Page 49 – Electronics-Lab.com

Joystick Stepper Motor Controller

This is a pulse generator for a stepper motor driver using a joystick. It is a board that contains an Arduino-compatible microcontroller and circuitry for controlling up to 2-channel (2-axis) stepper motors. The board has multiple options to develop stepper motor-related control systems, from a 2-axis analog joystick to a trimmer potentiometer to a 7-channel open collector TTL output to interface stepper drivers with optocoupler inputs, etc.

Key Features of the Hardware

ATMEGA328 Arduino Compatible Microcontroller
Connector for Arduino Programming/Bootloader
2 x Axis (2 Channel Joystick) Cab used to drive stepper Forward, Reverse
2 x Trimmer Potentiometer Can be used to set acceleration/deacceleration or other functions.
One Tactile Switch
Connector for 7 Outputs Open Collector Type
Optional Connector for Direct 7 Outputs
Connector CN3 and CN5 for Limits switch or other function (with Pull-ups)
Connector CN6 and CN7 for Analog Input
Connector CN8 I/O
One Tactile Switch Internal Joystick
ULN2003 Chip Open connector to connect with stepper drivers
Function LED Connected to D12
Power LED
Breakout Connectors with Pullups to Connect Limit Switches

Features

Power Supply 5V_DC
Two Stepper Motor Controlled Using a Joystick
All Step and Direction Signals Open Collector Type and TTL Level (7 Outputs)
On Board Optional Connector CN2 for Direct Output from Arduino
Various hardware options are available for the development of many applications for stepper motors
4 x 3 mm Mounting Holes
PCB Dimension 61.28 x 36.20 mm

Application

Stepper Motor Based Linear/Rotary Actuator
Turn Tables
Camera Sliders
Camera Pan Tilt Head
Robotics Arms
Robotics
Automation
Animatronics

Arduino Example Code

Arduino code is available for testing purposes. Before we start with a new ATMEGA328, it requires a bootloader and Arduino code. Check the link below to learn more about programming:

Hardware has many I/O lines. The following hardware is used in the example Arduino code:

Joystick 2 x Axis
Axis-1 Arduino D5 Step Pulse Out, D8 Direction Output (Outputs are Open Collector Types for Stepper drivers optocouplers)
Axis-2 Arduino D6 Step Pulse Out, D7 Direction Output (Outputs are Open Collector Types for stepper drivers optocouplers)

The user will be able to run two stepper drivers using the joystick. Pls, check the connections diagram.

Connections and Hardware Details

CN1: Pin 1 = OP11(D11), Pin 2 = VCC, Pin 3 = OP10(D10), Pin 4 = VCC, Pin 5 = OP9(D9), Pin 6 = VCC, Pin 7 = OP8(D8), Pin 8 = VCC, Pin 9 = OP7(D7), Pin 10 = VCC, Pin 11 = OP6(D6), Pin 12 = VCC, Pin 13 = OP5(D5), Pin 14 = VCC
CN2: DNP (D5, D6, D6, D7, D8, D9, D10, D11) Direct I/O (Optional)
CN3: Pin 1 = D2-Pullup, Pin 2 = VCC, Pin 3 = GND
CN4: Pin 1 = TX, Pin 2 = RX, Pin 3 = Reset, Pin 4 = GND, Pin 5 = VC, Pin 6 = D11, Pin 7 = D12, Pin 8 = D13
CN5: Pin 1 = D3-With Pullup, Pin 2 = VCC, Pin 3 = GND
CN6: Pin 1 VCC, Pin 2 = A4, Pin 3 = GND
CN7: Pin 1 VCC, Pin 2 = A5, Pin 3 = GND
CN8: Pin 1 = D4-With Pullup, Pin 2 = GND
SW1: Tactile Switch = Analog Pin A6
D2: LED = D12
D1: Power LED
P1: Joystick X Axis = Analog A1
P2: Joystick Y Axis = Analog A0
PR1: Trimmer Potentiometer = Analog A2
PR2: Trimmer Potentiometer = Analog A3

