Systems integration

• Design and document the system integration for your final project

Learning outcomes

• Define and apply system integration to your final project

Define and apply systems integration concepts in the final project.

Integrate electronics, programming, mechanical design, and user interaction into a single functional system.

Validate the communication between hardware and software.

Organize the project as a functional product and not as isolated prototypes.

Final project systems integration

During this week thefull system integrationof the final project: a smart flower pot designed to monitor soil moisture and assist the user in plant care.

The main objective was to unify all the modules developed in previous weeks within a single functional and stable system.

The integration included:

• Input devices
• Output devices
• Embedded programming
• Networks and communication
• Mechanical structure
• PCB electronic integration
• Mobile application

This stage marks the transition from an experimental prototype to aintegrated functional productwhere each element fulfills a specific role within the system.

Objective of the activity

The objective of this activity was to integrate all the hardware, software, communication and mechanical structure components of the final project into a fully functional embedded system capable of monitoring soil moisture and interact with the user through visual and sound interfaces and wireless communication.

In addition, the aim was to validate communication between modules, improve the organization of the system, and transform the prototype into a stable and scalable product.

Learning Achieved

Through the group assignment, I learned how to integrate different subsystems into a single functional product. I understood the importance of connecting electronics, programming, communication, and mechanical design in a coordinated way to ensure reliable system performance. I also learned how to validate communication between modules, organize data flow, and transform individual prototypes into a complete and integrated embedded system.

My process

System architecture

A complete system architecture was designed to organize the flow of information between the input, processing, and output modules.

System flow

Humidity sensor → XIAO ESP32-C3 → Processing → OLED display + Speaker + Mobile application

The sensor detects the soil moisture level and sends the information to the XIAO ESP32-C3 microcontroller.

The microcontroller processes the data and determines the current state of the plant.

Subsequently, the system communicates the information through:

• OLED visual interface
• Audible alerts via speaker
• Wireless communication via the mobile application

System architecture diagram

(sensor → ESP32 → OLED → speaker → mobile app)

Mobile application integration

A mobile interface was integrated using the RemoteXY platform.

This application allows wireless communication between the user and the Eco Smart Pot via WiFi connection.

Main functions

• Real-time humidity monitoring
• Wireless communication
• Remote interaction with the system
• Future scalability towards IoT

Communication flow

Sensor → ESP32-C3 → WiFi → RemoteXY Mobile App

The integration of the mobile application allowed the project to be transformed from a local embedded system into an interactive smart product.

“The system integration made it possible to turn a technical solution into a real, functional and scalable product.”

CAD design and mechanical integration

The CAD design stage allowed the electronic system to be physically organized within the structure of the flowerpot.

Several criteria were considered:

• Protection of electronic components
• Internal cabling organization
• OLED screen visibility
• Access to the sensor
• Separation between wet and electronic zones
• Compact product design

The structure was designed to support:

• PCB Assembly
• Cable routing
• Component fixing
• Access for future maintenance

“The use of CAD allowed us to validate the system integration before its physical implementation, reducing iterations and assembly errors.”

Electronic integration

Electronic integration enabled stable communication between all system modules.

Integrated modules

• Humidity sensor
• OLED screen
• Speaker module
• ESP8266 Communication
• XIAO ESP32-C3 Microcontroller

Communication protocols

• I2C communication for the OLED display
• UART communication for the WiFi module
• Digital processing for sensor reading

Technical considerations

• Shared GND
• 3.3V Logic Compatibility
• Stable power distribution
• Noise reduction through organized cabling

Validation

• Stable sensor reading
• Correct communication with the OLED
• Audible alerts working
• Validated WiFi communication

Packaging and assembly

The assembly process allowed the prototype to be transformed into a more organized and functional product.

Assembly characteristics

• PCB fixed inside the pot
• Organized internal cabling
• Externally visible OLED display
• Sensor correctly positioned
• Speaker fixed to prevent vibrations
• Protected electronic zone

The final assembly improved:

• Product appearance
• Electrical safety
• Stability
• User interaction

Internal assembly of the system

Complete integrated planter

:

Top view of the final product

User interaction

The Eco Smart Flower Pot was designed to offer intuitive interaction even for users without technical knowledge.

