Embedded Systems

📷 Open-Source Thermal Camera Discover the fascinating world of thermal imaging with this affordable open-source solution. Using an ESP32 microcontroller and an MLX90640 sensor, you can now easily detect hidden heat signatures. Features of the project: ➡️ 3D-printed enclosure for added style and protection. ➡️ Intuitive controls for effortless navigation. ➡️ Convenient SD card storage for thermal images. ➡️ Explore various industrial applications affordably. Designed for both enthusiasts and professionals, this DIY thermal camera project offers an accessible entry point into the realm of thermal imaging, empowering users to explore temperature variations in their surroundings without breaking the bank. More information: 🔗 The main article 😹 The GitHub repository 📺 The YouTube video #projects #esp32

📺 Writing an I²C Driver for Accelerometer from Scratch for STM32F4 Learn how to write a comprehensive I²C driver from scratch in C for an STM32F4 microcontroller, interfacing with the Analog Devices ADXL355 accelerometer. This tutorial utilizes the datasheet and ST's HAL (hardware abstraction layer) to guide through the entire process. Key steps include: ➡️ Understanding the schematic layout. ➡️ Setting up STM32CubeIDE for development. ➡️ Implementing low-level functions for communication. ➡️ Initializing the accelerometer and configuring its registers. ➡️ Reading data from the accelerometer. ➡️ Testing the driver for functionality and accuracy. This tutorial offers valuable insights into hardware interfacing, register manipulation, and sensor configuration, empowering viewers to develop robust drivers for their STM32-based projects. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced developer, this video provides practical skills for STM32 programming. ⛓ https://youtu.be/_JQAve05o_0 #video #stm32 #programming

🔗 Comparing the latency of various wireless standards An extensive benchmarking study compared latency across various wireless protocols on common microcontroller development boards. Tested protocols include SiK firmware, LoRa, nRF24L01, ESP32 for ESP-NOW and WiFi, ESP32-C6 for 802.15.4, ESP32 and HC-05 for Bluetooth SPP, and ESP32 with NimBLE and Bluedroid stacks, alongside nRF52 for Bluetooth LE testing. Results indicate that: ➡️ nRF24 exhibits lowest latency for smaller payloads. ➡️ ESP32 TCP (WiFi) excels for larger data transfers. ➡️ Protocols optimized for long-range connectivity, like LoRa and SiK, show longer latencies. ➡️ Consideration of factors like code optimization and compilation flags significantly impacts performance. The study underscores the importance of method selection in latency measurement and validation, providing valuable insights for developers to make informed decisions for their projects. ⛓ More information... #articles #esp32

😮 Flipper Zero gets a Raspberry Pi RP2040-powered video game module Flipper Zero, known for its hardware and wireless hacking capabilities, has introduced a new Raspberry Pi RP2040-powered video game module. This module turns the device into a game console, projecting its display onto larger screens via DVI/HDMI output and adding a 6-axis motion sensor. Key features of the module: ➡️ Raspberry Pi RP2040 dual-core Arm Cortex-M0+ MCU ➡️ DVI-D and HDMI video output ➡️ USB Type-C port ➡️ TDK ICM-42688-P 6-axis MEMS motion-tracking sensor ➡️ 11 GPIO pins ➡️ Boot and reset buttons The module can function independently as a Raspberry Pi RP2040 board for running open-source projects like Scoppy, an open-source digital oscilloscope. For game development, the Flipper Zero Game Engine and demo game source code are accessible. Both firmware and hardware documentation are open-source. The Video Game Module is priced at $49 and is available on the company's online store and Lab401 for 49 Euros excluding VAT. ⛓ More information... #news #raspberry

🌐 Pwnagotchi - Open Source Wi-Fi Security Explorer Pwnagotchi is an open-source project designed to explore and exploit vulnerabilities in Wi-Fi networks, utilizing artificial intelligence and Raspberry Pi hardware. Inspired by Tamagotchi pets, it offers a playful approach to network security exploration. Features of the device: ➡️ Utilizes A2C-based AI and reinforcement learning principles. ➡️ Runs on Raspberry Pi Zero with e-ink display. ➡️ Performs de-authentication attacks to capture handshake sequences for WPA key cracking. ➡️ Supports customization through configuration files. ➡️ Can be powered by a battery for mobile usage. Pwnagotchi provides an accessible tool for learning about network security and encryption, encouraging ethical hacking practices. By actively engaging in Wi-Fi network exploration, users gain insights into vulnerabilities and learn to better secure their networks. Its user-friendly design caters to both beginners and experienced security professionals. More information: 🔗 The official website 😹 The GitHub repository 📺 The YouTube video ☠️ The Hackaday article #projects #raspberry #security