Schematic

Parts List

NO	QNTY.	REF.	DESC	MANUFACTURER	SUPPLIER	SUPPLIER PART NO
1	1	CN1	14 PIN MALE HEADER PITCH 2.54MM	WURTH	DIGIKEY	732-5325-ND
2	2	CN2,CN4	8 PIN MALE HEADER PITCH 2.54MM	WURTH	DIGIKEY	732-5321-ND
3	4	CN3,CN5,CN6,CN7	3 PIN MALE HEADER PITCH 2.54MM	WURTH	DIGIKEY	732-5316-ND
4	1	CN8	2 PIN MALE HEADER PITCH	WURTH	DIGIKEY	732-5315-ND
5	1	C1	10uF/10V CERAMIC SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
6	2	C2,C3	0.1uF/50V CERAMIC SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
7	2	C4,C5	22PF/50V CERAMIC SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
8	2	D1,D2	LED RED SMD SIZE 0805	OSRAM	DIGIKEY	475-1278-1-ND
9	4	PR1,PR2	5K TRIMMER POTENTIOMETER	BOURNS	DIGIKEY	3362P-502LF-ND
10	7	R1,R3,R4,R5,R6,R7,R8	470E 5% SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
11	4	R2,R12,R13,R14	10K 5% SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
12	1	R9	1M 5% SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
13	2	R10,R11	1K 5% SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
14	1	SW1	TACTILE SWITCH	E-SWITCH	DIGIKEY	EG2513-ND
15	1	U1	ULN2003A	TI	DIGIKEY	296-1368-1-ND
16	1	U2	ATMEGA328TQPF-32	MICROCHIP	DIGIKEY	ATMEGA328PB-AURCT-ND
17	1	X1	16Mhz	ECS INC	DIGIKEY	X1103-ND
18	1	JOYSTICK P1,P2	JOYSTICK WITH SWITCH AND POT 5/10K	C&K	DIGIKEY	108-THB001P-ND

Connections

Gerber View

Photos

Video

ULN2003A Datasheet

Single Channel PS3 Wireless Remote ON/OFF Switch

The board presented here is multipurpose hardware which includes the ESP32-Wroom module, 3.3V regulator, 5V relay, Power LED, Relay LED, and connector to program the ESP-32 Module. The project requires 5V_DC and consumes 60mA current when the relay is ON. The project can be used in IoT applications and the relay can be controlled using Bluetooth or WiFi. The hardware helps users develop single-channel relay-based projects. The relay can be controlled over Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth wireless communication using appropriate code. The relay is connected to the GPIO4 pin of the ESP32 module.

Features

Supply 5V_DC
Load Current 60mA (When Relay is ON)
Relay Contacts Normally Open and Normally Closed
Relay Contacts Load Current Up to 10A
On Board Power LED
On Board Function LED
Screw Terminal for Power Supply Input
Screw Terminal for Relay Contacts
On Board Connector to Upload the Code
PCB Dimensions 62.87 x 36.20mm
4 x 3mm Mounting Holes

Relay ON/OFF switch using PS3 Wireless Remote

We have tested a simple on/off switch using this hardware and a PS3 wireless remote controller. The PS3 wireless remote works with Bluetooth thus it is easy to pair this board with PS3. Example code is available as a download. This code can be uploaded using Arduino IDE, follow the links below for more info about pairing the PS3 remote, and ESP32 programming.

Code Credits: This is modified code. The original author of the code is DroneWorkShop: https://dronebotworkshop.com/ps3-esp32/

Programming ESP-32 / ESP32S with USB – TTL / UART and Integration with Arduino IDE

Getting Started with ESP32

https://randomnerdtutorials.com/getting-started-with-esp32/

Pairing PS3 Remote with ESP32 Module

https://dronebotworkshop.com/ps3-esp32/

Connections Description

CN1 Power Supply: Pin 1 = VCC 5V DC, Pin 2 = GND
CN2 Relay Contacts: Pin 1 = Normally Open, Pin 2 = Common, Pin 3 = Normally Closed (Relay Contacts)
CN3 Programming Connector: Pin 1 = 3.3V, Pin 2 = GND, Pin 3 = TX, Pin 4 = RX, Pin 5 = GPIO-0 (DO) , Pin 6 = Enable
D1: Power LED
D2: Relay LED
Relay: ESP32 -> GPIO4