Feedback methods

• Visual messages on OLED
• Audible alerts
• Monitoring via mobile application

The OLED screen clearly communicates the system status:

• DRY
• WET
• HUMIDITY MONITOR

The speaker activates alerts when humidity is low.

OLED displaying “DRY”

OLED displaying humidity monitoring

“The product design allows for intuitive interaction, facilitating the adoption of the system by non-technical users.”

Integration with the final project

This week is directly connected with the development of the Final Project.

Integrated modules from previous weeks:

• Electronic Design
• Electronic Production
• Embedded Programming
• Input Devices
• Output Devices
• Networks and Communication
• CAD Design
• 3D Printing

The integration demonstrates how every week contributes to the development of a complete, functional product.

Link to the Final Project:https://cindy-crispin-6649db.fabcloud.io/final-project/

“Documented integration allows us to validate that the final system is not a set of isolated parts, but a complete and functional solution.”

Hero Shot

Description:

Complete integration of the Eco Smart Pot with embedded electronics, wireless communication and user interaction.

📋 Check-off List

1. Did you make a plan for system integration for your final project?

Yeah.

A comprehensive integration plan was developed for the Interactive Smart Flower Pot, defining how all the system modules connect and work together.

The plan includes:

• Humidity sensor (inlet)
• XIAO ESP32-C3 (processing)
• OLED and buzzer (outputs)
• Custom PCB
• 3D printed structure
• Internal organization and energy flow

It was also defined:

• Data flow
• Power supply
• Communication between modules
• Physical distribution of components

2. Did you document your plan with CAD and/or sketches for system integration?

Yeah.

CAD models of the flowerpot and the internal distribution of the components were created using 3D design tools.

The documentation includes:

• 3D modeling of the structure
• PCB Location
• Spaces for sensor and OLED screen
• Cable routing
• Internal fixing supports
• Assembly organization

In addition, system architecture diagrams were developed to visualize: input → processing → output.

3. What packaging methods were implemented?

Yeah.

Assembly methods and internal organization were implemented to convert the system into a functional and safe product.

It was applied:

• Internal cabling organization
• Separation between wet and electronic zones
• Securing components using supports
• PCB integration within the structure
• Protection of electrical connections
• Internal cable routing

The objective was to achieve:

• stability
• security
• easy maintenance
• clean and professional appearance.

4. Did you design your final project to look like a finished product?

Yeah.

From the beginning, the project was conceived as a functional product and not just as an experimental prototype.

Therefore, work was done on:

• Aesthetic integration of components
• Reduction of visible cables
• Compact design
• Intuitive interface
• Internal organization
• Clean visual finish
• Structural integration of electronics

The result aims to convey:

• functionality
• order
• ease of use
• professional appearance.

5. Documented system integration for your final project?

Yeah.

The complete integration of the system was documented in detail.

The documentation includes:

• System architecture
• CAD Design
• Electronic integration
• Programming
• PCB Manufacturing
• Assembly
• Operating flow
• Validations and tests

The following were also documented:

• Problems encountered
• Implemented solutions
• Functional tests
• Results obtained

This demonstrates how each module developed during Fab Academy forms part of a single functional system.

6. Linked to your system integration documentation from your project's final page?

Yeah.

The final project homepage includes direct links to the system integration documentation.

This allows:

• Show the evolution of the project
• Relate the work weeks
• Demonstrate the complete development process
• Facilitate navigation and understanding of the system

Integration is linked to:

• CAD Design
• Electronics
• Programming
• Manufacturing
• Testing
• Final assembly

This demonstrates traceability and consistency between all stages of the final project.

Problems and Solutions

Problem 1: Lack of internal space for components

Solution: The 3D structure of the pot was redesigned to create internal compartments where the PCB, cables, sensor, and OLED screen could be properly organized.

Problem 2: Disorder in the internal wiring

Solution: The connections were reorganized using internal cable routing and more compact soldering, avoiding false contacts and improving the system's appearance.

Problem 3: Communication problems between modules

Solution: The TX/RX connections, power supply, and serial communication configuration were verified to ensure stable transmission between the microcontroller, the ESP8266, and the OLED display.