- 3 months ago by bevarga
Silabs, a leading provider of silicon, software, and solutions for a smarter, more connected world, is proud to introduce CircuitPython support for our xG24 boards.
This exciting development expands the capabilities of the xG24 explorer kit, xG24 dev kit, and the Sparkfun Thingplus Matter - MGM240P, allowing users to leverage the power of CircuitPython's simplicity and flexibility while harnessing the advanced features of Silabs' boards.
Unlocking New Possibilities:
By bringing CircuitPython compatibility to our xG24 boards, Silabs empowers developers to accelerate their prototyping and development processes. CircuitPython, an open-source variant of Python optimized for microcontrollers, provides an intuitive and beginner-friendly environment, allowing developers of all skill levels to quickly get up to speed.
Supported Boards:
The following Silabs xG24 boards are now equipped with CircuitPython support:
Circuit Python on xG24 Explorer Kit:
The xG24 Explorer Kit is a comprehensive platform that enables rapid prototyping and evaluation of Silabs' xG24 Series 2 SoCs. Now, with CircuitPython support, developers can effortlessly interact with the xG24 Explorer Kit's integrated Bluetooth functionality, exploring its wireless capabilities and developing applications for various IoT use cases.
Circuit Python on xG24 Dev kit:
The xG24 Devkit is a versatile development board designed for quick integration and evaluation of the xG24 Series 2 SoCs. With CircuitPython compatibility, developers can seamlessly access the devkit's advanced peripheral features and built in sensors to unleash its full potential in a Pythonic manner.
Circuit Python on Sparkfun Thingplus Matter - MGM240P:
The Sparkfun Thingplus Matter - MGM240P, based on the xG24 Series 2 SoCs, is specifically designed for Matter, the interoperable smart home protocol. Altough Matter is not supported by CircuitPython yet, developers can levarage on the Blutooth and peripheral features with the cheapest xG24 based devkit.
Expanded Functionality:
With CircuitPython on the xG24 boards, developers gain access to a rich ecosystem of libraries and tools, further enhancing their development experience. Here are some of the key features and functions that developers can utilize:
Bluetooth Connectivity:
CircuitPython's support for Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) allows seamless integration with the xG24 boards' built-in Bluetooth modules. Developers can easily create applications that interact with smartphones, tablets, and other BLE-enabled devices, opening doors to innovative IoT applications, wearables, and more.
Peripheral Control:
The xG24 boards offer a wide range of powerful peripherals, including ADCs, UARTs, SPI, I2C, timers, and more. With CircuitPython, developers can now control and interact with these peripherals using Python syntax, reducing development time and complexity.
Getting Started:
To get started with CircuitPython on the supported xG24 boards, follow these steps:
1) Browse and select the firmware file that you wish to upload to the board. (8.2.0 version or later)
a. Circuit Python on xG24 Explorer Kit
b. Circuit Python on xG24 Dev kit
c. Circuit Python on Sparkfun Thingplus Matter - MGM240P
2) To flash the firmware file into the board, you need to use Simplicity Commander. You can install Simplicity Commander using Simplicity Studio or downloading standalone versions by following this Knowledge Article
3) Connect your xG24 kit to your computer and ensure that it is recognized by your programming tool.
4) Initiate the flashing process to upload the firmware to the xG24 kit.
5) Use serial consol/terminal for REPL access
- Windows: e.g., PuTTY, MobaXterm. The JLink CDC UART Port can be found in the Device Manager
- Linux: Open a terminal and issue the following command: $ ls /dev/ttyACM*
- Then note down the correct name and substitute com-port-name in the following command with it: $ screen /dev/'com-port-name'
6) REPL prompt
- After flashing the firmware to the board, at your first connecting to the board, you might see a blank screen. Press enter and you should be presented with a Circuitpython prompt, >>>
- If not, try to reset the board (Pressing CTRL+D when the prompt is open performs a soft reset).
- You can now type in simple commands such as: >>> print("Hello world!")
7) Recommended editor: Thonny
- Config serial: Tools > Options > Interpreter > Select Circuitpython(generic) > Select Port Jlink CDC UART Port
8) Copying files on board: Ampy
Begin exploring the vast array of libraries and examples available for CircuitPython, enabling you to rapidly prototype and develop your projects.
More detailed description is available on Silabs Github.
Silabs Github Examples:
Fun examples using xG24 devkits with Adafruit and SparkFun borads are available on Silabs’ GitHub: Link to CircuitPython examples
Bluetooth – Sparkfun Distance Monitor and display (VL53L1X/SSD1306) - Click
Bluetooth – SparkFun Environmental Sensing and Display (CCS811/BME280/SSD1306) - Click
Non-Wireless – Adafruit Display Demo (IS31FL3741) - Click
Non-Wireless – Adafruit RGB Display Drawing (ILI9341) - Click
Non-Wireless – Temperature and Humidity with Adafruit LED Matrix Display (SI2071/IS31FL3741) - Click
xG24 Dev Kit Temperature, Humidity, Accelerometer, Barometer with Adafruit Screen (SI2071/ICM-20689/BMP384/ILI9341) - Click
All kinds of fun examples are available on Silabs Application Examples Github Repo.
Conclusion:
CircuitPython support for the xG24 boards opens up exciting opportunities for developers and makers to seamlessly integrate the power of CircuitPython with the advanced features of Silabs' hardware. By enabling Bluetooth functionality and offering easy access to peripheral control, Silabs continues to empower developers to create innovative IoT applications with simplicity and flexibility. We are excited to witness the incredible projects and creations that will emerge as a result of this collaboration.
Get started today and unleash your creativity with CircuitPython on Silabs' xG24 boards!