MICRO:BIT

Micro:bit
What is micro: bit?
 Micro:bit
• Is a tiny computer that you can use to create all sorts of fun project. It has
buttons, a display and even sensors that can detect things like temperature and
movement. It can be programmed to make cool games, animation and robotics.
• The micro:bit is a microcontroller board that you can program to perform a
variety of tasks. It's particularly popular in educational settings, especially for
teaching STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects.
• The micro:bit is a small, programmable microcontroller designed to make
learning and teaching coding easy and fun. Developed by the BBC, it's popular
among students, hobbyists, and educators.
 Features of Micro:bit
• LED Display: A 5x5 grid of 25 LEDs that can be individually
programmed to display patterns, text, and images.
• Buttons: Two programmable buttons (A and B) that can be used
for input.
• Sensors: Includes an accelerometer to detect movement, a
magnetometer (compass), and temperature sensors.
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, infrared, USB for wireless projects.
 Why Use a micro:bit?
• Hands-On Learning: It's an excellent tool for hands-on learning,
allowing students to see the immediate results of their code.
• Accessibility: Easy to program using various languages, including
block-based coding (MakeCode), Python, and JavaScript.
• Engagement: Interactive and fun projects help keep students
engaged and motivated to learn.
PARTS OF MICRO:BIT
 PARTS OF MICRO:BIT AND IT’S FUNCTIONS

1. Micro USB
• Function: The micro USB connector is used to connect the micro:bit to a
computer for programming and power. It also facilitates USB
communication, allowing you to send and receive data between the
micro:bit and the computer.
2. Microphone
• Function: The built-in microphone allows the micro:bit to detect and
respond to sound. It can be used for projects that involve sound detection,
such as clapping to trigger an action or measuring ambient noise levels.
 PARTS OF MICRO:BIT AND IT’S FUNCTIONS

3. User Buttons
• Function: The micro:bit has two programmable buttons labeled A and B.
These buttons can be used as inputs to trigger events or control actions
within your programs, such as starting a game, navigating a menu, or
controlling an LED pattern.
4. External Supply
• Function: The external supply connector allows you to attach an external
battery pack to power the micro:bit. This makes the micro:bit portable and
usable in projects away from a computer.
 PARTS OF MICRO:BIT AND IT’S FUNCTIONS

5. Edge Connector
• Function: The edge connector consists of gold-colored rings and pins along the
bottom edge of the micro:bit. It allows you to connect external components,
sensors, and other devices, enabling more complex and versatile projects.
6. Analogue/Digital I/O
• Function: The input/output (I/O) pins on the micro:bit can handle both analogue
and digital signals. These pins can be used to read data from sensors (analogue
input) or control devices like LEDs, motors, and servos (digital output).
 PARTS OF MICRO:BIT AND IT’S FUNCTIONS

7. LED Matrix 5x5

• Function: The 5x5 LED matrix display consists of 25 LEDs arranged in a
grid. It can be programmed to display text, numbers, images, and
animations, providing visual feedback and interactivity for various projects.
8. Touch Sensitive Logo
• Function: The touch-sensitive logo on the micro:bit acts as an additional
touch input. You can program it to respond to touch, similar to how you use
the A and B buttons, allowing for more interactive projects.
 PARTS OF MICRO:BIT AND IT’S FUNCTIONS

9. Power Indicator
• Function: The power indicator is an LED that lights up when the micro:bit
is powered on. It helps you easily see if the micro:bit is receiving power
from a USB connection or a battery pack.
10 . USB Activity Indicator
• Function: The USB activity indicator is an LED that flashes when data is
being transferred between the micro:bit and a computer via the USB
connection. It provides visual feedback to indicate that the micro:bit is
actively communicating with the computer.
 PARTS OF MICRO:BIT AND IT’S FUNCTIONS

11. Battery Connector

• Function: The battery connector allows you to attach an external battery pack
to power the micro:bit. This is especially useful for making the micro:bit
portable and for using it in projects where a USB connection is not practical.
12. Reset/Power Button
• Function: The reset/power button allows you to restart the micro:bit or power
cycle it. Pressing the button will reset the micro:bit and restart any running
program. This is useful for troubleshooting and for restarting the device
without disconnecting it from its power source.
 PARTS OF MICRO:BIT AND IT’S FUNCTIONS

13. NXP KL27Z

• Function: The NXP KL27Z is a microcontroller used as a USB interface chip.
It handles USB communications between the micro:bit and a computer,
allowing the micro:bit to be programmed and powered via USB.
14. ST LSM303AGR
• Function: The ST LSM303AGR is a combined accelerometer and
magnetometer sensor. It detects movement, acceleration, and orientation
(accelerometer) as well as magnetic fields and direction (magnetometer).
This enables the micro:bit to sense tilting, shaking, and compass direction.
PARTS OF MICRO:BIT AND IT’S FUNCTIONS

15. Nordic Nrf52833

• Function: The Nordic nRF52833 is the main microcontroller on the
micro:bit, based on the ARM Cortex-M4 processor. It handles the
primary processing tasks, runs the user's code, and controls all
other components on the micro:bit. It also includes Bluetooth
functionality for wireless communication.
REMINDER:
DO NOT press reset button when installing / downloading code.
 COMMUNICATING WITH Micro:bit
Bluetooth Communication Infrared Communication USB Communication