Schematic

Parts List

NO	QNTY.	REF	DESC.	MANUFACTURER	SUPPLIER	SUPPLIER PART NO
1	1	CN1	2 PIN SCREW TERMINAL PITCH 5.08MM	PHOENIX	DIGIKEY	277-1247-ND
2	1	CN2	3 PIN SCREW TERMINAL PITCH 5.08MM	PHOENIX	DIGIKEY	277-1248-ND
3	1	CN3	6 PIN MALE HEADER PITCH 2.54MM	WURTH	DIGIKEY	732-5319-ND
4	1	C1	10uF/10V CERMAIC SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
5	2	C2,C3	100nF/50V CERAMIC SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
6	1	D1	SM4007	DIODE INC	DIGIKEY	S1MBDITR-ND
7	1	D2	LED RED SMD SIZE 0805	OSRAM	DIGIKEY	475-1278-1-ND
8	1	D3	LED RED SMD SIZE 0805	OSRAM	DIGIKEY	475-1278-1-ND
9	1	Q1	BC847	DIODE INC	DIGIKEY	BC847BT-FDICT-ND
10	1	RE1	5V Relay	AMERICAN ZETTLER	DIGIKEY	3385-AZ943-1CH-5DE-ND
11	2	R1,R3	1K 5% SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
12	1	R2	2K2 5% SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
13	1	R4	10K 5% SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
14	1	U1	ESP32-WROOM	ESP	DIGIKEY	ALIEXPRESS/EBAY/AMAZON
15	1	U2	LM1117-3.3V	TI	DIGIKEY	488-LM1117MPX-25NOPBCT-ND

Connections

Gerber View

Photos

Video

ESP32-Wroom Datasheet

Low-cost T113-i SoM for Entry-level HMI & Embedded Devices with Video Capabilities

Posted on 17 October, 202318 October, 2023 by mixos

MYIR has launched MYC-YT113i CPU Module, offering larger capacities of external DDR3 memory options (512MB/1GB) to meet more customers’ needs while the popular MYC-YT113X CPU Module is fixed at 128MB on-chip DDR3 memory. Measuring only 39mm by 37mm, the MYC-YT113i CPU is based on Allwinner’s T113-i dual-core ARM Cortex-A7 processor and integrates 4GB or 8GB eMMC. Extended IO signals are carried out through 140-pin stamp-hole interface and 50-pin LGA pads. It is ready to run Linux and suitable for applications such as HMI, industrial automation, display, and control terminals.

MYC-YT113i CPU Module Top-view and Bottom-view (delivered with shielding covered installed by default)

Features of MYC-YT113i CPU Module

Dimensions: 39mm x 37mm
PCB Layers: 8-layer design
Power supply: 5V/1A
Working temperature: -40~85 Celsius (industrial grade)
Linux OS
Allwinner T113-i processor
- Up to 1.2GHz Dual-core Arm Cortex-A7
- Single-core HiFi4 DSP
- Supports H.265/H.264 4K video decoding
512MB/1GB DDR3
4GB/8GB eMMC
32KB EEPROM
1.0mm pitch 140-pin stamp hole expansion interface + 50-pin LGA
* 1 x RGMII/RMII
* 2 x USB2.0
* 6 x UART
* 2 x CAN
* 4 x TWI
* 2 x SPI
* 1 x GPADC and 4 x TPADC
* 1 x MIPI DSI
* 2 x LVDS
* 1 x RGB
* 1 x CVBS Out (TV Out)
* 1 x Parallel CSI
* 2 x CVBS In (TV In)
* 2 x I2S
* Up to 81 GPIOs

Note: the peripheral signals brought out to the expansion interface are listed in maximum number. Some signals are reused. Please refer to the processor datasheet and CPU Module pin-out description file.

Block Diagram

The MYD-YT113i Development Board is built around the MYC-YT113i CPU Module and provides a complete development platform for prototyping and evaluating purpose. Its base board has explored a rich set of peripherals and interfaces including serial ports, one Gigabit Ethernet, two USB 2.0 HOST and one USB 2.0 OTG, one Micro SD card slot, one M.2 Socket for USB based 4G/5G LTE Module with two SIM card holders, one USB2.0 based WiFi module, one GPIO/I2C/UART/SPI/CAN extension header, Audio input/output and LVDS display interface. MYIR also offers MY-WIREDCOM RPI Module (RS232/RS485/CAN) and MY-LVDS070C LCD Module as options for the MYD-YT113i Development Board to enhance the functionality of the board.

