MicroPython on ESP32-C3

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MicroPython is well-supported on the ESP32-C3 chip, allowing users to program the microcontroller using the Python language.

Key Features of MicroPython on ESP32-C3

• REPL (Read-Eval-Print Loop): Provides an interactive Python prompt over the serial connection (UART0) or the chip's built-in USB interface for immediate code execution and debugging.

• Hardware Peripherals: Access to GPIO pins, I2C, SPI, UART, PWM, ADC, and more via standard MicroPython machine module classes.

• Networking: Built-in support for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth LE connectivity via the network module.

• Development Environments: Compatible with user-friendly IDEs like Thonny and extensions like Pymakr for Visual Studio Code.

Getting Started: Flashing the Firmware

To use MicroPython on an ESP32-C3 board, you first need to flash the MicroPython firmware onto the device's flash memory.

1. Download the Firmware: Obtain the latest stable .bin firmware file specifically for the ESP32-C3 from the official MicroPython download page.

2. Install esptool: This is the Espressif tool used for flashing. Install it using pip:

pip install esptool

Alternatively, you can use Thonny IDE which has a built-in tool manager for esptool.

3. Connect the Board: Plug your ESP32-C3 board into your computer via USB.

4. Enter Bootloader Mode: Most boards require you to hold down a "BOOT" button while connecting the USB cable or pressing and releasing the "RESET" button to enter download mode. Consult your specific board's documentation for the exact procedure.

5. Erase Flash (Optional but Recommended): For a clean install, erase the entire flash memory using esptool.py:

esptool.py --port <PORTNAME> erase_flash

Replace with your board's serial port (e.g., COM4 on Windows, /dev/ttyUSB0 on Linux).

6. Flash the Firmware: Write the downloaded firmware file to the flash memory starting at address 0x0:

esptool.py --port <PORTNAME> write_flash 0x0 <FIRMWARE_FILE>.bin

Replace and <FIRMWARE_FILE>.bin with the appropriate values.

7. Reconnect: After successful flashing, disconnect and reconnect or reset your board. You can then connect to the MicroPython REPL using a serial terminal or a compatible IDE like Thonny at a baud rate of 115200.

References:

• Getting started with MicroPython on the ESP32
• MicroPython on ESP32 Getting Started Tutorial
• Getting Started with ESP32-C3 SuperMini and MicroPython