Embedded Systems - Fab Academy Week 4

Introduction

What is Embedded Programming?

Embedded programming is the process of writing firmware that runs on a microcontroller or microprocessor to control hardware components and perform specific tasks. It enables the system to read inputs from sensors, process data, and control outputs such as motors, LEDs, and displays — operating continuously with limited memory and power resources.

During Week 4 of Fab Academy, we dived deep into microcontrollers, explored different programming languages, and wrapped up with a series of assignments.

Group Assignment

Toolchain Comparison

Demonstrate and compare the toolchains and development workflows for available embedded architectures

Individual Assignment

Build & Program

Browse through the datasheet for a microcontroller
Write and test a program using a microcontroller with input/output devices and wired or wireless communication
Extra credit: Assemble the physical system
Extra credit: Try different languages and/or development environments

Microcontroller

ESP32

The ESP32 is a powerful and versatile microcontroller with built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, making it ideal for IoT projects. It features multiple GPIO pins, analog and digital inputs, and supports I2C, SPI, and UART communication — all while staying energy-efficient.

ESP32 Development Board

Core	Tensilica Xtensa Dual-Core 32-bit LX6
Voltage	3.3V
Clock Speed	Up to 240 MHz
Flash Memory	Typically 4MB
SRAM	520 KB
GPIO Pins	Up to 36 configurable
ADC	12-bit ADC (analog inputs)
DAC	2x 8-bit outputs
WiFi	802.11 b/g/n, station, soft-AP, P2P
Bluetooth	v4.2 BR/EDR and BLE
Power	Ultra-low power sleep modes

ESP32

A dual-core, WiFi + Bluetooth capable microcontroller built for the Internet of Things. Low power, high performance, and easy to prototype with.

Communication Protocols

UART

Serial comms — sensors, GPS, modems

SPI

High-speed — displays, SD cards

I2C

Multi-device via two wires (SDA & SCL)

CAN

Automotive/industrial variants

PWM

Motors, LEDs, servos

ADC / DAC

Analog read and output

GPIO

Switches, LEDs, relays

↓ View ESP32 Datasheet

Getting Started · Wokwi

ESP32 Blink LED

Using Wokwi — a browser-based circuit simulator — to prototype the classic blink LED without any physical hardware. Follow along step by step:

Wokwi — Create New Project screen

Select ESP32 as the target microcontroller board

Selecting the ESP32 board

Started testing with the built-in LED — but LED_BUILTIN is a reserved keyword and caused a conflict

Attempting to use the LED_BUILTIN keyword

Defined a custom pin variable to replace the reserved keyword and resolved the conflict

Updated code with a custom pin definition

Drew the full circuit schematic inside the Wokwi workspace

Circuit schematic — drawing phase

Added a protection resistor — even though ESP32 pin current is limited, this is best practice for circuit safety

Complete circuit with protection resistor

Full Working Demonstration — the LED blinks as programmed

ESP32 Blink — live simulation demo

Input & Output Interaction

Arduino with Tinkercad

Arduino is a beginner-friendly microcontroller with great input/output support, though it lacks built-in wireless connectivity. Inputs — push buttons, temperature sensors, light sensors, soil moisture sensors — let it sense the environment. Outputs — LEDs, motors, relays, buzzers, displays — let it respond and act.

By processing input data through programmed logic and generating appropriate outputs, Arduino can automate systems for robotics, home automation, and smart agriculture. For this section we used Tinkercad — a browser-based simulator by Autodesk.

Components Used

Arduino Uno Battery Resistor LED Push Button

Opened Tinkercad and started with a fresh circuit workspace