Solenoids go clicky-clacky 🔩🔊🤖

If you're learning Embedded Systems, you've likely heard of UART, SPI, and I2C. These are the most commonly used communication protocols that allow microcontrollers to communicate with sensors, displays, memory devices, and other peripherals.

UART

✔ Simple serial communication ✔ Uses TX and RX lines ✔ Commonly used with GPS, Bluetooth, and GSM modules

SPI

✔ High-speed communication ✔ Uses MOSI, MISO, SCLK, and CS lines ✔ Ideal for displays, SD cards, and memory devices

I2C

✔ Requires only two wires (SDA & SCL) ✔ Supports multiple devices on the same bus ✔ Widely used for sensors and RTC modules

Why Should Students Learn These Protocols?

Understanding UART, SPI, and I2C is essential for anyone pursuing a career in Embedded Systems, IoT, Robotics, or Automotive Electronics. These protocols are frequently used in real-world projects and are common interview topics for embedded engineering roles.

Master these communication protocols, build hands-on projects, and take a strong step toward becoming a successful Embedded Engineer.

This sexy little beauty is the Wemos Lolin ESP32. It has an onboard 128x64 pixel OLED screen which is easily controlled by the powerful ESP32 microcontroller. The small form factor, cheap price and powerful brains make it a perfect start for any IoT project. After I tried one I quickly ordered a few more to make sure I’ll always have a few of them in stock.

First of the Bones Rises – RP2350 Adalogger 🦴

With the RP2350 chip in wide distribution , we're now able to come up with a lot of variants of our popular RP2040 "Bones"

https://blog.adafruit.com/2023/01/22/rp2040-feather-bones-for-a-few-different-varieties/

that ended up becoming a dozen different boards.

We're starting with the 'Adalogger' design folks love: with a microSD card socket that is wired for SPI or SDIO. A separate regulator allows the I2C/uSD to be powered off completely for ultra-low power usage. This didn't make as much sense for the RP2040 because it was not a particularly low-power chip. There's also a Stemma QT port for plugging in external sensors.

Metro RP2350 is wrappin' up testing ✨🐢

This week we got our Metro RP2350 boards

https://blog.adafruit.com/2024/11/11/metro-rp2350-now-with-bigger-better-rp2350b/

back and after fixing the pin direction and rerouting

the whole thing, it came up and pretty much works perfectly! Just one component needed a swap - we were able to test all GPIO, analog inputs, MicroSD slot, PSRAM, LEDs & NeoPixel, user button, I2C/SPI/UART, aaand power supplies. The 5V supply is great, we got a nice clean 5V out at 2A+ from 12V DC in. The last thing to check is the HSTX port, which gives us DVI access, and it works, thanks to this festive turtle demo!

BMI323 IMU breakout ⚙️🔍