The Challenger RP2040 NFC is a small embedded computer, equipped with an advanced on-board NFC controller (NXP PN7150), in the popular Adafruit Feather form factor. It is based on an RP2040 microcontroller chip from the Raspberry Pi Foundation which is a dual-core Cortex-M0 that can run on a clock up to 133 MHz.
NFC
The PN7150 is a full featured NFC controller solution with integrated firmware and NCI interface designed for contactless communication at 13.56 MHz. It is fully compatible with NFC forum requirements and is greatly designed based on learnings from previous NXP NFC device generation. It is the ideal solution for rapidly integrating NFC technology in any application, especially small embedded systems reducing Bill of Material (BOM).
The integrated design with full NFC forum compliancy gives the user all the following features:
Embedded NFC firmware providing all NFC protocols as pre-integrated feature.
Direct connection to the main host or microcontroller, by I²C-bus physical and NCI protocol.
Ultra-low power consumption in polling loop mode.
Highly efficient integrated power management unit (PMU) allowing direct supply from a battery.
Specifications
Microcontroller
RP2040 from Raspberry Pi (133 MHz dual-core Cortex-M0)
SPI
One SPI channels configured
I²C
Two I²C channel configured (dedicated I²C for the PN7150)
UART
One UART channel configured
Analog inputs
4 analog input channels
NFC module
PN7150 from NXP
Flash memory
8 MB, 133 MHz
SRAM memory
264 KB (divided into 6 banks)
USB 2.0 controller
Up to 12 MBit/s full speed (integrated USB 1.1 PHY)
JST Battery connector
2.0 mm pitch
On board LiPo charger
450 mA standard charge current
Dimensions
51 x 23 x 3,2 mm
Weight
9 g
Note: Antenna is not included.
Downloads
Datasheet
Quick start example
Complete ESP32 microcontroller learning course featuring a custom-designed MCU expansion board, hands-on projects, and a comprehensive online guide – perfect for learning hardware, programming, and connectivity step by step.
A Practical Introduction to Embedded Systems with the ESP32
This course is designed for readers who are new to embedded systems and looking for a structured, example-driven way to get started. If you’ve explored general-purpose electronics or Arduino-based materials but found them too broad or lacking in practical guidance, this course offers a more focused alternative.
Using the "ESP32 by Example Kit" (EEK) – a compact and affordable set of components featuring LEDs, sensors, an OLED display, and a motion processor – you’ll work with a consistent hardware setup throughout the course. Once assembled, the EEK stays mostly unchanged, allowing you to concentrate on learning and experimentation without constant reconfiguration.
Topics include:
Understanding and programming the ESP32 microcontroller
Writing and deploying code with the Arduino IDE
Exploring cyber-physical systems, culminating in basic drone control
No prior experience with Arduino or embedded development is required. Each section features hands-on examples and mini-projects designed to reinforce key concepts and inspire deeper exploration. By the end of the course, you’ll be able not only to reproduce the book’s examples but also to build on them with your own ideas and applications.
Whether you're interested in embedded programming, interactive systems, or introductory drone control, this course provides a clear and practical path to getting started.
What you'll learn?
Embedded programming with the ESP32 using the Arduino IDE
Real-time sensor input and control via buttons, LEDs, and displays
Gesture-based interaction using the MPU6050 motion sensor
Bluetooth gamepad integration and drone control simulation
Wi-Fi and UDP networking, local web servers, and NTP
MQTT communication with cloud platforms like AWS and Arduino IoT
How to build and deploy full-featured IoT systems
Perfect for
Students and self-learners exploring embedded systems
Makers and IoT enthusiasts looking to improve their hardware skills
Educators and trainers seeking ready-to-teach material
Developers moving beyond Raspberry Pi or Arduino basics
Support when you need it
Access to instructors via Elektor Academy
Helpful community forums and essential documentation
What's inside the Box (Course)?
New 384-page book: "ESP32 by Example" (valued at €45)
Elektor ESP32 by Example Kit (EEK): Microcontroller Extension Board with 6 LEDs and 6 Buttons installed + OLED Display, MPU6050 3-axis Accelerometer and Gyroscope Module (valued at €40)
Adafruit HUZZAH32 – ESP32 Feather MCU Board (valued at €30)
ESP32 Cheap Yellow Display Board (valued at €25)
DHT11 Humidity & Temperature Sensor
Breadboard
Jumper wires
USB-C cable
Access to the full course on the Elektor Academy Pro Learning Platform
Instructional videos
Downloadable Arduino project files for every module
Learning Material (of this Box/Course)
▶ Click here to open
Module 1 – Getting Started with the ESP32 & EEK
Module 2 – Digital Output – LEDs and GPIO
Module 3 – Switches and Input Handling
Module 4 – EEK and PWM
Module 5 – OLED and Display Output
Module 6 – Motion Sensing with the MPU6050
Module 7 – Capstone Project (EEK in Action)
Module 8 – WiFi and Web Control with ESP32
Module 9 – Cloud Concepts using EEK
Module 10 – Hands-on: Arduino IoT Cloud and EEK
Module 11 – BlueTooth and EEK GamePad Integration
Module 12 – Why Drones?
