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:
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
โ Visit the Official Website Website
๐พ Download for Windows,Click on Windows Installer (for Windows)
๐ป Install the Arduino IDE
.exe
fileTools โ Board
and select your Arduino Uno.Tools โ Port
and select the correct port COM5.Tools โ 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
โ Visit the Official Arduino Website Arduino IDE
๐พ Install Board Manager URL: Open Preferences
and add this URL:https://espressif.github.io/arduino-esp32/package_esp32_index.json
๐ง Board Manager: Go to Tools โ Board โ Boards Manager
, search for ESP32
and install it.
๐ก Select Board: Go to Tools โ Board
and select Seeed XIAO ESP32C3.
Tools โ Board โ Seeed XIAO ESP32C3
Tools โ Port โ COMxx
Tools โ 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
Connect the XIAO ESP32C3 to your computer using a USB Type-C data cable to scan for available Bluetooth devices nearby.
Connect the XIAO ESP32C3 to your computer using a USB Type-C data cable. Use your smartphone to search for the XIAO ESP32C3 development board and send the string โhelloโ to display it in the Serial Monitor.
Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone, place it close to the XIAO ESP32C3, scan for devices, and connect to the device named โMyESP32โ.
Tap the CONNECT button next to MyESP32.
Tap the section at the bottom showing Readable and Writable properties.
In the Data format dropdown menu, select UTF-8 String.
In the WRITTEN VALUES field, enter "Hello"
and click WRITE.
You will see the text string "Hello"
displayed in the Serial Monitor of the Arduino IDE.
Process video