MYD-YT113i Development Board Bottom-view

The MYC-YT113i CPU Module is provided with three standard configurations:

MYC-YT113i-4E512D-110-I (with 512MB DDR3 and 4GB eMMC),
MYC-YT113i-8E512D-110-I (with 512MB DDR3 and 8GB eMMC),
MYC-YT113i-8E1D-110-I (with 1GB DDR3 and 8GB eMMC).

The RAM/Flash can also be customized and a discount is to be offered for volume quantities which can start from only $12.80. Please inquire MYIR to get more details.

MYD-YT113i Development Board Function Block Diagram

MYIR also provides OEM/ODM services to help customers accelerate their time to market and save cost.

More information about above new products can be found at: https://www.myirtech.com/list.asp?id=741

Implement USB Gadgets on Linux Easily with Sebastian’s New Rust Library

Posted on 16 October, 202316 October, 2023 by Emmanuel Odunlade

Rust developers looking for easier ways to turn a Raspberry Pi 4 into a Rust-powered USB gadget now have a powerful tool at their reach. Developer Sebastian Urban has released details on his new Rust library for USB gadget development on Linux.

Sebastian, who claimed to have been working on this project for a while now, said his “usb-gadget” would be appropriate enough for those who ever tinkered with implementing USB peripherals on Linux.

Normally, we use the Raspberry Pi as a USB host but there are times you just want things to work differently, and you turn the SBC into a USB device compatible with any USB host. This is where USB gadget mode comes in and the Raspberry Pi’s ability to operate in this mode is one of the most useful features that it has. In this mode, you can expose the Pi’s serial console over USB or have it create a network connection to another computer.

“The USB gadget is a new Rust library that allows implementation or development of USB peripherals, so-called USB gadgets, on Linux devices that have a USB device controller (UDC),” the developer explained. “It supports configuring predefined USB functions like network interfaces [such as CDC ECM, CDC ECM (subset), CDC EEM, CDC NCM, and RNDIS]; serial ports [such as CDC ACM and generic], Human Interface Device (HID), and, Mass-Storage Device (MSD). You can also use it to create fully custom USB functions using user-mode Rust code and also tweak & play with WebUSB and OS-specific descriptions,” Sebastian added.

For requirements, Sebastian notes that you will need a USB device controller that is Linux-compatible. “Unlike standard PCs that do not include a UDC, a Raspberry Pi 4 contains a UDC, which is connected to its USB-C port.” He also added that you need a minimum support Rust version.is 1.73.0

Sebastian’s post on Reddit gives more insights into his project. You will also find the link to his GitHub repository where you will find the project files and source code for the library have been published there in case you like to take a friendly peek into it.

Documentation is available here.

A Glimpse into the Future of QR Code Reading with Useful Sensors’ Tiny Code Reader

Posted on 16 October, 202316 October, 2023 by Debashis Das

Useful Sensors has launched the Tiny Code Reader, a small camera module with an RP2040 chip built specifically to read 2D QR codes. Price at $7.00, this board can be used in projects that involve QR codes.

Useful Sensors’ co-founder Pete Warden explains,

It’s designed to be a simple way to provision a system, for example by providing the Wi-Fi network name and password, or to provide input when there’s no keyboard. Internally the Tiny Code Reader bundles an image sensor and a small microcontroller into a single board, but to make it as easy as possible to build into products we’ve tried to hide those implementation details.

That is exactly what this sensor does! Rather than building a bare sensor, Useful Sensors’s Tiny Code Reader handles all the heavy lifting with the help of the onboard RP2040 microcontroller. The microcontroller runs a custom tinyML code designed to read QR codes from various sources, including screens, paper, and e-ink displays. The RP2040 captures the code and transmits encoded text via the I2C interface.

The Tiny Code Reade measures only 0.75 x 0.64 x 0.42 inches, supports I2C speeds of 400K, and features a feedback leda and a QWICC connector. If you don’t want to use the QWICC connector, a 0.1″ header is also there to solder wires and make the board work.

The camera has a CMOS sensor and requires at least 100 lux lighting to function accurately. So, in low light, an additional LED needs to be connected externally. To read a QR code your objects should be 10cm to 15cm from the camera for best results. Also, mounting orientation doesn’t affect its accuracy.

