-hostable nature makes it especially useful for education, experimentation, and scalable classroom environments without infrastructure barriers. More information: 🔗 Demonstration 😹 The GitHub repository #projects

🇨🇳 Espressif Unveils ESP32-S31: A Feature-Rich Next-Gen Wireless SoC Espressif announces the ESP32-S31, a new high-performance System-on-Chip designed for advanced IoT devices. The chip combines modern connectivity, processing power, and multimedia support in a single solution. Features of the chip: ➡️Dual-core RISC-V CPU running up to 320 MHz ➡️Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, Thread/Zigbee, and Ethernet connectivity ➡️Built-in support for displays, cameras, and touch input ➡️Hardware acceleration for graphics, audio, and AI workloads ➡️Strong built-in security with encryption and secure execution Overall, the ESP32-S31 is likely the most powerful wireless SoC released by Espressif so far, offering a strong balance of performance, connectivity, and I/O capabilities such as a high GPIO count and Gigabit Ethernet. While its multimedia features are more limited compared to some higher-end variants, it remains a compelling choice for developers building advanced smart home, voice-enabled, and industrial IoT applications. ⛓ More information... #news #esp32

💻 15 Single Board Computers Tested in 2025: Key Trends and Standout Boards The article reviews 15 single-board computers (SBCs) released in 2025 from eight manufacturers using processors from vendors such as Rockchip, Qualcomm, Broadcom, and others. Prices ranged from $42 to $590, highlighting the growing diversity and maturity of the SBC market. The boards span several categories, including budget hobbyist devices, mid-range development boards, and high-end systems designed for specialized workloads. The budget category under $50 included six boards with both ARM and RISC-V architectures. The Radxa Cubie A7A stood out due to its strong performance and 6GB LPDDR5 memory for only $45, outperforming other boards in the price tier. In the $50–$100 range, the Radxa Dragon Q6A attracted attention with a Qualcomm QCS6490 processor and performance comparable to a Raspberry Pi 5 at $70. Networking-focused boards like the Banana Pi R4 targeted router and OpenWrt applications rather than general computing. In the high-end segment, boards using the new CIX P1 SoC—such as the Radxa Orion O6N and Orange Pi 6 Plus—achieved the highest multi-core benchmark results, while the Raspberry Pi 500+ offered a refined keyboard-integrated design with 16GB RAM and NVMe support. Overall, 2025 demonstrated rapid diversification in the SBC ecosystem. New competitors such as Qualcomm and CIX introduced powerful hardware, while RISC-V continued progressing but remained behind ARM in performance. With expanding price ranges and specialized devices for networking and AI workloads, the SBC market is becoming broader and more competitive, suggesting continued innovation in the coming years. ⛓ More information... #articles #raspberry

🖥 ASML unveils EUV light source advance that could yield 50% more chips by 2030 ASML has unveiled a breakthrough in its extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography technology, revealing a new light source capable of reaching 1,000 watts of power. The advance could allow chipmakers to produce up to 50% more chips by 2030, strengthening ASML’s lead as global rivals in the United States and China attempt to develop competing systems. Key features and highlights: ➡️EUV power increased from 600W to 1,000W ➡️Up to 50% higher chip output ➡️Target of 330 wafers per hour ➡️New dual-laser plasma shaping method In conclusion, this development is significant because EUV machines are essential for manufacturing the world’s most advanced semiconductors. By increasing output and lowering per-chip production costs, ASML reinforces its technological dominance at a time of geopolitical competition and export restrictions. ⛓ More information... #news

🤖 Sub-$200 Lidar Could Reshuffle Auto Sensor Economics MicroVision, a Redmond, Washington–based solid-state sensor company, has introduced a new automotive lidar it says can reach production pricing below $200 per unit, with a long-term goal of $100. The move aims to make lidar economically viable for mainstream advanced driver-assistance systems rather than limiting it to premium autonomous programs. Key features and highlights: ➡️Movia S solid-state phased-array architecture ➡️180-degree horizontal field of view ➡️Detects objects up to 200 meters ➡️Designed for high-volume manufacturing ➡️Multi-sensor vehicle deployment required ➡️Competes with Hesai, Luminar The technology is important because it moves lidar from an experimental or premium feature toward a scalable safety component for everyday vehicles. For automakers, suppliers, and investors, this development signals a transition from performance-driven innovation to economically sustainable deployment—one that could soon see adoption beyond the automotive sector. ⛓ More information... #news

📺 ESP32-DIV v2: Open-Source Hacker Tool Received an Update A popular hackers' tool that was posted a while ago just got a new hardware and firmware updates. The new version of the ESP32-DIV received a massive boost in its capabilities such as improved power management, and better user feedback through tactile buttons, a buzzer, and multiple LEDs. It also introduces a modular pogo-pin shield system and a much more structured firmware, turning the device into a truly expandable platform rather than a single-purpose tool. Key features of the device: ➡️Upgraded chip to the ESP32-S3 ➡️Modular shield with NRF24, CC1101 Sub-GHz radio, IR, and multiple antennas ➡️Pogo-pin stacking system for a slim, clean design ➡️SD card support for logging, scripts, and saved profiles ➡️Advanced Wi-Fi tools (sniffing, deauth detection, captive portal, beacon spammer) ➡️BLE features (sniffer, spoofing, Rubber Ducky, jamming) ➡️Sub-GHz and IR capture, replay, and jamming capabilities ➡️Consistent, structured UI for easy feature expansion ESP32-DIV v2 matches 😮 Flipper Zero in core capabilities such as Sub-GHz signal capture and replay, Wi-Fi and BLE analysis, jamming, and protocol spoofing, while offering a more modular, DIY-focused hardware and firmware design. More information: 🔗 The main article 😹 The GitHub repository #projects #esp32

