Embedded Systems

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💻 Embedded System Simulations: Techniques and Tools for Realistic Testing This article explores advanced techniques for simulating embedded systems, helping developers streamline testing and development. Readers will learn about leveraging virtual hardware simulators, such as Wokwi, Renode, and QEMU, which mimic microcontrollers and external components with varying levels of fidelity. It discusses how these tools can model real-world hardware interactions and evaluates their ease of use, integration with build systems, and support for specific microcontrollers. The article also covers the use of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) to enhance simulation realism and usability. Developers can transition from text-based inputs and outputs to interactive dashboards with buttons, sliders, gauges, and graphs. This makes simulations more intuitive, akin to operating a physical device, while improving debugging and control capabilities. More information: 🔗 Part 1: Simple Simulations with printf 🔗 Part 2: Simulations with Virtual Hardware and GUIs #articles #design

📺 What's going on with Intel? This week, Intel announced the retirement of its CEO, Pat Gelsinger. This event marks the culmination of the company's decline, leaving many people wondering how such a dominant force in the semiconductor market has reached this point. To better understand the situation surrounding Intel, it is highly recommended to watch this YouTube video. ⛓ https://youtu.be/OZrPOjnAyqs #video #news #Intel

🗺 Laser Vector Scope: A Retro-Inspired Tech Adventure This project recreates the charm of vintage CRT TVs by designing a mini vector scope that uses a laser to project vector graphics onto a UV-sensitive screen. With 3D-printed components, stepper motors, and an ♾ Arduino-running microcontroller, it offers an accessible yet technical foray into retro-inspired electronics. Key features of the project: ➡️Utilizes a violet laser to draw on a UV-reactive screen, mimicking CRT phosphorescence. ➡️Stepper motor-driven mirrors deflect the laser beam in X and Y axes for precision control. ➡️Includes a retro-styled case and functional components like mounts and connectors. ➡️Supports analog signal inputs for basic oscilloscope functions and vector graphics rendering. ➡️Features rotary encoders, MOSFET-triggered laser modulation, and external BNC connectors. The author of the project thoroughly described the building project in his 📺 YouTube video. The project would be especially beneficial for those interested in blending electronics, programming, and 3D printing with a touch of retro flair. ⛓ More information... #projects #esp32 #arduino

🍓 What’s New on the Raspberry Pi CM5 The Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 (CM5) brings the power of 🇳🇱 Raspberry Pi 5 to a compact, CM4-compatible form, ideal for industrial and maker applications. It offers significant performance upgrades while maintaining broad accessory compatibility. Key features of the board: ➡️Faster CPU, GPU, and storage speeds, with eMMC storage nearing PCIe Gen 2 performance. ➡️Support for optional NVMe SSDs for high-speed operations. ➡️Enables dual camera or display configurations with flexible setups. ➡️Multiple variants (2GB–8GB RAM, eMMC, Wi-Fi) to match project needs. ➡️Broad GPIO support with most CM4-compatible accessories. Cooling can be a challenge—passive solutions suffice for standard tasks, but overclocking requires better thermal management than the current active cooling setup offers. Designed for embedded projects, the CM5 starts at $45 and is a powerful tool for makers and professionals seeking scalable, customizable solutions. Those with simpler needs may prefer the standard Raspberry Pi 5. ⛓ More information... #boards #raspberry

💻 Mastering Asynchronous Programming with MicroPython on Raspberry Pi Pico This short guide will walk you through the asynchronous programming on the 🍓 Raspberry Pi Pico using 🐍 MicroPython and the asyncio module. You’ll learn the difference between asynchronous (non-blocking, concurrent tasks) and synchronous (blocking, sequential tasks) programming. It covers key concepts like event loops, coroutines, tasks, and the await keyword, along with setting up MicroPython firmware and using 👷‍♂️ Thonny IDE or 👩‍💻 VS Code to write and upload code. By following the tutorial, you'll master running multiple tasks concurrently, ideal for applications like networking, sensor data handling, and user interactions. ⛓ More information... #guides #micropython #raspberry

