Embedded Systems Assignment

Group Assignment

1. This comparison table highlights the strengths of different embedded architectures. ARM is best for high-performance embedded systems, using GCC, Keil, and IAR with J-Link or ST-Link for debugging in a strong ecosystem. AVR is suited for low-power, simple projects, relying on AVR-GCC and Atmel Studio with serial or ICE debugging in a medium-sized ecosystem. ESP excels in IoT and Wi-Fi applications, using ESP-IDF or Arduino with serial or JTAG debugging in a strong ecosystem. RISC-V, an open-source and experimental architecture, leverages GCC and SiFive Studio, with GDB and OpenOCD debugging, in a growing ecosystem. bPIC is ideal for industrial applications, using MPLAB C and HI-TECH C with MPLAB Debugger, supported by a medium- sized ecosystem.

ARM (Cortex-M, Cortex-A) – What Does It Do?

The Cortex-M series is designed for real-time, low-power, and embedded applications, making it ideal for industrial automation, automotive systems (ECUs, ABS, airbags), IoT devices (smart sensors, wearables), consumer electronics, and medical devices like portable monitors and insulin pumps. These microcontrollers offer low-power operation, deterministic real-time performance, and integrated peripherals such as GPIO, ADC, timers, UAR0T, and SPI. They are widely used in STM32, NXP LPC, and TI MSP432 microcontrollers.

In contrast, the Cortex-A series focuses on high-performance, multitasking, and Linux-based systems, making it suitable for smartphones, tablets, embedded Linux devices (like Raspberry Pi and Android systems), networking equipment, automotive infotainment systems, and AI or machine learning edge computing. These processors feature high processing power with multiple cores, OS support for Linux, Android, and Windows Embedded, as well as advanced features like MMU, GPU integration, and high-speed interfaces. They are commonly found in Qualcomm Snapdragon, Broadcom, Samsung Exynos, and Raspberry Pi devices.

The Cortex-M series is designed for real-time, low-power, and embedded applications, making it ideal for industrial automation, automotive systems (ECUs, ABS, airbags), IoT devices (smart sensors, wearables), consumer electronics, and medical devices like portable monitors and insulin pumps. These microcontrollers offer low-power operation, deterministic real-time performance, and integrated peripherals such as GPIO, ADC, timers, UART, and SPI. They are widely used in STM32, NXP LPC, and TI MSP432 microcontrollers.

Objective: To understand and compare different toolchains and workflows used in embedded system development.

Research:

Identify the available embedded architectures (e.g., ARM, AVR, ESP, STM32).

Gather information about the development toolchains (e.g., compilers, IDEs, debuggers) used for each architecture.

Demonstration:

Set up a development environment for each architecture.

Demonstrate the process of writing, compiling, and debugging a simple program on each platform.

Comparison:

Compare the ease of use, features, and performance of the toolchains and workflows.

Document the strengths and weaknesses of each toolchain.

Individual Assignment - My Chosen Micro Controller - Raspberry Pi for my Project.

Raspberry Pi PicO

1. I went through the data sheet of my chosen micro controller microcontroller to become familiar with its features. The Raspberry Pi Pico is a low-cost, versatile microcontroller based on the RP2040 chip, which features a dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ processor running at up to 133 MHz. This chip provides 264 KB of SRAM and 2 MB of Flash memory, making it well-suited for embedded applications. The board offers 26 multifunction GPIO pins, which can be used for a variety of interfaces like I2C, SPI, UART, PWM, and ADC.

Unlike the ARM Cortex-M0+, which is an entry-level core for low-power, real-time applications, the Pi Pico adds extra flexibility with features like USB support (Micro-USB for power and programming), hardware timers, and 8 PWM channels. The 12-bit ADC allows for analog input handling, and an internal temperature sensor is included for additional functionality. The Pico operates at 3.3V logic, but can be powered with 1.8V to 5.5V. For power efficiency, it supports deep sleep and dormant modes, making it ideal for battery-powered projects.

In comparison, while the ARM Cortex-M0+ core provides the backbone for the Pico’s processing power, the Raspberry Pi Pico integrates this with practical, high-level features like USB connectivity, a large number of GPIO pins, and real-time performance suitable for embedded and IoT applications.

Below is link to the data sheet

Raspberry Pi Pico Data Sheet

Objective: To become familiar with the specifications and features of your Raspberry Pi Pico..

The Raspberry Pi Pico uses the RP2040 microcontroller which features a dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ processor running at up to 133 MHz. It's designed for embedded, low-power applications with a wide range of input/output options.

RaspberryPi Pico Chip

Raspberry Pi Pico Printout Board

Having red through the Raspberry Pi Pico data sheet I have noticed the folowing features;

Memory

264kb SRAM (static RAM)
2MB Flash memory

GIPO

26 multifunction GPIO pins for digital input/output, with support for I2C, SPI, UART, PWM, and ADC.

Power

Voltage Range: Operates from 1.8V to 5.5V.
3.3V logic level (compatible with most logic circuits).
Low Power: Deep sleep and dormant mode for energy-saving applications.

USB and Communication

Micro-USB port for power and data (programming and serial communication).
Debugging: SWD (Serial Wire Debug) interface for debugging.
Programming: Can be programmed via Micro-USB or SWD for advanced debugging.

Timers & Performance

Timers: Flexible hardware timers for precise timing control.
PWM: Supports 8 PWM channels for motor and light control.
ADC: 12-bit ADC with 26 channels for analog signal input (suitable for sensor integration).
Clock: Capable of running at up to 133 MHz with a stable system clock.

Peripherals

Internal Temperature Sensor: Can read the internal temperature of the microcontroller.
I2C, SPI, UART: Fully supported for external peripheral communication.
Pinout

Pinout

26 GPIO Pins (26 pins total, but only 22 are accessible for I/O).
3.3V and 5V pins.
Ground pins for system grounding.
Special function pins like ADC, PWM, SPI, I2C

Power Consumption

Low Power Consumption: In low-power modes, the power consumption is minimal, making it suitable for battery-powered applications.

Package

Form Factor: 21mm x 51mm, with 40 pins in Dual Inline Package (DIP) style.

Use Cases

Robotics: Low-power motion and sensor control.
IoT: Can be used in small devices that need to communicate with the cloud or other devices.
Educational: Ideal for beginner projects and learning about embedded systems.

Read: Go through the data sheet of your chosen microcontroller.
Note important parameters like pin configuration, memory, peripherals, and communication interfaces.

2. Write a Program for a Microcontroller

Objective: To create a program that interacts with input/output devices and communicates with remote devices.

I first downloaded the micropython extension from the extensios marketplace in vscode so that i can have the MicroPython Environment. I then opened micropython command palette by selcting MicroPython:configurure interpreter, i then chose Raspberry Pi Pico board. This configures VS Code to recognize the Pico as the device I will be working with, setting up communication between my computer and the board (via USB, typically)

Installing the MicroPython Extension

Programming:
- Raspberry Pi Pico with ULN2003 Stepper Motor Driver Module.
- I installed the micropico extention, the code is as follows.
Simulation:
- I used Wokwi simulation to simulate the operation of my program.
Communication:
- Implement communication (e.g., serial, I2C, SPI, wireless) to interact with remote devices.