CLIENT - SERVER COMMUNICATION

In recent years, the development of embedded systems has surged, particularly with the advent of versatile and affordable microcontrollers like the Raspberry Pi Pico W. This project explores the implementation of a server-host communication system using two Raspberry Pi Pico W microcontrollers. The primary objective was to establish a reliable and efficient communication protocol between a server and a host terminal, enabling the exchange of messages. This system has potential applications in various domains, including home automation, remote monitoring, and IoT solutions.

INTRODUCTION

This project focuses on leveraging the Raspberry Pi Pico W microcontroller to build a server-host communication system. By establishing a reliable and efficient protocol for sending and receiving messages between a server and a host terminal, this project aims to demonstrate the feasibility and practical applications of wireless communication in embedded systems. The successful implementation of this project underscores the potential of microcontroller-based systems in facilitating seamless and effective communication, paving the way for future advancements in embedded technologies.

The project commenced with the configuration of the Raspberry Pi Pico W microcontrollers, setting one as the server and the other as the host terminal. The server was programmed to establish a Wi-Fi network and listen for incoming connections. Upon connection, it could receive and process messages from the host. The host terminal, on the other hand, was designed to scan for the server's Wi-Fi network, connect to it, and send messages. The implementation involved writing and deploying MicroPython scripts to both microcontrollers. The server script included code to set up the Wi-Fi access point, accept client connections, and handle incoming messages. The host script focused on connecting to the server's network and transmitting data. When connection is established in the server and the host terminal, one can send and receive messages from the other but it has to happen one at a time, this is called a half duplex type of communication. After sending a message, one has to wait until a message is received from the other. For this project, the message to be sent has already been configured and so the button is used as a send command

The project successfully demonstrated the capability of Raspberry Pi Pico W microcontrollers to establish a server-host communication system. The microcontrollers were able to send and receive messages reliably over a wireless network, highlighting their potential for various embedded system applications. The use of MicroPython and its networking libraries proved effective in creating a seamless communication protocol. Despite minor connectivity challenges, the overall system performance was robust and met the initial project objectives.

COMPONENTS

Raspberry Pi Pico W

The Raspberry Pi Pico W, introduced in June 2022, is a significant enhancement of the original Raspberry Pi Pico. While both models feature the RP2040 microcontroller with a dual-core Arm Cortex-M0+ processor, 264KB of SRAM, and 2MB of flash memory, the Pico W distinguishes itself by including built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. This added wireless capability makes the Pico W particularly suited for IoT applications, allowing it to easily connect to wireless networks for remote monitoring, control, and data exchange. This integration of Wi-Fi sets the Pico W apart from the original Pico and other models without native wireless features.

OLED Display

An OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display is a type of screen that uses organic compounds to produce light when an electric current is applied. OLED displays do not require a backlight, resulting in higher contrast, deeper blacks, and lower power consumption. These characteristics make OLED displays ideal for embedded systems, where power efficiency and display clarity are crucial. In the context of this project, the OLED display served as an essential component for visual feedback and user interaction.

Push Button

A push button, also known as a momentary switch or tactile switch, is a simple electronic component commonly used in various applications. It consists of a button that, when pressed, completes an electrical circuit temporarily. When the button is released, the circuit opens again.

Push buttons are used for a wide range of purposes, from basic user input in electronic devices like keyboards and remote controls to more complex functions in control panels and industrial machinery. In this project, the push button was used as a send command button, whereby I certain message is sent when the button is pushed

PROGRAM CODE

The program code for both the server terminal and the client terminal are linked here

RECOMMENDATIONS

For future improvements, several enhancements can be considered. Firstly, implementing encryption for the transmitted data would enhance the security of the communication system, making it suitable for sensitive applications. Additionally, expanding the system to support multiple host terminals could provide more flexibility and scalability. Integrating additional sensors or actuators could further demonstrate the practical applications of such a communication setup. Finally, enhancing the system to be able to use a full duplex type of communication where any terminal can send and receive messages at the same time. These recommendations aim to extend the functionality and applicability of the embedded communication system developed in this project.

CLIENT - SERVER COMMUNICATION

INTRODUCTION

COMPONENTS

PROGRAM CODE

RECOMMENDATIONS

DEMO