🔋 SPINC - Open-Source Smart Battery Charger SPINC is an open-source project that combines automatic AA NiMH battery charging with a desk clock functionality. It features a custom PCB with a 🍓 RP2040 at its core, a fast-charging mechanism, and a sleek, 3D-printed design, offering a compact and innovative solution for battery management. Features of the device: ➡️Automatic loading and ejection of batteries with polarity correction. ➡️Fast charging via DS2712 module for up to seven AA NiMH cells. ➡️High-resolution monochrome LCD clock with LVGL interface. ➡️Custom PCB and servo mechanism for precise battery handling. ➡️Fully 3D-printed design for a professional finish. SPINC is perfect for tech enthusiasts working with embedded systems. It demonstrates practical applications of microcontroller programming, hardware-software integration, and modern UI design using the 🇳🇱 LVGL library. More information: ☠️ The Hackaday page 😹 The GitHub page #projects #raspberry #lvgl

📺 ESP32 Software Battle: AWS IoT Core vs Blink for Cloud Control Over a month has passed since the second ✈️ PCB Design Duel was posted on this channel. In a new episode, the format stayed the same but instead of hardware developers, the author has invited two embedded software engineers. In his video, they compete to program an 🇨🇳 ESP32 microcontroller in just two hours, using AWS with PlatformIO and Blink with PlatformIO, respectively. The challenge highlights how cloud integrations differ between AWS IoT Core and Blink's user-friendly interface for IoT control. Despite encountering setup and debugging obstacles, both participants successfully sync their ESP32 devices to cloud interfaces, demonstrating the unique advantages of each platform for real-time IoT applications. ⛓ https://youtu.be/-caKi39nF64 #video #esp32 #programming #IoT

🖥 Open-Source Cardiography Signal Measuring Device This open-source project is designed to build a fully-functional device for recording, analyzing, and visualizing a range of cardiography signals. Powered by a 🍓 Raspberry Pi Pico W microcontroller, the device captures physiological signals, then amplifies and transmits them to a PC for real-time display and in-depth analysis. Features of the device: ➡️Isolated USB communication for data transfer. ➡️Power regulation features for stable performance. ➡️Signal conditioning for accurate stethoscope and ECG data collection. ➡️Firmware in C++ for device control and data acquisition. ➡️Python-based graphical interface for real-time data display and recording. ➡️Data analysis scripts in Python for post-collection analysis. This project offers valuable insights into signal processing and data analysis methods, making it a practical resource for hands-on learning and experimentation with cardiographic measurement. ⛓ More information... #projects #raspberry

🤖 Chinese Company Unitree Robotics Pushes Boundaries in AI-Powered Motion Control Unitree Robotics, a company based in 🇨🇳 Hangzhou, China, has made impressive strides in motion control technology using artificial intelligence. In a recent video, the company showcased its ability to teach robots human-like walking within just two days through reinforcement learning. The video opens with 🤖 Unitree’s humanoid robot, the G1 (priced at over $16,000), walking fluidly across a room. In another segment, 🐕 Unitree’s robot dog Go2, demonstrates remarkable balance on two legs—even as it’s nudged and struck with a stick by a human. This development highlights the potential of AI-powered robotics to adapt and acquire new skills quickly, a crucial capability as robots become more integral to our daily lives. ⛓ More information... #news #robotics #artificial_intelligence

🇳🇱 Big Windmills and Small Semiconductors Four years ago I won a scholarship and I moved to the Netherlands to do my Masters majoring in Embedded Systems. That was an interesting experience on its own, which I may touch in one of the future posts. Today, I work as a software engineer at one of the top-100 fastest growing companies in the Netherlands. As someone who comes from a developing country, I can’t overstate how much being in the right environment can shape your mindset and career. The Netherlands is a prime example of this, offering not only exceptional career opportunities but also a leadership role in technological innovation. Home to 🖥 ASML, it has become a global hub for advancements in semiconductor and nanotechnology. I would highly recommend watching this 📺 YouTube video to get more grasp on that matter. In addition to its homegrown strengths, the Netherlands has seen a boost in tech opportunities in recent years. After Brexit (2016–2020), many British companies chose to relocate here to maintain access to the 🇪🇺 European Union, further strengthening the country's already thriving job market and solidifying its position as a European tech hub. To be fair, the Netherlands is not the only European country offering strong career opportunities in tech. Other regions across Europe are also fostering significant growth. Germany, for example, is known for its innovation in industries like automotive tech and AI, particularly in areas like 🇩🇪 Silicon Saxony. France has made great strides in fields such as software development and cybersecurity, supported by initiatives like the 🇫🇷 French Tech movement. The UK, often called the 'Fintech Capital of Europe,' boasts a thriving fintech ecosystem centered in London, with strong support from government initiatives and organizations like 🇬🇧 Innovate Finance. Europe’s vibrant tech scene offers plenty of opportunities for those committed to advancing their skills and ambitions. It’s a common misconception that breaking into this field is difficult. In reality, it’s often easier than you would expect, and even without EU citizenship, many doors remain open. The key to success, however, lies in building strong connections. Although it may not be obvious at first, the more you practice software engineering, the more you realize it’s really all about soft skills. #blog

