Fab Academy 2026 | Week 04 - Embedded Programing

Assignment requirements

Group assignment

Demonstrate and compare the toolchains and development workflows for available embedded architectures
Document your work to the group work page and reflect on your individual page what you learned

Individual assignment

Browse through the datasheet for a microcontroller
Write and test a program for an embedded system using a microcontroller to interact (with local input &/or output devices) and communicate (with remote wired or wireless connections)

Progress status

Group work Done

Demonstrate and compare the toolchains

Develop workflows

Individual work Done

Write and test a program for an embedded system using a microcontroller

Documentation Done

Upload source files.

1) Introduction

New topic

Learn about Xiao Seed ESP32-C3
Review projects with Xiao Seed ESP32-C3
Discuss the group project
Interact and collaborate

2) Group assignment - Demonstrate, compare and development embedded architectures

For more details visit Fab Lab Peru - Group Assignment: https://fabacademy.org/2026/labs/lima/#page-top

Project - Custom PCB with Seeed Studio XIAO RP2040

Xiao RP2040, Xiao ECP 32 C3, Xiao ECP 32 S3, ATSAMD11

Group Assignment - Embedded Programming

Compare performance

RP2040 is well balanced: it has dual-core processing, good speed (up to 133 MHz), and enough memory (264 KB SRAM + 2 MB Flash) for medium projects. It’s ideal for local control (LEDs, buttons, sensors, PWM, ADC) and quick development with Arduino or MicroPython
ESP32-C3 is a good option when wireless connectivity is required, since it includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (BLE). It is strong enough for basic IoT applications, and its main advantage is the ability to connect to a network or a phone. The workflow usually includes network setup (Wi-Fi credentials or BLE services).
ESP32-S3 is the most powerful option: it offers higher speed and significantly more memory available on the board (large Flash + PSRAM). This is helpful for heavier tasks, larger libraries, or advanced features, while still maintaining Wi-Fi/BLE connectivity.r
ATSAMD11 is the most basic and limited in terms of resources (lower speed and memory). However, it is very useful for learning because it encourages writing efficient firmware and often involves a more “technical” workflow using ARM tools and SWD debugging. It is a good option to demonstrate a workflow different from simply uploading via USB

// define led according to pin diagram in article
                  const int led = D10; // there is no LED_BUILTIN available for the XIAO ESP32C3.

                  void setup() {
                    // initialize digital pin led as an output
                    pinMode(led, OUTPUT);
                  }

                  void loop() {
                    digitalWrite(led, HIGH);   // turn the LED on 
                    delay(1000);               // wait for a second
                    digitalWrite(led, LOW);    // turn the LED off
                    delay(1000);               // wait for a second
                  }

Video demonstration

3) Individual assigment

Problems

Unknow basic concepts

Unknow microcontroller Xiao ESP 32 C3 architecture

Failed leds

Poor connections

Solutions

Review Xiao ESP 32 C3 documents

Review connections using a voltimetimeter

This Wiki was useful https://wiki.seeedstudio.com/xiao_esp32s3_getting_started/

Reviewing components and technical specitications

Exploring Xiao ESP 32 C 3 - documents

Viewing clear with a magnifying glass

Connecting without experiences - Error, error and error

Installing Arduino Ide

Load program and reset

// define led according to pin diagram in article
                  const int led = D10; // there is no LED_BUILTIN available for the XIAO ESP32C3.

                  void setup() {
                    // initialize digital pin led as an output
                    pinMode(led, OUTPUT);
                  }

                  void loop() {
                    digitalWrite(led, HIGH);   // turn the LED on 
                    delay(1000);               // wait for a second
                    digitalWrite(led, LOW);    // turn the LED off
                    delay(1000);               // wait for a second
                  }

Connections at Xiao ESP 32 C3 using the protoboard

Testing leds

Connecting more leds

Connecting three leds

Connecting a fan

void setup() {
                    Serial.begin(115200);     // start serial communication
                  }

                  void loop() {
                    Serial.println("Hello, Hello Fab Academy!");
                    delay(2000);   // repeat every 2 seconds
                  }

4) Final results

Linked to the group assignment page
Documented what you learned
Documented your design and fabrication process
Explain how your code works
Explained any problems and how you fixed them
Include original design filess and source code
Included a 'hero shot' of your board

5 References files

We learn how to test a program for an embedded system using a microcontroller

Week 04

Embedded Programing

Learning outcomes