Getting Started¶

1. What is a Microcontroller?¶

A microcontroller is a compact integrated circuit designed to perform specific tasks within an embedded system. Unlike general-purpose computers, microcontrollers are optimized for controlling devices, sensors, and actuators in real-time applications. Key characteristics:

Low power consumption
Real-time processing capabilities
Integration of CPU, memory, and peripherals on a single chip

Microcontrollers are widely used in automation, robotics, IoT devices, and industrial control systems.

2. Course Hardware and Tools¶

In this course, we will use the following components and tools:

2.1. ESP32 Microcontroller¶

The ESP32 is a powerful and versatile microcontroller featuring:

Dual-core processor
Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Multiple GPIO pins for sensors and actuators
Support for various communication protocols (I2C, SPI, UART)

2.2. Wokwi Simulator¶

Wokwi is an online simulator that allows you to:

Prototype circuits without physical hardware
Test and debug Arduino, ESP32, and other microcontrollers projects
Visualize sensor and actuator behavior in simulated real-time

2.3. Arduino IDE¶

The Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE) will be our main programming tool. It provides:

A simple interface for writing and uploading code
Extensive libraries for sensors, displays, and communication
Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, macOS, Linux)

2.4. M5Core2 Development Kit¶

The M5Core2 is an ESP32-based device with:

A touchscreen display
Built-in sensors and expansion ports
A modular design for rapid prototyping