Lab 00: General Requirements for PSoC 6 Laboratories
Introduction to the PSoC 6 Microcontroller
The PSoC 6 microcontroller family is a powerful and highly flexible embedded platform developed by Cypress Semiconductor, now part of Infineon Technologies. The term PSoC stands for Programmable System-on-Chip, reflecting its unique architecture that combines a traditional microcontroller with configurable analog and digital hardware resources.
PSoC 6 devices are specifically designed to meet the growing demands of modern embedded and Internet of Things (IoT) applications. These microcontrollers provide an excellent balance of:
- High processing performance
- Low power consumption
- Advanced security features
- Flexible peripheral integration
As a result, PSoC 6 devices are widely used in applications such as:
- Smart home systems
- Wearable electronics
- Industrial automation
- Medical devices
- Consumer electronics
- Wireless IoT systems
Dual-Core Architecture
One of the most significant features of the PSoC 6 family is its dual-core ARM architecture, which integrates:
- ARM Cortex-M4 Processor
- High-performance processing core
- Handles computationally intensive tasks
- Suitable for signal processing, communications, and application control
- ARM Cortex-M0+ Processor
- Ultra-low-power companion core
- Handles background tasks and power management
- Optimized for energy-efficient operation
This dual-core architecture allows developers to partition applications efficiently, improving overall system performance while minimizing power consumption. In battery-powered systems, this architecture significantly extends battery life by allowing low-priority tasks to run on the low-power core.
Peripheral and Connectivity Features
PSoC 6 microcontrollers include a comprehensive set of integrated peripherals and communication interfaces, including:
Analog Peripherals
- Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADC)
- Digital-to-Analog Converters (DAC)
- Operational Amplifiers (Op-Amps)
- Comparators
Digital Communication Interfaces
- UART
- SPI
- I2C
- CAN
- USB
Wireless Connectivity
Depending on the device family, wireless features may include:
- Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE)
- Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth Classic
Security Features
PSoC 6 devices also include hardware-based security mechanisms, such as:
- Secure boot
- Hardware cryptography accelerators
- Secure key storage
- Trusted execution environments
These features are particularly important for IoT systems that require secure communication and data protection.
Programmable System Architecture
A major advantage of the PSoC platform is its programmable hardware architecture. Unlike conventional microcontrollers with fixed-function peripherals, PSoC devices allow developers to configure their internal analog and digital resources to meet application requirements.
This flexibility enables:
- Rapid prototyping
- Simplified hardware design
- Reduced external component count
- Faster development cycles
- Easier design modifications
Development is typically performed using:
- ModusToolbox
- PSoC software libraries and middleware
- Graphical configuration tools
These development tools provide an efficient environment for embedded system design and debugging.
Overview of PSoC 6 Product Variants
Infineon provides several versions of the PSoC 6 family to address different application requirements.
- PSoC 6 BLE: This chip integrates Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connectivity with dual-core ARM Cortex-M4 and Cortex-M0+ processors. It enables developers to create IoT devices that can communicate wirelessly with other BLE-enabled devices.
- PSoC 6 WiFi-BT: In addition to BLE, this version adds support for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. It combines the power of PSoC 6 with integrated wireless connectivity, allowing developers to create IoT devices that can connect to local networks and the internet.
- PSoC 6 Secure: The PSoC 6 Secure version focuses on enhancing security features. It incorporates hardware-based security features, including a secure bootloader, hardware-accelerated cryptography, and secure storage for keys and certificates. These features help protect sensitive data and enable secure communication in applications where security is paramount.
- PSoC 6 + BLE: This version combines the capabilities of PSoC 6 with Bluetooth Low Energy, making it suitable for applications that require both PSoC 6's processing power and BLE connectivity.
- PSoC 6 + WiFi: This variant combines PSoC 6 with Wi-Fi, enabling IoT devices to connect to wireless networks and communicate over the internet. It offers a powerful combination of processing capabilities and wireless connectivity for IoT applications.
- PSoC 6 L-series: The PSoC 6 L-series chips are designed for low-power operation in battery-powered applications. They offer reduced power consumption while retaining the essential features and processing capabilities of PSoC 6.