👉 Meta Digit 360: An artificial fingertip with human-level tactile sensing (open-source) Recently, several robotics projects have been open-sourced by 🎱 Meta, making them available to the public. Today, we will take a look at Digit 360. The Digit 360 is a highly advanced artificial fingertip designed to provide human-level tactile sensing by capturing detailed touch data with over 18 sensing features. The sensor uses a unique optical system with more than 8 million taxels to detect fine spatial details and forces as small as 1 millinewton, allowing it to perceive vibrations, heat, and even smell. This innovation aims to enhance AI research in physical perception, making robots and virtual interactions more responsive and realistic. Meta has open-sourced Digit 360’s code and designs to encourage further research and development across applications like prosthetics, medicine, and VR. More information: 🔗 The main article 😹 The GitHub repository 📚 The research paper #news #robotics #meta #sensors

👩‍💻 Kickstart Your Raspberry Pi Pico with VS Code Setting up a development environment for the 🍓 Raspberry Pi Pico can be daunting, especially with the variety of languages and tools available. While MicroPython and CircuitPython simplify things for beginners, using C/C++ offers greater control and flexibility—at the cost of a more complex setup process. Fortunately, Raspberry Pi's official extension for Microsoft Visual Studio Code is a game-changer, making it easier than ever to get started with C/C++ on the Pico. This guide will give you a quick walk though the steps needed to start embedded development with Pico on Windows environment. ⛓ More information... #articles #programming #raspberry

🤖 Q8bot – Tiny Open-Source Robot with Big Potential The Q8bot is a compact quadruped robot designed to minimize wiring complexity by integrating all components directly onto a custom PCB. The robot uses eight Dynamixel motors and a Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32C3 microcontroller to achieve agile, wire-free movement. Features of the robot: ➡️The robot's core structure integrates motor connections and power components directly onto a central PCB. ➡️Powered by eight powerful XL330-M077-T servos. ➡️The 3D-printed frames house 14500 batteries directly, providing a clean, compact design. ➡️Controlled remotely via an onboard ESP32 controller using the ESP-Now protocol. The robot's open-source design and relatively low bill of materials (around $300) make it accessible for hobbyists looking to experiment with quadruped robot movement and control. More information: ☠️ The Hackaday article 😹 The GitHub page #projects #robots #esp32

🎹 FlexiPi: A Bendable, Versatile Raspberry Pi Clone (Kickstarter) FlexiPi is a unique, bendable microcontroller board based on the 🍓 Raspberry Pi RP2040. Designed by TOP Gadgets, this innovative take on the Raspberry Pi Pico integrates a flexible PCB and USB-C connectivity, offering the same power as the original but with added versatility for compact or irregular enclosures. Features of the microcontroller: ➡️Ideal for tight spaces and curved surfaces. ➡️Built on the dual-core Cortex-M0+ RP2040, overclockable to 133 MHz. ➡️Features a USB-C port for modern compatibility. ➡️26 GPIOs, including ADC, UART, I2C, SPI, and PWM. ➡️Includes RGB LED, temperature sensor, and RTC. ➡️Supports Raspberry Pi Pico SDKs (C/C++, MicroPython, CircuitPython) and Arduino IDE. The project is ongoing on Kickstarter and it is interesting to see how people are trying to commercialize this technology. Overall it is a useful project for engineers looking to integrate powerful microcontroller functionality into constrained or curved spaces. ⛓ More information... #projects #raspberry

