Python-based Microcontroller Architecture and Microcontroller Application Education in Engineering Technology

Python gained good popularity in computer programming education.Generally, Python is a high-level language, and it is considered a scripting language.For firmware or microcontroller education, compiler-based C/C++ languages are typically taught in courses and lessons.As an alternative approach, Python script language can be used in creating programs to control microcontrollers and processors.In this paper, MicroPython will be reviewed and studied as a potential use in microcontroller and embedded system education.MicroPython is open-source software, and it is a lean version of a standard Python.In this paper, several programming laboratory examples will be presented, and they are written in MicroPyhon for a Raspberry Pi Pico, RP2040.Alternative MicroPython-based microcontroller programming methods can be potentially taught as additional topics as a part of the microcontroller application course curriculum course.The pros and cons of the MicroPython-based microcontroller application lessons and laboratory examples will be presented and discussed in this paper.