low energy (BLE) integrated on chip, with
appropriate software support.Developing with CircuitPython
Adafruit has taken a unique approach
to putting CircuitPython on dev boards.
Plug one of these boards into a host
PC’s USB port and the board appears as
a disk drive to the PC. This disk drive’s
root directory shows the critical Circuit-
Python files including the interpreter, the
user program, and a folder containing the
library files.The CircuitPython user interface on the
host PC requires a free, downloadable,
open source editor and REPL interface.
Adafruit recommends an open source
application called Mu. The Mu screen is
split into a code window where editing
takes place, and the REPL control and
monitor window where the programmer
controls the dev board’s CircuitPython
interpreter.By typing a program into the code win-
dow and clicking on Mu’s “Save” button,
the code is saved on Adafruit’s CircuitPy-
thon dev boards in the SAMD21 micro-
controller’s large, on-chip flash memory.Conclusion
The Python language offers program-
mers many benefits including interac-
tive programming, experimentation,and debugging. It has a simplified,
more human-like language syntax,
with no need for variable declarations
or typing, and no finicky punctuation.
MicroPython is a variation of Python 3
that makes microcontroller program-
ming in Python possible.Adafruit has adapted MicroPython to
derive CircuitPython for direct hard-
ware support to further simplify experi-
mentation and learning and accelerate
software development. CircuitPython
already supports several low-cost
microcontroller dev boards based on
Microchip’s SAMD21 microcontrollers,
as well as other dev boards based on
Nordic Semiconductor’s BLE-enabled
nRF microcontrollers.http://www.digikey.co.ukFeature: Rapid microcontroller-based prototyping
Figure 4: Adafruit’s 3403 Feather M0 Express dev board has a
small breadboard area for custom circuitry.
(Image source: Adafruit)Over 300+ national and international suppliers will gather
in Manchester this October for Northern Manufacturing &
Electronics 2019 together with the RoadRailAir event.
The exhibition will feature live demonstrations and new product launches
of machine tools & tooling, electronics, factory & process automation,
packaging & handling, labelling & marking, 3D printing, test & measurement,
materials & adhesives, rapid prototyping, ICT, drives & controls and laboratory equipment.
Free industry seminar programme online @ http://www.industrynorth.co.uk
The exhibition is freeto attend, freeto park and easy to get to. Doors open at 9.30am on Wednesday 2nd October.EventCity|Manchester|M178AS
Northern Innovation and
Technology in Action
NORTHERN MANUFACTURING & ELECTRONICS
is an ETES event organised by European Trade & Exhibition Services Ltd
Tel 01784 880890 · email [email protected]FREE
SEMINARS
& PARKINGPre-register online now for your free
entry badge and show preview at
http://www.industrynorth.co.uk2 nd | 3 rdOCTOBER
9.30am–4pm
(3.30pm close Thurs)Supported by:OIL & GASIDEFENCEIFOOD & DRINK
AUTOSPORTIMARINEIAEROSPACE
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RAILITRANSPORTATIONNM&E_AD_2019_EPDT_DP&A-AD_210x140H.qxp_23072019 23/07/2019 11:48 Page 1
About the author:
Rich Miron, Applications Engineer at Digi-Key Electronics,
has been in the Technical Content group since 2007 with
primary responsibility for writing and editing articles, blogs
and Product Training Modules. Prior to Digi-Key, he tested
and qualified instrumentation and control systems for
nuclear submarines. Rich holds a degree in electrical and
electronics engineering from North Dakota State University
in Fargo, ND.