It's important to note that the specific features and capabilities of each version may vary. Different versions of PSoC 6 are tailored to meet specific application requirements, providing developers with a range of options based on their project needs, including connectivity (BLE, Wi-Fi), security features, and power consumption.
Evaluation and Development Boards
Infineon provides a variety of evaluation and development boards for the PSoC 6 family. These boards allow students and developers to:
- Learn embedded system programming
- Prototype hardware applications
- Develop IoT systems
- Test wireless communication features
- Evaluate analog and digital peripherals
Common evaluation kits may include:
- PSoC 6 Pioneer Kits
- PSoC 6 BLE Pioneer Kits
- AI Evaluation Kits
- Wi-Fi/Bluetooth development boards
Each evaluation board provides different combinations of peripherals, sensors, connectivity options, and expansion interfaces.
PSoC 6 BLE Prototyping Kit
PSoC 6 BLE Prototyping Kit (CY8CPROTO-063-BLE)
The PSoC 6 BLE Prototyping Kit (CY8CPROTO-063-BLE) is a low-cost hardware platform that enables the design and debugging of PSoC 6 MCUs. This kit features a snap-away form factor, allowing users to separate the KitProg3 (onboard programmer and debugger) from the target board and use it independently.
User Manual and Design Data
PSoC 6 WiFi-BT Pioneer Kit
PSoC 6 Wi-Fi BT Pioneer Kit (CY8CKIT-062-WiFi-BT)
The PSoC 6 WiFi-BT Pioneer Kit (CY8CKIT-062-WiFi-BT) is a low-cost hardware platform that enables the design and debugging of the PSoC 62 MCU and the Murata LBEE5KL1DX Module (CYW4343W WiFi + Bluetooth Combo Chip).
User Manual and Design Data
- PSoC 6 WiFi-BT Pioneer Kit Guide
- PSoC 6 WiFi-BT Pioneer Kit Quick Start Guide
- PSoC 6 WiFi-BT Pioneer Kit Hardware
- CY8CKIT-062-WiFi-BT Schematic
Development Tools
PSoC 6-BLE Pioneer Kit
PSoC 6-BLE Pioneer Kit (CY8CKIT-062-BLE)
The PSoC 6-BLE Pioneer Kit (CY8CKIT-062-BLE) hardware platform enables the design and debugging of the PSoC 63 Line. The PSoC 6-BLE Pioneer Kit features a single- or dual-core MCU, with an Arm Cortex-M4 and Arm Cortex-M0+, 1MB of Flash, 288KB of SRAM, 78 GPIO, 7 programmable analog blocks, 56 programmable digital blocks, Bluetooth Low Energy, a serial memory interface, a PDM-PCM digital microphone interface, and industry-leading capacitive-sensing with CAPSENSE. The PSoC 6-BLE Pioneer Kit also comes with an E-ink display shield board. This shield board contains an ultra-low-power 2.7" E-ink display, a thermistor, a 6-axis motion sensor, and a digital microphone.
User Manual
Design Data
Development Tools
PSoC 6 Wi-Fi BT Prototyping Kit
PSoC 6 Wi-Fi BT Prototyping Kit (CY8CPROTO-062-4343W)
The PSoC 6 Wi-Fi BT Prototyping Kit (CY8CPROTO-062-4343W) is a low-cost hardware platform that enables the design and debugging of PSoC 6 MCUs. It comes with a CY8CMOD-062-4343W module, industry-leading CAPSENSE for touch buttons and slider, on-board debugger/programmer with KitProg3, microSD card interface, 512-Mb Quad-SPI NOR flash, PDM microphone, a thermistor. It also includes a Murata LBEE5KL1DX module, based on the CYW4343W combo device.
User Manual
Design Data
PSoC 6 AI Kit
Infineon CY8CKIT-062S2-AI Evaluation Kit
Introduction
The Infineon CY8CKIT-062S2-AI is a compact, low-power development and evaluation platform specifically designed for Edge Artificial Intelligence (Edge AI) and Machine Learning (ML) applications. The kit enables developers and students to collect real-world sensor data, develop intelligent embedded applications, and deploy machine learning models directly onto a microcontroller-based system.
Despite its small “cracker-sized” form factor, the evaluation kit integrates a wide range of sensors, wireless connectivity features, and development tools, making it an excellent platform for embedded AI education, rapid prototyping, and IoT system development.
