Getting a started in the embedded space isn't easy. There are a lot of articles, tutorials and tipps. We also want to provide you with some of this information, and add reasoning why we recommend those things.
This is the kit we use in the Beginners Workshop. It is tailored to give people an easy introduction to embedded, while also not being too restricted in what can be done. The selected components both allow a very easy and simple interaction, but also cover digital I/O, analog signals, communication protocols, PWM and more.
Component | Description | DigiKey Part Number |
---|---|---|
Breadboard | The base for building on | 377-2094-ND |
RaspberryPi Pico | Microcontroller Development Board | 2648-SC0915CT-ND |
USB-Serial Adapter | Generic purpose communications interface | 1568-1195-ND |
Jumper Wires | Interconnections between components | 1568-1633-ND |
Potentiometer | An adjustable voltage divider | 987-1714-ND |
Encoder | Converts rotation to digital signals | PEC11R-4220K-S0024-ND |
Servo Motor | A position-controllable motor | 1528-1076-ND |
Header | Pins for the RaspberryPi Pico | 2057-PH1-20-UA-ND |
2× Usb Cable | micro-USB cable for programming | AE11229-ND |
NOTE: You need two micro-USB cables, but we assume you have too many of them anyways, so only get them if you really need them!
If you want to get started in embedded, you should get these tools. For beginners, a cheap tool will do the job, but later on you might want to get a better one when you know what requirements you need.
Tool | Description | Recommended Product |
---|---|---|
Soldering Iron | Allows you to connect parts on a PCB | Pinecil |
Multimeter | A basic measurement tool. Voltage, current and resistance are most important. | - |
These tools listed here are definitly not needed by a beginner, but are useful to have later on. Most professionals own not only one of these, but collect several different ones over the years.
Tool | Description | Recommended Product |
---|---|---|
Oscilloscope | Measures high frequency analog signals over time. Think of a “wire inspector” | - |
Logic analyzer | Measures digital signals. Usually has way more channels than an oscilloscope, but cannot measure voltage, only HIGH or LOW. | - |