Overall the module is excellent, offers decent features, and it’s very affordable. Still, there is One apparent restriction: You can’t view the image data or update the firmware in this device. It’s done to prevent misuse. Warden also says,

[Even though there are restrictions, we hope its features and functions make up for these limitations]

You can find more valuable information on Useful Sensors’ official GitHub repository, you can also find examples of the Raspberry Pi Pico, Arduino, MicroPython, and CircuitPython.The Tiny Code Reader is priced at £6.96 on OKDO and $7.00 on SparkFun and Adafruit.

Inkplate 4 Tempera comes with 3.8-inch e-paper touchscreen display

Posted on 16 October, 202317 October, 2023 by Abhishek Jadhav

Soldered Electronics has announced another Inkplate embedded device, an open source and Arduino-compatible e-paper display module– Inkplate 4 Tempera. The Inkplate 4 TEMPERA features a 3.8-inch e-paper touchscreen with a resolution of 600×600 pixels. It comes with built-in front lighting, making it easy to view content in low-light conditions or at night.

The device is built around an ESP32 microcontroller with 8 MB flash memory and 4 MB random access memory. But the focus here is on the e-paper display, which can display images in 3-bit grayscale, which means it can show black, white, and six shades of gray. The screen is equipped with a multi-point touchscreen, which means it can detect and respond to touch input from multiple points simultaneously.

In 1-bit mode, which is suitable for simple updates, the screen can refresh partially in just 0.18 seconds. When performing a full-screen update in both 1-bit and 3-bit modes (which allows for grayscale), including cleanup, it takes approximately 0.86 seconds.

The Inkplate 4 Tempera includes a 1200-mAh battery and power-management circuitry, making it easy to charge and monitor the remaining battery life accurately. The device is designed to consume minimal power, especially in low-power mode, where it draws only 18 µA of current.

The device is equipped with various sensors, including a gyroscope, accelerometer, temperature, humidity, air quality, and gesture sensors, providing various data collection and interaction capabilities. In terms of external device connectivity, it can be connected using easyC connector, which is compatible with Qwiic and STEMMA QT connectors.

The device supports popular programming platforms like Arduino and MicroPython out of the box. It has community support for ESPHome, expanding its compatibility. The manufacturer has provided Arduino library, which includes many examples and project ideas.

Some of the other important components onboard include a USB-UART CH340 converter, which facilitates communication between the device and a computer through a USB connection. Another is the PCAL6416 GPIO expander, which can be used for connecting and controlling various external devices and sensors.

The project is currently available for purchase on CrowdSupply, with buying options starting at $149.00.

Ollie v2– A multi-functional interface module for hackers and engineers

Posted on 16 October, 202316 October, 2023 by Abhishek Jadhav

MeatPi Electronics, an Australian embedded device manufacturer, has launched a crowdfunding project– Ollie v2. This version of the multi-functional interface module and USB-to-isolated-UARTx2/CAN/RS485/RS232 converter is improved. It is designed for various tasks related to connecting and communicating with different electronic devices.

One of the key features highlighted is safety through isolation. Isolation in this context means that the device is designed to protect your computer from damage if something goes wrong while connecting it to high-voltage devices.

Ollie v2 is a compact device that combines several commonly used interface modules into one package. It is intended for hackers and field engineers but can also become a valuable tool for developers working on electronic projects.

In the new version (v2), users can set the voltage level for UART communication from the target device. This means that you can configure the UART interface to match the voltage requirements of the specific device you are communicating with.

Ollie v2 includes custom drivers for Windows operating systems and a script for Linux. These drivers and scripts are designed to make it easier to identify the functions of COM ports (serial communication ports) when the device is connected to your computer.

The device no longer supports USB Full Speed downstream targets. This decision was likely made because most modern debuggers, like STLINK-V3, primarily support USB High Speed. Removing support for USB Full Speed streamlines the device’s capabilities and aligns it with current industry standards.

The open-source multi-functional interface module and converter provide an API (Application Programming Interface) for various programming languages, including LabView, C#, VB.Net, Delphi, and Python, making it programmable and suitable for custom applications.

The manufacturer says that users can purchase an optional CAN/RS232/RS485 DB9 pluggable connector, which can simplify the connection to devices that use these serial communication standards. However, it’s important to note that this DB9 v2 adapter is not compatible with the original Ollie version.

It comes with a plastic protective enclosure intended to provide physical protection to the device. The project is currently looking for public support with purchasing options starting at $60.00.