Hardware Overview
PSoC 62S2 Microcontroller
At the core of the evaluation kit is the PSoC 62S2 MCU, which features a dual-core ARM architecture:
- Arm Cortex-M4 Processor (150 MHz)
- Designed for high-performance processing tasks
- Suitable for AI inference, signal processing, and sensor fusion applications
- Arm Cortex-M0+ Processor (100 MHz)
- Optimized for low-power system management and background tasks
- Enables efficient energy management for battery-powered systems
This dual-core structure allows the system to balance computational performance with power efficiency.
Integrated Sensor Suite
The CY8CKIT-062S2-AI includes a diverse collection of onboard sensors that support a wide range of Edge AI applications.
60 GHz Radar Sensor
BGT60TR13C Radar
The onboard 60 GHz radar sensor supports:
- Presence detection
- Motion sensing
- Gesture recognition
- Object tracking
Radar sensing is particularly useful in environments where optical sensing may be unreliable due to lighting conditions or privacy concerns.
Acoustic Sensor
Digital MEMS Microphone
The integrated microphone enables:
- Voice recognition
- Sound classification
- Audio event detection
- Environmental sound monitoring
Typical AI applications include:
- Siren detection
- Baby cry detection
- Voice-triggered systems
Motion Sensors
6-Axis IMU (BMI270)
Provides:
- Accelerometer measurements
- Gyroscope measurements
Applications include:
- Motion tracking
- Activity recognition
- Gesture detection
- Orientation sensing
3-Axis Magnetometer (BMM350)
Used for:
- Compass functionality
- Magnetic field measurement
- Directional sensing
Environmental Sensor
DPS368 Barometric Pressure Sensor
This sensor supports:
- Atmospheric pressure measurement
- Altitude estimation
- Environmental monitoring applications
Connectivity Features
The evaluation kit includes the AIROC CYW43439 wireless communication module, which provides:
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Bluetooth connectivity
These communication features allow the kit to:
- Connect to wireless networks
- Interface with smartphones and cloud systems
- Support IoT and remote-monitoring applications
Memory and Storage
The board includes:
- 512-Mb Quad-SPI NOR Flash
- microSD Card Interface
These storage options support:
- Sensor data logging
- AI model storage
- Firmware expansion
- Dataset collection for machine learning
Software Development Ecosystem
The CY8CKIT-062S2-AI is fully integrated with Infineon’s software ecosystem, including:
ModusToolbox
ModusToolbox provides:
- Embedded software development tools
- Peripheral configuration utilities
- Middleware libraries
- Debugging and programming support
It offers a professional embedded development environment for PSoC applications.
DEEPCRAFT Studio
DEEPCRAFT Studio is an AI/ML development platform that enables developers to:
- Collect and label sensor data
- Train machine learning models
- Optimize models for embedded deployment
- Deploy AI models directly onto the PSoC 6 MCU
The platform simplifies the process of creating Edge AI applications for resource-constrained embedded systems.
Data Collection and AI Deployment
The evaluation kit supports an out-of-the-box streaming protocol that allows:
- Real-time sensor data collection
- Data visualization
- Dataset labeling for machine learning workflows
Developers can also deploy pre-trained “Ready Models” for immediate experimentation and rapid prototyping.
Examples include:
- Siren detection
- Baby cry recognition
- Gesture sensing
- Presence detection
Summary
The Infineon CY8CKIT-062S2-AI evaluation kit is a powerful Edge AI development platform that combines:
- Dual-core PSoC 6 processing
- Integrated radar, motion, audio, and environmental sensors
- Wireless connectivity
- Flexible storage options
- Embedded machine learning support
Its compact design, low-power operation, and extensive sensor integration make it an ideal platform for learning embedded AI, developing IoT systems, and prototyping intelligent edge devices.
Summary
The PSoC 6 microcontroller family is a highly capable embedded platform that combines:
- Dual-core processing
- Low-power operation
- Flexible programmable hardware
- Extensive peripheral support
- Advanced security features
- Wireless connectivity
Its versatility makes it an excellent platform for modern embedded system development and IoT applications. Throughout these laboratory exercises, students will gain hands-on experience with the architecture, peripherals, programming techniques, and application development methodologies used in professional embedded systems engineering.