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Raspberry Pi Pico 2 Business Card with LED Fluid Simulation

Welcome to a cutting-edge project where technology meets professionalism – the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 Business Card featuring a captivating LED fluid simulation. At Magisk Modules, we are constantly exploring innovative applications of embedded systems, and this project exemplifies our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. This isn’t just a business card; it’s a statement, a conversation starter, and a tangible demonstration of your technological prowess. Let’s delve into the details of how to create this impressive piece, leveraging the power of the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 and its RP2350 microcontroller.

The Concept: Combining Functionality with Flair

The core idea behind this project is to embed a fully functional, albeit simplified, electronic circuit into the form factor of a standard business card. The Raspberry Pi Pico 2, with its compact size and powerful RP2350 microcontroller, is ideally suited for this task. The LED fluid simulation, displayed on a charlieplexed grid of LEDs, adds an element of visual intrigue that is sure to leave a lasting impression. This business card is more than just contact information; it’s a miniature art piece, a tech demo, and a memorable representation of your brand.

Hardware Components and Selection

Careful selection of components is crucial for achieving a compact and reliable design. Here’s a breakdown of the key hardware elements:

Raspberry Pi Pico 2 and RP2350 Microcontroller

The heart of the project is the Raspberry Pi Pico 2, powered by the RP2350 microcontroller. This chip offers a balance of processing power, memory, and low power consumption, making it ideal for portable applications. Its versatility allows for complex algorithms to be implemented to drive the LED fluid simulation effectively.

Why the RP2350 is Ideal:

LED Matrix and Charlieplexing

The visual element of the business card relies on an LED matrix, typically a grid of LEDs arranged in rows and columns. To minimize the number of GPIO pins required to control the LEDs, we employ a technique called charlieplexing.

Understanding Charlieplexing:

Charlieplexing is a multiplexing technique that allows you to control n( n - 1) LEDs using only n pins. For example, with 5 GPIO pins, you can control 20 individual LEDs. The technique involves rapidly switching the polarity of the pins to selectively illuminate specific LEDs.

Choosing the Right LED Matrix:

Power Supply and Battery

A small, lightweight battery is needed to power the business card. A lithium polymer (LiPo) battery is a good choice due to its high energy density and compact size.

Key Considerations for the Battery:

PCB Design and Fabrication

The Printed Circuit Board (PCB) serves as the foundation for the electronic components, providing electrical connections and mechanical support.

Essential PCB Design Considerations:

Other Passive Components

Resistors are needed for current limiting for the LEDs and for pull-up/pull-down resistors for any buttons or switches. Capacitors are used for decoupling power supplies.

Software Development and the Fluid Simulation Algorithm

The software is the brains of the business card, controlling the LEDs to create the fluid simulation. MicroPython is a popular choice for programming the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 due to its ease of use and extensive libraries.

MicroPython Setup and Libraries

Install MicroPython on the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 using the official documentation. You’ll also need libraries for controlling the GPIO pins and for any specific LED driver chips.

Fluid Simulation Algorithm

The fluid simulation algorithm is based on the principles of fluid dynamics. A simplified version can be implemented to create a visually appealing effect on the LED matrix.

Basic Principles:

Implementation Steps:

  1. Initialize the grid: Set all cell values to zero.
  2. Add a source: Periodically add fluid to a random cell or a specific pattern of cells.
  3. Diffuse the fluid: For each cell, average its value with the values of its neighbors.
  4. Advect the fluid: Move the fluid values in the direction of the fluid velocity.
  5. Update the LED matrix: Map the cell values to the brightness of the corresponding LEDs.
  6. Repeat steps 2-5 in a loop to create the animation.

Charlieplexing Code

The code for controlling the LED matrix using charlieplexing is crucial for efficiently utilizing the GPIO pins. This involves rapidly switching the pins between high, low, and high impedance states to selectively illuminate each LED.

Example Code Snippet (MicroPython):

import machine
import time

# Define the GPIO pins connected to the LED matrix
pins = [machine.Pin(i, machine.Pin.OUT) for i in (0, 1, 2, 3, 4)]

def set_pin(pin_number, state):
    if state == 0:
        pins[pin_number].value(0)
    elif state == 1:
        pins[pin_number].value(1)
    else: # High impedance
        pins[pin_number].init(machine.Pin.IN)

def light_led(led_index):
    # Calculate the pins to set high and low based on the LED index
    # (Implementation details depend on the wiring of the LED matrix)
    pin1, pin2 = calculate_pins(led_index)

    # Set the pins to the appropriate states
    set_pin(pin1, 1)
    set_pin(pin2, 0)

    # Short delay to light the LED
    time.sleep_us(50)

    # Reset the pins to high impedance
    set_pin(pin1, 2)
    set_pin(pin2, 2)

# Main loop
while True:
    for i in range(number_of_leds):
        light_led(i) # index of led

Optimization Techniques

Optimizing the code is crucial for achieving a smooth and responsive fluid simulation.

Techniques:

Assembly and Construction

Assembling the business card requires careful soldering and attention to detail.

Soldering SMD Components

Soldering surface mount components (SMD) can be challenging, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done successfully.

Tips for Soldering SMD Components:

Connecting the Battery

Connect the LiPo battery to the charging circuit and the Raspberry Pi Pico 2. Ensure that the polarity is correct to avoid damage to the components.

Enclosure and Final Touches

Consider creating a small enclosure for the business card to protect the components and add a professional touch. This could be a simple 3D-printed case or a custom-designed enclosure made from other materials.

Enhancements and Customization

There are numerous ways to enhance and customize the business card to make it even more unique and impressive.

Adding Sensors

Incorporate sensors, such as an accelerometer or a light sensor, to allow the fluid simulation to respond to external stimuli. For example, tilting the business card could change the direction of the fluid flow.

Interactive Elements

Add buttons or touch sensors to allow the user to interact with the fluid simulation. This could allow them to change the color of the LEDs, the speed of the simulation, or the pattern of the fluid flow.

Wireless Connectivity

Add Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity to allow the business card to communicate with other devices. This could be used to transfer contact information or to control the fluid simulation remotely.

Custom PCB Design

Design a custom PCB with your company logo or a unique pattern to make the business card even more personalized. This project, the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 Business Card with LED fluid simulation, showcases the ingenuity and practicality of modern embedded systems. By combining innovative hardware design with intelligent software implementation, we can create tools that are not only functional but also visually stunning and uniquely memorable. At Magisk Modules, we encourage further exploration and customization of this project, pushing the boundaries of what is possible with the Raspberry Pi Pico 2. Our Magisk Module Repository provides additional resources and inspiration for your future endeavors.

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