☢️ Momentary Fusion Breakthroughs Face Hard Reality In December 2022, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's National Ignition Facility (NIF) achieved a significant breakthrough in fusion research, surpassing the milestone of achieving more energy output from fusion reactions than the energy input needed to initiate them. This achievement, resulting from years of meticulous engineering and incremental improvements, signals a substantial step forward in the quest for practical fusion energy production. Despite this breakthrough, formidable challenges remain. Ensuring precise and symmetrical compression of fuel pellets, controlling laser beam scattering, and addressing variability in energy production across experiments are ongoing hurdles. Additionally, alternative fusion systems, like the one developed by researchers at the University of Rochester, show promise but are still in nascent stages of development. Overall, practical fusion energy production faces technical and economic obstacles, including the high energy input from lasers and the substantial cost of fuel pellets. However, researchers maintain optimism about overcoming these challenges, recognizing the transformative potential of fusion energy once these barriers are surmounted. ⛓ More information... #news #energy

📺 Decrypting BitLocker: Raspberry Pi Pico Exploits Encryption Vulnerability The YouTube video demonstrates how a Raspberry Pi Pico can exploit a vulnerability in BitLocker encryption, revealing the potential risks associated with this widely used security feature. BitLocker, a full disk encryption system integrated into Windows, is commonly employed to safeguard sensitive data on devices such as laptops and desktops. The video shows the hardware and techniques needed to execute the exploit, emphasizing its affordability and ease of implementation. ⛓ https://youtu.be/wTl4vEednkQ #video #raspberry #security

⌚️ WearPico - Open-source Smartwatch firmware written in C for the Raspberry Pi Pico The WearPico is an open-source smartwatch project developed by a maker and developer utilizing the Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller. Designed as a wearable tech device, it integrates with smartphones to manage calls, notifications, and offers additional features like a stopwatch, notepad, and calendar. This project emphasizes embedded functionality over a full operating system, with a focus on power efficiency through Bluetooth connectivity. Key features of the WearPico include: ➡️ Smartphone integration for call management and notifications. ➡️ Additional functionalities like stopwatch, notepad, and calendar. ➡️ Embedded design for power efficiency, utilizing Bluetooth communication. ➡️ Hardware components include a 1.28-inch touchscreen, MPU6050 accelerometer, LiPo battery, buzzer, and motor. ➡️ 3D-printed shell for housing the hardware components. The open-source nature of this project invites exploration and customization, offering a platform for enthusiasts to delve into the source code and potentially adapt it to suit their specific needs. More information: ✈️ The related paper 😹 The GitHub page #projects #raspberry

📺 Mastering Decision-Making in C: Switch vs. If Statements In this programming guide, you will learn about decision-making in C, specifically comparing switch statements to if statements. The video demonstrates why switch statements are typically faster and more efficient, especially with multiple conditions. It further explores the underlying assembly language, highlighting the streamlined nature of switch statements against the sequential nature of if statements, making it a practical guide for new programmers. ⛓ https://youtu.be/fjUG_y5ZaL4 #video #programming

🖥 LVGL - Open-Source GUI library for embedded systems Light and Versatile Graphics Library (LVGL) is an open-source graphics library specifically designed for embedded systems. It provides an efficient way to create visually appealing and modern graphical user interfaces (GUIs) on resource-constrained devices like microcontrollers and small processors. Characterized by its lightweight nature, LVGL is highly optimized for performance, requiring minimal memory and processing power. The library supports a wide range of widgets, animations, and graphical elements, making it versatile for various applications. It's platform-independent, easily adaptable to different hardware with minimal setup, and works well with different operating systems or on bare-metal systems. LVGL is written in C, offering ease of integration for most embedded projects. With an active community and comprehensive documentation, LVGL is a go-to solution for developers looking to add rich GUIs to their embedded devices. More information: 🔗 The official website 😹 The GitHub page #libraries

📰 Self-powered sensor automatically harvests magnetic energy MIT researchers have developed a groundbreaking battery-free sensor that harvests energy from its environment, designed for long-term data monitoring in inaccessible locations like ship engines. The published article describes the sensor that captures energy from magnetic fields around electric wires, allowing it to operate without the need for battery replacement or complex wiring. This innovation is particularly beneficial in applications where power access is limited. The team addressed significant challenges, such as enabling the sensor to start without initial power (cold start) and efficiently storing energy using capacitors instead of batteries. The system's microcontroller effectively manages the stored energy, determining when to activate the sensor and how to adjust energy harvesting for optimal performance. This approach not only simplifies installation but also expands the potential for deploying sensors in various environments, paving the way for more efficient and sustainable monitoring solutions in industrial settings. ⛓ More information... #news #sensors