PicoCell 4G uses Raspberry Pi RP2040 and supports 4G LTE cellular connectivity

Posted on 16 October, 202316 October, 2023 by Abhishek Jadhav

There is a new crowdfunding project introducing PicoCell 4G, a new technological device with the primary purpose of providing advanced connectivity options. The hardware solution comes integrated with the Quectel EG25-G 4G LTE cellular module, which allows the device to connect to high-speed 4G LTE networks, enabling fast data transfer and communication.

It is designed to offer global connectivity. The device supports Multi-Constellation GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) technology, which enables rapid and accurate location tracking in different environments. The device ensures that users can make calls and send messages from anywhere in the world, bridging geographical barriers.

The Quectel EG25-G module supports a wide range of LTE FDD and TDD (Frequency Division Duplex and Time Division Duplex) frequencies, UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) options, and GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications). This guarantees connectivity across different network standards and regions.

The device is powered by the Raspberry Pi RP2040 SoC, which is a 32-bit dual ARM Cortex-M0+ microcontroller. It comes with 8 MB of flash memory. The device features dual Type C interfaces. These can be used for programming the RP2040 chip and accessing the 4G module as a standalone component.

The PicoCell 4G has a 3.2-inch touch display with a resolution of 320×240 pixels. It uses the ILI934 display driver and the FT6236 capacitive touch controller to manage the display and touch input. The device’s appearance includes RGB color support with options for 65K/262K colors.

The device provides additional GPIOs, which can be used to interface with other external peripherals or components. There is a 3.5mm audio jack, an onboard microSD card slot, and support for attaching a speaker.

The PicoCell 4G can be purchased from the official Kickstarter page, where it is currently priced at £149 with expected delivery of December 2023. There is also another purchase option which includes a PicoCell 4G, 4G dongle, 4G Hat for Raspberry Pi, and an enclosure for the hardware device, which is priced at £356.

The Tang Mega 138K Pro Dock is Sipeed’s new RISC-V FPGA Development Board

Posted on 16 October, 202316 October, 2023 by Debashis Das

Sipeed recently launched the Mega 138K Pro dev board. It’s built around the GOWIN GW5AST RISC-V FPGA and features 2x SFP+ ports, a GbE port, dual DVI interfaces, 8x 12.5Gbps Serdes, and other peripherals.

The Sipeed Tang series of boards are a family of FPGA development boards powered by Gowin FPGAs. The great thing about this board is they are easy to use and affordable, making them a good choice for beginners and experienced FPGA users alike. The Tang series of dev boards offer a variety of features. With the introduction of Tang Mega 138K Pro, we’re presented with a board that balances performance and power.

The board is powered by the GOWIN GW5AST-LV138FPG676A processor that features:

Core & Processing:
- RISC-V AE350_SOC Hard core processor
- 138K Logic units (LUT4)
- 138K Registers (FF)
- 298 Multipliers (18×18)
- 12x Phase-Locked Loops (PLLs)
- 16x Global clocks

The device supports dual 4K DVI output, a mic array for audio input, and a 3.5mm jack for audio out. Additionally, it supports high-speed networking with its dual SFP+ ports and a Gigabit Ethernet port. It also features a PCIe 3.0 x4 interface for additional connectivity.

The board also features three PMOD interfaces and two ADCs, and there is also two M.2 slot on the bottom of the board for additional expansion. The wiki page indicates that the M.2 slots are “reserved” so users might have to write the drivers themselves.

For more detailed technical information, refer to the Wiki or check out Sipeed’s GitHub repository.

Specifications listed for the Tang Mega 138K Pro Dock include:

Memory & Storage Specs:
- RAM: 1GB (Comprised of two 512MB DDR3 modules)
- Flash Storage: Dual 128Mbit units (Totaling 256Mbits)
- Slot: Single MicroSD provision
Display & Sound Elements:
- DVI Channels: Transmit (TX) and Receive (RX)
- Audio: Standard 3.5mm port; Equipped with microphone setup
Camera Interface:
- Ports: Dual MIPI CSI for imaging
Communication:
- Ethernet: Single GbE interface
- Advanced Ports: Dual SFP+ channels
Expandability Options:
- PCIe Capability: Version 3.0, quad-lane (x4)
- Provision for M.2
Input/Output Attributes:
- Header: 40 pins (3.3V standard)
- Connectors: Trio of PMOD slots
- User Interface: Combination of 6 LEDs and 4 tactile buttons
Misc Features:
- USB Interface: Dual ports, Type-C
- Miscellaneous: Fan connector (5V) and an 8-pin module for JTAG + UART
Power Requirement:
- Input: 12V DC
Physical Dimensions:
- Size: 50mm x 70mm; Comes with an edge connector

The full development kit, including jump wires and various accessories, is priced at $195.00 on AliExpress.

