Remote Embedded Development Using WiFi Modules

MicroPython is widely used on many embedded platforms, including STM32F40x, ESP32, ESP8266, PicoPy, and many other MCUs. Developing embedded systems based on MicroPython allows developers to adhere to the same syntax and interfaces without worrying about specific MCU models and functionalities, significantly improving system development efficiency.

Since the introduction of various microcontroller platforms in the 16th National College Student Intelligent Car Competition, students have faced significant challenges in creating model cars. Each microcontroller has its own development environment and hardware configuration, and just familiarizing themselves with the microcontroller hardware and development tools consumes a lot of students’ time. So, can we develop a microcontroller for the smart car controller based on MicroPython?

Recently, I discussed the technical issues of using MicroPython to develop Lingdong microcontrollers with engineers from Lingdong, one of the sponsors of the smart car competition. They have successfully completed the full porting of MicroPython and further enriched the modules available for the smart car competition.

In the MicroPython development environment, Thonny is a highly adaptable development environment. Using the REPL functionality of MicroPython, software can be conveniently developed interactively through the serial port. With the help of the WiFi serial module, it is very convenient to develop MicroPython applications for the microcontroller remotely via wireless network. For this purpose, I used an early purchased someone’s WiFi-serial module to create a WiFi-serial adapter module, which can be directly tested on the ESP32 development module with MicroPython software installed to test Thonny software’s remote debugging capabilities for MicroPython.

Below is the schematic diagram of the adapter module and the experimental circuit board after quick prototyping.

Since Thonny software accesses the MicroPython development board REPL via the serial port, it is necessary to use USR-VCOM software to map the UDP port corresponding to the WiFi module to a virtual serial port on the computer. This allows access to the virtual serial port through Thonny software for remote development of the MicroPython development board.

Below is the WiFi serial module directly connected to the ESP32 module. By setting up the WiFi module with a mobile phone, it can automatically connect to the local wireless gateway after powering on. Using USR-VCOM, the WiFi module can be automatically discovered and mapped to a virtual serial port. Experiments show that Thonny software can successfully complete software development and debugging for the ESP32 using MicroPython.

The detailed development process can be referenced in the blog post MicroPython Thonny Debugger Based on USR-WiFi Module^[1] for descriptions of related hardware and software.

If the MicroPython development environment is introduced in the microcontroller platform of the 17th Intelligent Car Competition next year, students will be able to conveniently complete the development and debugging of their model cars with the help of WiFi for remote online programming.

The WiFi–serial module that I have for testing has been purchased many years ago, and I found out that it has already been discontinued. Are there any other domestic modules that can replace it now?

Searching for electronic components and finding alternative parts is a common task for electronic engineers. To facilitate component searching and purchasing, the platform I frequently use recently is Yunhan Chip City website.

Yunhan Chip City recently held a “Domestic Component Brand Day” event, where purchasing any product from the following brands will give a discount of 199 yuan after placing an order.

• Event Time: September 27 – October 31
• Discount: 199 yuan off for orders over 599
• Applicable Brands: Any purchase of four domestic brands, Yangjie, Changjing, Weibi, Ruilongyuan

References

Yunhan Chip City is an innovative enterprise in China’s electronic industry internet, a digital innovation and data service platform for the domestic electronic manufacturing supply chain, connecting nearly a thousand upstream suppliers and serving over 400,000 users downstream, providing full-process supply chain services such as product technical solutions, component selection, electronic material procurement, PCBA engineering services, and technical support community platforms.

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