🌊 Waveshare ESP32-C6-Touch-AMOLED-1.8 The Waveshare ESP32-C6-Touch-AMOLED-1.8 is a compact development board built around 🇨🇳 Espressif’s ESP32-C6 wireless SoC. It combines modern wireless connectivity with a high-quality AMOLED touch display and a rich set of onboard peripherals, making it well suited for interactive IoT and HMI-focused projects. Key features of the board: ➡️ESP32-C6 SoC with single-core RISC-V CPU, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth LE, Zigbee, and Thread ➡️1.8-inch capacitive AMOLED display (368 × 448, 16.7M colors) ➡️Built-in microphone, speaker, and low-power audio codec ➡️6-axis IMU, real-time clock with backup support, and microSD card slot ➡️USB-C for power and programming, Li-ion battery support with PMIC Overall, the ESP32-C6-Touch-AMOLED-1.8 stands out as a highly integrated, display-centric ESP32-C6 platform. It would be especially interesting for developers working on smart home panels, wearable or handheld IoT devices and portable dashboards. ⛓ More information... #boards #esp32

🤖 Turret Upgrade for the 3D Printed Robot Platform A few years ago, we presented a fully 3D printed, tracked robot platform designed as a versatile, remotely controlled base for experimentation and further development. This new project builds directly on that platform, introducing a complex NERF minigun–style turret that significantly expands its mechanical, electronic, and functional capabilities. Key Features of the project: ➡️Modular upgrade for the previously released fully 3D printed tracked robot platform ➡️Pan-and-tilt turret driven by NEMA17 stepper motors for precise aiming ➡️Flywheel-based dart propulsion system with independently adjustable firing power and firing rate ➡️High-capacity 3D printed magazine holding approximately 200 NERF darts ➡️RC control using a commercial transmitter with full integration into the existing control system ➡️Arduino Mega (ATmega2560)–based control with custom PCB, MOSFETs, and stepper drivers ➡️Iterative mechanical redesigns to improve structural strength, reliability, and feeding performance This project demonstrates how a modular 3D printed robot platform can be extended into a sophisticated mechatronics system that combines advanced mechanical design, custom electronics, embedded programming, and real-world problem solving. ⛓ More information... #projects #robots #arduino

📺 Why Fighter Jets Ban 90% of C++ Features The video’s story highlights how reliability comes from strict control over language features rather than from the language’s full power. The F-35’s C++ subset demonstrates how banning exceptions, implicit conversions, and unpredictable allocation paths leads to code that behaves the same way every time, under every condition. ⛓ https://youtu.be/Gv4sDL9Ljww #video #programming

📊 Semiconductor Sovereignty Policies (2025 Report) Governments are accelerating local semiconductor manufacturing to reduce foreign dependency and geopolitical risk, including lower-power IoT chips. Policies now treat these technologies as critical digital infrastructure, expanding export controls to cover microcontrollers, connectivity, sensors, and security chips. Notable examples include the following: ➡️US – The CHIPS and Science Act allocated $52.7 billion to boost domestic manufacturing and R&D. Further, the government has expanded funding to semiconductor production companies like Intel, TSMC, and Samsung. ➡️China – China has countered the US’s actions with a $47.5 billion “Big Fund” to boost domestic chipmaking and close its technology gap by 2030. ➡️Japan – The government of Japan has committed approximately $65 billion by 2030 to expand its semiconductor and AI sectors, supporting domestic fabs and R&D partnerships. ➡️South Korea – Republic of Korea officials announced a $19 billion support package in 2024 to strengthen its chip supply chain and SME competitiveness. ➡️EU – Leading national efforts include Italy’s €10 billion investment to become one of the largest microelectronics producers in Europe and the Netherlands’ €2.5 billion Brainport Eindhoven initiative, which aims to enhance collaboration between businesses, academia, and governments for technological development, including semiconductors. Semiconductor localization is becoming a strategic priority as countries aim for more resilient, self-sufficient IoT and tech supply chains. These investments signal a long-term shift toward regional chip ecosystems and reduced foreign dependency. ⛓ More information... #articles

⌚️ Pebble Watch Goes Fully Open Source Pebble has announced that its entire software stack — including PebbleOS and the new mobile companion app — is now fully open source. This completes the company’s effort to make Pebble devices sustainable and community-driven long term. Features of the device: ➡️Fully open-source PebbleOS and mobile apps ➡️Decentralized Pebble Appstore with multiple feeds ➡️Modernized developer tools and SDK ➡️Published hardware design files and improved repairability ➡️Pebble Time 2 demo and updated shipping timeline This update secures Pebble’s future and empowers the community to maintain and evolve the ecosystem. It’s ideal for open-source fans, developers, and Pebble users who want full control over their devices. More information: 🔗 The main article 😹 The GitHub repository #news