Overview
Pycom is a company that specializes in developing advanced, enterprise-grade IoT (Internet of Things) development platforms, particularly through their range of microcontrollers and associated ecosystems. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what Pycom products do and their key features:
Product Purpose
Pycom’s products are designed to facilitate the rapid development and deployment of IoT solutions. These microcontrollers enable users to create and connect a variety of devices across different wireless networks, making them ideal for a wide range of applications, from industrial automation to smart cities and consumer electronics.
Key Features
Multi-Network Connectivity
Pycom devices support multiple wireless networks, including:
- WiFi: With support for 802.11 b/g/n protocols and features like WPA/WPA2/WPA2-Enterprise and Wi-Fi Direct.
- Bluetooth: Both Low Energy (BLE) and classic Bluetooth are supported.
- LoRa: With LoRaWAN stack, supporting Class A and C devices, and the capability to act as a Nano LoRa gateway.
- Sigfox: Class 0 devices with varying transmit power levels depending on the region.
- Cellular LTE: Supporting LTE-CAT M1 and NB1, covering all LTE-M bands globally.
Hardware Specifications
- CPU: Powered by an Xtensa® dual-core 32-bit LX6 microprocessor, offering up to 600 DMIPS and hardware floating point acceleration. Additionally, an ultra-low power coprocessor (ULP) for monitoring GPIOs and ADC channels during deep sleep mode.
- Memory: Equipped with 520KB 4MB of RAM and 8MB of external flash memory.
- Power Management: Ultra-low power usage, making them energy-efficient for battery-powered applications.
Development Environment
- MicroPython: Pycom devices are MicroPython enabled, allowing for rapid development and prototyping. Users can write code in Python, which is up to three times faster than using C/C .
- PyMakr Integration: Supports integration with PyMakr plugin for Atom or Visual Studio Code, facilitating code upload and interactive REPL (Read-Eval-Print Loop) access via telnet or FTP.
Additional Functionality
- On-Board Peripherals: Features such as WS2812 RGB LED, internal and external antenna connectors, and a nano SIM socket. The devices also include a reset switch and RF switch.
- Expansion and Compatibility: Designed to fit standard breadboards and compatible with various expansion boards like Pytrack, Pysense, and others.
Ecosystem and Integration
- Pybytes IoT Platform: Users can connect their devices to the Pybytes IoT platform for data management and integration with third-party services like AWS. Firmware updates can also be performed over the air.
- Community and Documentation: Extensive documentation and community support, including tutorials, API documentation, and examples to help users get started quickly.
Conclusion
In summary, Pycom’s IoT development platforms offer a robust set of features and functionalities that make them highly versatile and powerful tools for creating and deploying connected devices across various industries. Their multi-network connectivity, powerful CPU, and user-friendly MicroPython environment make them an excellent choice for both novice and advanced IoT developers.