🤖 Robot Races Champion: Swiss-Mile Takes Second Place In a recent video, Swiss-Mile engineers put their high-tech delivery robot to the test by racing it against a champion runner and the members of the team. The robot reached nearly 14 mph, securing second place and demonstrating impressive agility for a machine built for urban delivery. Equipped to shift from four wheels to two legs, the robot is designed to handle complex tasks autonomously. The video highlights its potential for agile, efficient urban deliveries, almost keeping pace with a human champion. ⛓ More information... #news #robots

🖥 MIT Researchers Pioneer 3D-Printed Semiconductor-Free Electronics MIT researchers have developed semiconductor-free, 3D-printed logic gates, marking a significant step toward fully 3D-printed active electronics. Using a copper-doped polymer material, they created resettable fuses that mimic some functions of semiconductor-based transistors, such as switching. Although their performance doesn’t yet match silicon transistors, these devices could be used for simpler tasks, like controlling electric motors. The biodegradable, energy-efficient fabrication method could democratize electronics production by enabling people to print functional electronics outside of specialized facilities, with potential applications in areas like spacecraft. Further research aims to enhance device complexity and performance. ⛓ More information... #news #electronics

💻 Improving Embedded Systems with Design-by-Contract Design-by-Contract (DbC) is a method that helps embedded software developers reduce the time spent debugging by ensuring each function has well-defined pre-conditions, post-conditions, side effects, and invariants. This approach creates "contracts" that must be followed for a function to operate properly, outlining what must be true before and after a function executes. To enforce these contracts, developers can use assertions, which check that the conditions are met at runtime. If a condition isn't satisfied, the assertion signals a defect, making it easier to catch errors early. Assertions aren't used for error handling but for defect detection, ensuring that the system behaves as expected when calling functions or components.

// Example of DbC using assertions
void Dio_Init(DioConfig_t const* const Config)
{
  assert(sizeof(Config) > 0);
  assert(NUMBER_OF_CHANNELS_PER_PORT > 0);
  assert(NUMBER_OF_PORTS > 0);
  assert(Mcu_ClockState(GPIO) == true);

  // The rest of the function
}

DbC can be implemented simply, often through code documentation tools like 😹 Doxygen or directly within the code using assertions. While there may be a slight performance impact, developers can disable assertions before final deployment if necessary. Overall, DbC helps improve software quality, decreases debugging time, and enhances the reliability of embedded systems. ⛓ More information... #articles #programming

🍓 Use an External GPU on Raspberry Pi 5 for 4K Gaming The author of this project explores the integration of an external GPU with a Raspberry Pi 5, enabling 4K gaming and GPU-accelerated tasks on this compact ARM-based platform. Features of the project: ➡️Utilizes various adapters and PCIe risers to connect an AMD RX 460 graphics card to the Raspberry Pi 5. ➡️Implements the amdgpu Linux kernel patch to enable compatibility with Polaris generation AMD graphics cards. ➡️Achieves smooth 60 Hz output at 4K resolution for games like Doom 3 and SuperTuxKart, surpassing the internal VideoCore GPU's capabilities. ➡️Supports GPU-accelerated video encode/decode via VA-API, enhancing multimedia capabilities. By integrating an external GPU, users can achieve significant performance gains for gaming and multimedia applications, albeit with some current limitations and ongoing development needs. It serves as a hands-on exploration of GPU integration, Linux kernel customization, and the potential for open-source hardware acceleration on ARM platforms. ⛓ More information... #projects #raspberry

🚀 SpaceX's Starship Achieves Milestone with Successful Booster Landing Using Robotic Arms SpaceX's Starship successfully lifted off on its fifth test flight from a launch pad in Texas, marking a significant milestone for the company. This mission featured the first attempt to land the Super Heavy rocket booster using large robotic arms, often referred to as 'chopsticks.' The robotic arms use advanced sensors and precision mechanics to grasp the booster in mid-air, enhancing the efficiency of recovery operations. This technology not only reduces the need for extensive refurbishment after each flight but also contributes to SpaceX's goal of making space travel more sustainable and cost-effective. The successful demonstration of these robotic arms during the latest test flight highlights the potential for future advancements in rocket recovery and reusability. ⛓ More information... #news #robots #spaceX