- A Microcontroller Meets an FPGA
- Comes with Tutorial Book
- Learn Microcontroller and Python
- Facilitates Soldering Practice
Note: This kit will include a STEPico rp2040 microcontroller, STEPFPGA need to be purchased separately.
Traffic Light Control System for Learning Raspberry Pico, STEPFPGA
In Traffic Light Control System project, you'll progress through multiple learning phases and develop a perspective shaped mindset with the tangible hardware that embodies the elegance of modern electronics. If you are interested or have learned soldering, microcontroller and FPGA, this is a great project to kick off.
A Microcontroller Meets an FPGA
Full-color Lighting Features on STEPico
The Complete Hardware
STEPico microcontroller x 1
Traffic Lights Project Board Mainboard (pre-assembled components) x 1
Traffic lights x 4, the 12 LEDs come in un-assembled pieces so you need to solder them
Road lights x 8, the 8 LEDs come in un-assembled pieces so you need to solder them
Tutorial Book x 1, all the soldering, microcontrollers, and FPGA knowledge you need to build the project
Support: Documentation and More
A Tutorial Book
As a big part of the learning process, we will include a 70-page detailed tutorial with great illustrations to walk you through the assembly process and also cover more advanced topics such as microcontroller, micro python coding and working principles of some electronics components and sensors.
A preview of the project tutorial
Some figures in the tutorial (hands drawing by our in-house artist).
The Learning Part You might not think about it since it’s so ubiquitous, but a lot of technology and engineering goes behind the traffic light modules. In this learning kit, we will introduce you to the technology that powers them.
In this project, you'll progress through multiple learning phases and develop a perspective-shaped mindset with tangible hardware that embodies the elegance of modern electronics.
Level 1: Soldering
The majority of parts on the board have been pre-assembled to ensure the functionality of the main board. But you will still need to attempt an introductory level soldering task (20 LEDs with though-hole pins) to complete the entire project. Getting your hands dirty is always the first step in learning. If you are looking for a beginner-friendly soldering kit, please check out our previous campaign for "SparkTip".
Level 2: Microcontroller and Python
Once your board hardware has been completed, it's time to explore how each component, sensors and LEDs interface with each other, and the best tool to appreciate all the controls is through a Microcontroller. In the project, we use Raspberry RP2040-based microcontroller, and in the tutorial we have two sections that provide walk-through codes, guiding you through the foundational steps and acquainting you with microcontroller configurations and micro-Python programming.
Level 3: Controlled by STEPFPGA
In the highest-level learning program, we introduce FPGA. This hardware provides flexibility, high-speed processing capabilities, and customization for advanced control and management in traffic light systems. This part will be implemented by the STEPFPGA board, which is also available in our store.
