#samd51

We're slowly but surely trying to de-SAMD51'ify our product line since that chip has a 2024 ETA. a bummer because we really loved that chip but it's probably a good time to transition since it can be a year until we get some and even then, the dates have been pushed multiple times. so, first up is the matrix portal m4 https://www.adafruit.com/product/4745 ! instead of a samd51 + esp32, we've got a version with ESP32-S3 WROOM which has 8MB of flash, and 2MB of PSRAM. the S3 has a nice peripheral that can be used to drive these matricies very fast, and the 2 MB of PSRAM will make this possible to drive lots of panels! we kept the same outline shape and functionality, including the built in accelerometer, which makes this LED sand demo a quick port.

The SAMD51 shortage is still killin' us, but we do have a reel of SAMD51J20's that we can use so we're revisiting this design for a SAMD51 M4 Feather with many upgrades. Think of it a a "Feather M4 v2" - with USB C instead of Micro B, 256KB SRAM chip, 8MB of QSPI flash, QT port, tactile switch, micro SD slot on the bottom and disable-able power for the NeoPixel, SD card and external I2C port.

There's nothing like hefting a brand new panel of PCBs, ready to be snapped-apart and tested! this board is a refresh of our Matrix Portal M4 board - SAMD51's are unavailable for the near future so it's a great excuse to do a redesign…here we've got an 8MB Flash + 2MB PSRAM S3 with wifi, bluetooth, and a parallel-driving peripheral that does a great job driving RGB LED Matrices. we also fixed a common request by adding mounting holes and a 2x8 IDC connector up top so you can either plug directly into a panel or use a cable.

Working on a custom PCB to automate this DIY’er. Project based learning for microcontrollers & block code. Grade 6th+ #samd51 #coding #electronics #instatech (at Bits4Bots LLC) https://www.instagram.com/p/B8E6F4upkCF/?igshid=1iehru1n14yrn