The on-board Bluetooth The Micro:bit master control The Micro:bit robot can be
module of Micro:bit supports board is equipped with an connected to a computer
connection with various infrared receiver. With the with USB cables and
kinds of Bluetooth hosts. It infrared receiver, the user programmed with the
could be controlled by the can control Micro:bit using Makecode software on PC
mecanum robot app on the infrared remote
mobile phones and controller.
computers or remote
controllers with Bluetooth
functionality
 Bluetooth Communication

• Bluetooth is a wireless technology that allows the

micro:bit to connect and communicate with other
Bluetooth-enabled devices like smartphones,
tablets, and even other micro:bits. This type of
communication is useful for projects that involve
remote control, data transfer, or connecting to
mobile apps.
 Bluetooth Communication

Example Projects:
• Remote Control: Use your smartphone to control a robot built with
a micro:bit.
• Data Logging: Send sensor data from the micro:bit to a mobile app
for real-time monitoring.
How to Use:
1.Pairing: Pair the micro:bit with the Bluetooth device.
2.Programming: Use the micro:bit app or Bluetooth libraries to write
code that handles Bluetooth communication.
 Infrared Communication

• Infrared (IR) communication involves sending data

using infrared light. While the micro:bit doesn't
have built-in infrared capabilities, you can use
external IR sensors and LEDs to enable this type
of communication. It's commonly used in remote
controls and proximity sensors.
 Bluetooth Communication

Example Projects:
• TV Remote Control: Control a TV or other IR-compatible device
using the micro:bit.
• Obstacle Detection: Create a robot that detects obstacles using IR
sensors.
How to Use:
1.Add IR Components: Connect an IR LED and receiver to the
micro:bit.
2.Programming: Write code to send and receive IR signals.
 USB Communication

• USB communication allows the micro:bit to

communicate with a computer or other USB-
enabled devices. This type of communication
is useful for programming the micro:bit,
debugging code, and sending data between
the micro:bit and a computer.
 Bluetooth Communication

Example Projects:
• Serial Monitor: Send data from the micro:bit to the computer for
debugging and monitoring.
• Game Controller: Use the micro:bit as a game controller by
sending inputs to a computer game.
How to Use:
1.Connecting: Connect the micro:bit to the computer using a USB
cable.
2.Programming: Use the serial libraries to write code that handles
USB communication.
Connect to Apps
Micro USB LED Matrix 5x5
Microphone Touch Sensitive Logo
User Buttons Power Indicator
External Supply USB Activity Indicator
Edge Connector Battery Connector
Analogue/Digital I/O Reset/Power Button
NXP KL27Z ST LSM303AGR
Nordic nRF52833
 External Supply:
• Function: Allows you to attach an external battery pack to power
the micro:bit.
• Purpose: Emphasizes making the micro:bit portable and usable in
projects away from a computer.
• Example Use Case: Using a larger or specialized battery pack to
power the micro:bit for extended periods or in remote locations.
• focuses on the broader ability to power the micro:bit away
from a computer.
 Battery Connector:
• Function: Allows you to attach an external battery pack to power the
micro:bit.
• Purpose: Highlights the practicality of using the micro:bit in portable
projects where a USB connection isn't feasible.
• Example Use Case: Attaching a standard battery pack (like AA or AAA
batteries) to power the micro:bit in handheld or small-scale projects.
• emphasizes the practical use of a battery pack for portability and
ease of use in various projects.
 Knowledge extension;

• Advanced robots use of complex LED Matrix in

order to form various shapes and display
information. Some humanoid robots utilize the
Expression Panel display artificial emotions while
talking to humans in order to enhance their
interaction and experience with people.
 LED
• Light-Emitting Diode
• Commonly used in the field of
Robotics. It emits light when
sufficient voltage is supplied onto it.
What is an Input device?
 What is an Input device?

• Is any piece of hardware that allows us to

send data to a computer. The input devices
are the buttons and the sensors to light,
temperature, acceleration and magnetism.
What is an Output Device?
What is an Output Device?
• Is any piece of hardware that allows a
computer to communicate information to
us. The output devices on the Micro:bit
are the LED display and the speakers.
What is a processor?
 What is a processor?
• Is a piece of hardware that is sometimes called
“the brains of a computer”. This is the part that
receives inputs, runs program and gives outputs.
Since micro: bit is a small pocket-sized computer,
it has a micro-processor.
What is an accelerometer?
What is an accelerometer?
• Is a motion sensor that measures
movement. The accelerometer in
micro:bit detects when you tilt it left to
right, backwards and forwards and up
and down
What are emotions?
 What are emotions?
•Can be a feeling or reaction
that is affected by
psychological or physical
factors.
How does a robot express an
emotion?
•Do robots have real
emotions?
 How does a robot express an
emotion?
• Do robots have real emotions?
• Human-robot interaction

• Emoticon- it represents a facial expression on an

electric device or robotics platform.
Emoticon + sound = ARTIFICIAL EMOTION
 What is a sound?

• Is a type of energy made by vibrations or waves.

These waves have speed or frequency that they
vibrate at. The frequency of these vibrations
determine the pitch of a note. The higher the
frequency of the wave, the higher the pitch of the
note will sound.
 Knowledge Extension:

• Speakers are one of the most

common output devices used with
computer systems.