It was a challenging week for me and I gained some embedded programming experience. Includes simple programming language, microcontroller features, etc. When the control program is running, it's really interesting.
Group assignment:
Individual assignment:
Versatile lighting control
I have practiced embedded programming using Arduino Uno, micro:bit v2, and XIAO ESP32C3.
Feature | Arduino Uno | micro:bit v2 | XIAO ESP32C3 |
---|---|---|---|
Microcontroller | ATmega328P | nRF52833 | ESP32-C3 (32-bit RISC-V) |
Memory | Flash: 32 KB, SRAM: 2 KB, EEPROM: 1 KB | Flash: 512 KB, RAM: 128 KB | Flash: 4 MB, SRAM: 400 KB |
GPIO Pins | 14 digital pins (6 support PWM), 6 analog input pins | 25 programmable GPIO pins (including 3 analog inputs) | 11 GPIO (6 PWM, 4 ADC, 1 DAC) |
Communication Interfaces | UART, SPI, I2C | BLE, NFC, USB, SPI, I2C | Wi-Fi, BLE, UART, SPI, I2C |
Power Supply | USB or External Power (7-12V) | USB or Battery Pack (2xAAA Batteries) | USB-C (5V), Li-Po Battery (3.7V) |
Dimensions | Approx. 68.6 mm x 53.4 mm | Approx. 52 mm x 43 mm | 21 mm x 17.5 mm |
Programming Environment | Arduino IDE (Primarily C/C++) | MakeCode, MicroPython | Arduino IDE, PlatformIO (C/C++) |
The Arduino UNO is the best board to get started with electronics and coding. Datasheet
â Visit the Official Website Website
đž Download for Windows,Click on Windows Installer (for Windows)
đģ Install the Arduino IDE
.exe
fileTools â Board
and select your Arduino Uno.Tools â Port
and select the correct port COM5.Tools â Serial Monitor
.(shift+alt+M) The micro:bit is a tiny programmable computer designed by the BBC for education. Datasheet
.hex
file.hex
file to the micro:bit drive.hex
fileThe Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32C3 is a tiny and powerful development board with Wi-Fi and BLE capabilities, based on the ESP32-C3 RISC-V processor. Datasheet
â Visit the Official Arduino Website Arduino IDE
đž Install Board Manager URL: Open Preferences
and add this URL:
https://espressif.github.io/arduino-esp32/package_esp32_index.json
đ§ Board Manager: Go to Tools â Board â Boards Manager
, search for ESP32
and install it.
đĄ Select Board: Go to Tools â Board
and select Seeed XIAO ESP32C3.
Tools â Board â Seeed XIAO ESP32C3
Tools â Port â COMxx
Tools â Serial Monitor
(Shift + Alt + M)Arduino Uno is ideal for more advanced users who want flexibility and hardware control. Great for robotics, sensors, and real-world device building.
micro:bit is perfect for beginners and education. It has built-in features that make learning fast and fun, especially in classrooms.
XIAO ESP32C3 is compact yet powerful, making it excellent for IoT projects, wearable tech, and wireless applications. With built-in Wi-Fi, BLE, and support for modern development tools, it bridges the gap between beginner boards and professional solutions.
Individual assignment:
Using an Arduino UNO board to design a red-green dual-color LED system
Using a micro:bit to create a seven-color LED system
Using a micro:bit to create smiley face and heart button lights>
Using a micro:bit to build a timer
Using the Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32-C3 to control a multi-color LED