Embedded Programming

Embedded Programming is the process of writing software to control hardware-based systems. These systems—like microcontrollers—are embedded into devices to perform specific tasks. Unlike general-purpose computers, embedded systems are resource-constrained and highly optimized for real-time control, data collection, and automation.

Toolchain and Workflow Comparison

I explored, programmed, and compared multiple microcontroller families using distinct toolchains. The microcontrollers I worked with are:

Arduino Uno
Arduino Nano
ESP8266 NodeMCU
Seeed Studio XIAO RP2040
Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32-S3

Feature	Arduino Uno/Nano	ESP8266 NodeMCU	XIAO RP2040	XIAO ESP32-C3
IDE Used	Arduino IDE	Arduino IDE	Arduino IDE	PlatformIO
Compiler Toolchain	AVR-GCC	Xtensa GCC	GCC ARM	RISC-V GCC
Interface	USB Type-B	Micro-USB	USB-C	USB-C
Communication	UART, I2C, SPI	UART, Wi-Fi	UART, I2C	UART, Wi-Fi
Development Speed	Easy	Faster	Fast	Very Fast
Peripheral Support	Basic	Wi-Fi Libraries	Rich I/O	Extensive
Simulation	Wokwi	Wokwi	Wokwi	Wokwi

For this assignment, I explored the ESP32-S3 microcontroller using the Wokwi simulator. The goal was to simulate real-world embedded programming tasks, interact with input/output devices, and document the process. Here's a detailed breakdown of the journey:

XIAO ESP32-C3

The Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32-S3 is a powerful, compact microcontroller board based on Espressif’s ESP32-S3 chip. It supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth LE (5.0), making it ideal for IoT projects.

This site helped alot getting started with esp32 : SeeedStudio

Key Features:

CPU: 32-bit RISC-V single-core, 160 MHz
Wireless: Wi-Fi + BLE 5.0
Flash: 4MB
GPIOs: 11 usable pins (supports ADC, PWM, I2C, SPI, UART)
USB-C for programming & power
Super compact: 21mm x 17.5mm

Getting Started with Wokwi

Objective: Explore the Wokwi platform and familiarize myself with the ESP32-S3 microcontroller.

I began by signing into Wokwi and creating a new project. Selected the ESP32-S3 board and Arduino template for the simulation environment.

Blinking LED with Serial Monitor

Chose a template of blinking Led.
played with the vaules and tried changing words .

Experiments

1 Servo with 1 Joystick

To begin, I wanted to test the basics — controlling a single servo motor using just the X-axis of a joystick. I used the Seeed XIAO ESP32-S3 board and simulated everything on Wokwi.

In Wokwi, I used the following components:

Seeed XIAO ESP32-S3
Joystick module (x-axis and y-axis)
Servo motor (SG90 or similar)
Wires

CIRCUIT CONNECTIONS

Joystick Module

A joystick has 5 pins usually:

VCC → Connect to 3.3V on the XIAO
GND → Connect to GND
VRx (X-axis) → Connect to A0 (GPIO1) on XIAO ESP32-S3
VRy (Y-axis) → Connect to A1 (GPIO2) (optional for now)
SW (button press) → You can leave it unconnected for this project

Servo Motor

Signal → Connect to D6 (GPIO6) on XIAO
VCC → Connect to 5V (or 3.3V, if using low-power servo in simulation)
GND → Connect to GND

CODE

1 Servo Code

Realization About the Servo Library

At first, I tried using the regular Servo.h library, but I got a compiler error saying it doesn't support ESP32-S3. So I switched to the ESP32Servo library, which works perfectly with the XIAO board.

2 servo 1 Joystick

I wanted to control two servo motors using a single joystick module, with each axis of the joystick controlling one servo. I used the Seeed XIAO ESP32-S3 because it’s compact and supports analog input and PWM output, and I simulated everything using Wokwi.

Components I Used -

Seeed XIAO ESP32-S3
Joystick module (with X and Y outputs)
2x Servo motors (SG90)
Jumper wires

Circuit Connections

Joystick Wiring:

VCC → 3.3V on XIAO
GND → GND
VRx (X-axis) → GPIO1 (A0)
VRy (Y-axis) → GPIO2 (A1)
SW (button) → (Not used for this project)

Servo Wiring:

Servo 1 signal → GPIO6
Servo 2 signal → GPIO7
Both servo VCCs → 5V (simulation), or external 5V in real life
Both servo grounds → GND

CODE

2 Servo Code