Most basic standalone board

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DogFive
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Most basic standalone board

Post by DogFive » Sat Nov 18, 2017 9:15 pm

The ardunio project has some examples of very basic standalone boards including flashing the bootloader and code. Some of the examples are here:

https://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/Standalone
https://diyhacking.com/make-arduino-board-and-bootload/

Is there something like this for the micropython ARM boards? Basically a very simple build and tutorial on how to compile, debug, and flash to the standalone setup? I see some examples of self made boards in threads on this specific forum but no down to the basics examples.


Also would this be possible on the LPC1114FN28? Or the LPC800?

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pythoncoder
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Re: Most basic standalone board

Post by pythoncoder » Mon Nov 20, 2017 9:38 am

Well Arduino is old technology with DIL packaging. I doubt it's possible to lash something up on a breadboard as most ARM chips are surface mount devices. The LPC1114FN28 is in a DIL but has too little RAM (8K) for MicroPython. I'm not sure what the LPC800 is - I can see references to a PCB with DIL form factor with an LPC824 microcontroller but I imagine that isn't what you're looking for.

If you can find a chip in a breadboard-friendly DIL package with a 32-bit ARM core with >= 32K RAM then you might be in with a chance.

On the other hand if you are able to design a simple PCB and solder SMD devices you could undoubtedly build a breadboard friendly solution.
Peter Hinch
Index to my micropython libraries.

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dhylands
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Re: Most basic standalone board

Post by dhylands » Mon Nov 20, 2017 6:58 pm

The (now discontinued) Fez CERB40 is an example of a pretty basic STM32 microcontroller.
http://old.ghielectronics.com/catalog/product/353
The schematics are available in the Resources section at the bottom.

The 32 kHz RTC crystal isn't required.

If you don't mind losing USB functionality, then you can also lose the 8MHz oscillator.

At that point you're down to a device which only needs a few external resistors and capacitors.

DogFive
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Re: Most basic standalone board

Post by DogFive » Thu Nov 23, 2017 9:02 am

Thanks for the replies guys. I do have a cnc router. I think I'll make a pcb, mill it out and go from there. Would you recommend that MCU from the fez you linked me?

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dhylands
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Re: Most basic standalone board

Post by dhylands » Fri Nov 24, 2017 6:27 am

I think that the MCU on the CERB40 is the same as the one used on the pyboard.

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fos
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Re: Most basic standalone board

Post by fos » Sat Nov 25, 2017 2:10 am

You should look at surface mount to DIP adapters available at http://schmartboard.com/

Their boards have small channels or grooves that allow easy soldering of surface mount components that can then be used in through hole or breadboard application. Their adapters may make a more modern ARM chip useful for your purpose.

I have found them pretty handy for several projects.

Jeff

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