m5Stack ATOM Lite Documentation

Introduction

The m5Stack ATOM Lite is an ultra-compact development board designed for Internet of Things (IoT) projects and prototyping. Based on the ESP32-PICO-D4 microcontroller, it offers a rich set of features including Wi-Fi connectivity, a programmable button, and an RGB LED. This board is ideal for applications such as smart home devices, wearable electronics, and various wireless sensor networks.

Common Applications and Use Cases

• IoT devices
• Wearable technology
• Smart home applications
• Wireless sensor networks
• Educational projects and prototyping

Technical Specifications

Key Technical Details

• Microcontroller: ESP32-PICO-D4
• Operating Voltage: 3.3V
• Input Voltage (recommended): 5V via USB-C or GPIO
• Digital I/O Pins: 5
• Analog Input Pins: 1 (ADC)
• Flash Memory: 4MB
• SRAM: 520 KB
• LED: Built-in WS2812 RGB LED
• Button: Built-in tactile switch
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
• Dimensions: 24 x 24 x 10 mm

Pin Configuration and Descriptions

Usage Instructions

How to Use the Component in a Circuit

1. Powering the Device:

   • Connect the 5V pin to a 5V power supply and GND to ground.
   • Alternatively, power the ATOM Lite via the USB-C port.

2. Programming the Device:

   • Use the USB-C connection to program the ATOM Lite from your computer.
   • The board is compatible with the Arduino IDE, PlatformIO, and the ESP-IDF framework.

3. Connecting to Wi-Fi:

   • Utilize the ESP32's Wi-Fi capabilities to connect to a network for IoT applications.

4. Interfacing with Sensors and Actuators:

   • Use the GPIO pins to connect sensors and actuators.
   • The ADC pin can be used to read analog values.

Important Considerations and Best Practices

• Ensure that the input voltage does not exceed the recommended 5V to prevent damage.
• When using Wi-Fi, consider power consumption and heat dissipation.
• Use proper ESD precautions when handling the ATOM Lite to avoid damaging the sensitive electronics.

Example Code for Arduino UNO

#include <WiFi.h>

// Replace with your network credentials
const char* ssid = "your_SSID";
const char* password = "your_PASSWORD";

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  
  // Connect to Wi-Fi
  WiFi.begin(ssid, password);
  while (WiFi.status() != WL_CONNECTED) {
    delay(500);
    Serial.println("Connecting to WiFi...");
  }
  Serial.println("Connected to WiFi");
}

void loop() {
  // Implement your logic here
}

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Common Issues

• Device not powering on: Ensure the power supply is connected correctly and providing 5V.
• Cannot connect to Wi-Fi: Verify the SSID and password are correct and that the Wi-Fi network is within range.
• Programming errors: Check the USB-C cable and ensure the correct board settings in the Arduino IDE.

Solutions and Tips for Troubleshooting

• Power Issues: Use a stable 5V power source. If using USB, ensure the cable and source can provide sufficient current.
• Wi-Fi Connectivity: Reset the board and attempt to reconnect. Ensure no interference or obstacles that could affect signal strength.
• Programming: Double-check the driver installation for the USB-C port and ensure the ATOM Lite is selected as the board in your IDE.

FAQs

Q: Can I use the ATOM Lite with battery power? A: Yes, you can power the ATOM Lite with a 3.7V lithium battery connected to the 5V pin.

Q: Is the ATOM Lite compatible with MicroPython? A: Yes, the ATOM Lite supports programming with MicroPython.

Q: How do I update the firmware on the ATOM Lite? A: Firmware updates can be done through the Arduino IDE or using the esptool.py utility for advanced users.

Q: What is the range of the Wi-Fi connectivity? A: The range depends on environmental factors but typically is around 50-100 meters in open space.

For further assistance, consult the m5Stack community forums or the official m5Stack documentation.