💻 USB C-Type Ethernet for Raspberry Pi Pico This project introduces a novel integration of Ethernet connectivity on the Raspberry Pi Pico using a single USB C-Type connector, merging USB and Ethernet communications in a compact, efficient design. Features of the project: ➡️ Utilizes a USB C-Type connector for both USB and Ethernet communications. ➡️ Includes USB 2.0, power pins, and differential lines supporting USB 3.0 standards. ➡️ Features a strategic placement of the WIZnet chip, with plans for future optimization. ➡️ Demonstrates continuous USB data reception and established Ethernet communication via loopback. This project successfully marries the Raspberry Pi Pico with cutting-edge Ethernet connectivity, offering a versatile and powerful tool for developers and hobbyists. ⛓ More information... #projects #raspberry

📰 Researchers Claim First Functioning Graphene-Based Chip Researchers at Georgia Tech, led by Professor Walt de Heer, have developed the world's first functioning graphene-based semiconductor, potentially revolutionizing electronics with faster traditional computers and new possibilities for quantum computing. Published in Nature, their research utilizes epitaxial graphene, a carbon crystal bonded to silicon carbide, to create a novel semiconducting material, semiconducting epitaxial graphene (SEC), also known as epigraphene. This material exhibits enhanced electron mobility compared to silicon, enabling transistors to operate at terahertz frequencies, about 10 times faster than current silicon-based transistors. This new semiconductor exhibits a significant bandgap, a key requirement for efficient transistors, and could mark a paradigm shift in electronics, moving beyond silicon to more efficient and compatible materials like silicon carbide and boron nitride. While promising, the technology still requires further development to fully realize its potential in digital electronics and quantum computing. ⛓ More information... #news

📖 Penetration Testing for Industrial Control Systems: A Practical Guide to Ethical Hacking This book adopts a unique, hands-on approach, offering readers the opportunity to gain practical experience with real-world industrial equipment. It's designed to provide an in-depth understanding of how these systems operate and interact in actual industrial environments. Key features of the book: ➡️ An introduction to the basics of industrial operations and systems. ➡️ Insights into the creation of industrial processes and how to ethically exploit their vulnerabilities. ➡️ Techniques for developing a realistic threat environment for clients. ➡️ Learning advanced strategies used by professional hackers to test system integrity. ➡️ A detailed look at the types of equipment used in industrial control systems (ICS). ➡️ Methods for uncovering ports, services, and pivoting opportunities within industrial networks. ➡️ Practical experience with planning and executing attacks on ICS networks. ➡️ Developing skills to proactively protect industrial networks against contemporary cyber threats. By the end of this book, readers will not only understand how to assess and navigate the complexities of an ICS but will also have acquired essential skills in both offensive and defensive strategies to secure these systems. This comprehensive guide is a must-read for anyone looking to ethically penetrate and secure industrial control systems. ⬇️ Download the book (.pdf, 190 MB) #books #control

💻 Watch ESP32’s GPIO status in real-time in a web browser GPIOViewer is an innovative open-source Arduino library designed for real-time monitoring of GPIO pins on ESP32 boards via a web browser. It provides a dynamic and graphical representation of the board's GPIO pin status, enhancing troubleshooting and project development. Key features of the library: ➡️ Displays live status of digital, analog, and PWM signals on ESP32 GPIO pins. ➡️ Tracks actual hardware status, differentiating it from simulation-only tools like the Wokwi ESP32 simulator. ➡️ Utilizes ESPAsyncWebServer and AsyncTCP libraries, with the latter available through the Arduino IDE’s Library Manager. ➡️ Adds only about 50 KB to projects. ➡️ Recommended to use with strong Wi-Fi connections for lower latency and faster data sampling. ➡️ Supports a variety of ESP32 boards, including ESP32-VROOM-32, Olimex ESP32-EVB, and more. This real-time GPIO monitoring capability is not only a boon for debugging but also enhances the overall user experience in developing and testing ESP32-based projects. More information: ☠️ The Hackaday article 😹 The GitHub page #libraries #arduino #esp32

🔋 Nuclear battery produces power for 50 years without needing to charge Betavolt, a Chinese startup, has developed an innovative nuclear battery named Betavolt BV100, which is capable of delivering a constant power output of 3V/100 microwatts for over 50 years without needing a recharge. Measuring just 15x15x5 mm, this battery represents a significant advancement in the miniaturization of atomic energy. While 100 microwatts may not seem substantial, Betavolt has plans to scale up the technology to produce a 1-watt nuclear battery by 2025, potentially revolutionizing power supply in devices like smartphones and drones. The BV100 utilizes radioactive nickel-63, with a half-life of about 100 years, which decays into non-radioactive copper, generating electricity. This process involves a unique structure comprising a nickel-63 sheet placed between diamond semiconductor converters. Despite the use of radioactive material, safety is a key feature of the BV100. Nickel-63 poses minimal external hazard due to its limited range in air and water, and the battery's design ensures the radioactive material is securely encased. This advancement in nuclear battery technology, echoing the early betavoltaic batteries used in space programs and demonstrates significant progress in power density and safety. ⛓ More information... #news #energy #battery