Meet the Atom S3 Programmable Controller and the T-lite WiFi Thermal Camera

Posted on 16 October, 202316 October, 2023 by Emmanuel Odunlade

The highly integrated Atom S3 wireless programmable controller is one of the most recent releases from M5Stack Atom. Leveraging the power of the ESP32-S3FN8 chip, the compact controller offers high-performance value for a wide range of applications. It can be used as a microcontroller, as an IoT node, or as a major component in wearables. Whether for robotics, IoT, or other embedded systems, this M5Stack Atom device has got you covered.

The Atom S3 boasts integrated WiFi functionality, up to 8MB on-chip SPI flash memory, an infrared transmitter, a USB-C port for power and programming, and a 0.85-inch LCD screen for clear visual feedback and user interaction. It supports both Arduino and the UIFlow platform developed by the company, possibly Micropython though it was not clearly stated.

Features

USB download function
Built-in 5V to 3.3V – for stable power supply in ensuring reliable operations
Built-in 3-axis gyroscope and 3-axis accelerometer – for precise motion detection and orientation tracking
Onboard Type-C connection – for power supply and hardware download processes
Power pins – for expansion of various applications
HY2.0-4P expansion port
Screw hole for an already installed M.2 screen
6x GPIOs
0.85-inch LCD screen
Programmable User and Reset buttons
Infrared emission function
Expandable pins and interfaces
Arduino and UIFlow development platform

Specifications

Espressif Systems’ dual-core 32-bit Xtensa LX7 microcontroller operating @ up to 240 MHz, 512KB SRAM, 2.4GHz WiFi 4, and Bluetooth 5.0 BLE
WS2812B-2020 RGB LED
Power Supply: Approximately 5V via USB Type-C; SY8089 5V to 3V DCDC converter
Operating temperature Range: 0 – 40°C
Dimensions: 24mm x 24mm x 13mm – compact and suitable for a wide range of embedded smart device applications
Weight: 5.3g

Application

Used to manage Smart Home network of interconnected WiFi and Bluetooth devices
Also used for IR-enabled electronics such as ACs, TVs, set-top boxes, etc
Applicable in Sensor monitoring
Useful in Relay control
Machine learning applications

T-Lite WiFi Thermal Camera

M5Stack also has a WiFi thermal camera that is powered by the ESP32-PICO-D4 SIP with WiFi and Bluetooth. It is an all-in-one solution that allows users to access the 32 x 24 pixels thermal image on a display or on the cloud. It also comes with a 1.14” color display where you can see the results are displayed on the device.

Key Features and Specifications

ESP32-PICO-D4 SIP with ESP32 dual-core Tensilica LX6 processor with:
- 448KB ROM
- 520KB SRAM
- 4MB SPI flash
- 2.4GHz WiFi and Bluetooth 4.2
Melexis MLX90640 IR thermal camera sensor with:
- 32 x 24 pixels
- Range: -40°C to 300°C with +/- 1.5°C resolution
- Field of View: 110° x 75°
1.14” color display with 240 x 135 resolutions
4-pin Grove HY2.0-4P interfaces
Passive buzzer
SPM1423 PDM MEMS microphone
3.7V/160 mAh battery
Operatring Temperature: -40°C – +85°C
Power: 5V @ 0.5A via USB Type-C
Dimension: 69 x 26.6 x 6.35 mm
Weight: 30.1g
Software: Programmable with UIFlow, Micropython, and Arduino

Application/Use Cases

The T-LITE WiFi Thermal camera can be used in the following scenarios:

Temperature detection warning
Visual infrared thermometers
Intrusion movement detection
Circuit temperature anomaly monitoring, etc.

Further Details

More useful details on the AtomS3 controller, such as the documentation and the Arduino sketch designed specifically for the device, can be found on the product page where it sells for $7.50 including shipping. The T-Lite WiFi thermal imager on the other hand sells for $79 plus shipping.

NB: There is another $15.50 variant of the AtomS3 controller that comes with a 0.85-inch display.