Module 13 – Drone Simulator Concepts
Module 14 – Simple Drone Flight Control
Module 15 – Real-Time Drone Flight Control
Module 16 – Drone Control Mini-Projects
Module 17 – Middleware and Python Scripting
Module 18 – Python Applications for Drone Control
Module 19 – Capstone EEK Control Project and Presentation
About the Author
Dr. Jim Solderitsch is an educator, software architect, systems developer, and cybersecurity researcher with a focus on cyber-physical systems. He currently serves as an Adjunct Professor in Computing Sciences at Villanova University in Pennsylvania.
What is Elektor Academy Pro?
Elektor Academy Pro delivers specialized learning solutions designed for professionals, engineering teams, and technical experts in the electronics and embedded systems industry. It enables individuals and organizations to expand their practical knowledge, enhance their skills, and stay ahead of the curve through high-quality resources and hands-on training tools.
From real-world projects and expert-led courses to in-depth technical insights, Elektor empowers engineers to tackle today’s electronics and embedded systems challenges. Our educational offerings include Academy Books, Pro Boxes, Webinars, Conferences, and industry-focused B2B magazines – all created with professional development in mind.
Whether you're an engineer, R&D specialist, or technical decision-maker, Elektor Academy Pro bridges the gap between theory and practice, helping you master emerging technologies and drive innovation within your organization.
DRIVING MOTORS WITH H-BRIDGESAn Introduction to DC, Stepper, and Brushless Motors
THE ELEKTOR LAB TEAMOur Approach, Preferred Tools, and More
RASPBERRY PI AS A KVM REMOTE CONTROLPi-KVM Software Test
IQAUDIO CODEC ZEROA Sound Card for the Raspberry Pi Family
THE PIKVM PROJECT AND LESSONS LEARNEDInterview with Maxim Devaev (Developer, PiKVM)
AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE WITH 2D LIDARESP32 Pico Interprets Data from the Lidar Module THE RASPBERRY PI ZERO 2 W GOES QUAD-CORE NOTES FROM THE 2021 WORLD ETHICAL ELECTRONICS FORUM
MOTOR CONTROLHow the Complexity of Motor Control Is Simplified
LARGE ELECTRIC MOTORSBasic Principles and Useful Information GETTING STARTED WITH THE ESP32-C3 RISC-V MCU
PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS!DIY Master Power Switch for the Lab Bench
CREATE GUIS WITH PYTHON (PART 2)Spy name chooser
PRODUCTRONICA FAST FORWARD 2021 WINNERSExciting Technologies and Creative Engineering Solutions
VERSATILE SERVO TESTERCheck Behavior When There’s No Datasheet
MODBUS OVER WLAN (PART 2)Software for the Modbus TCP WLAN Module
UNDERSTANDING THE NEURONS IN NEURAL NETWORKS (PART 3)Practical Neurons
INSIDE AN OPEN-SOURCE PROCESSORSample Chapter: Lattice and Xilinx FPGA Results
STARTING OUT IN ELECTRONICSWe Are Not Yet Done with the Coil
ERR-LECTRONICSCorrections, Updates and Readers’ Letters
COLOR TO SOUNDHow to Read Out a Color Sensor via I2C
BATTLAB-ONEMeasure and Optimize the Battery Life of IoT Devices
SIMPLE EARTH-LEAKAGE TRACERTesting Isolation of Mains Supply
POVERTY AND ELECTRONICSSustainable Development Goal 1
HEXADOKUThe Original Elektorized Sudoku
This complete Arduino Uno-based microcontroller programming course features a textbook, a component kit, hands-on projects, and a comprehensive online course with simulations. It is ideal for step-by-step learning of embedded systems programming with Arduino using a practical, hands-on approach.
A Practical Introduction to Embedded Systems with the Arduino Uno
This course is designed for people who are new to embedded systems and looking for a structured, example-driven way to get started.
A kit of parts comprising LEDs and resistors, switches, sensors and actuators, displays, a breadboard and wires, and more is included. These are used in the course to illustrate example applications.
No prior experience with Arduino or embedded development is required. Each section features hands-on examples and mini projects designed to reinforce key concepts and inspire deeper exploration. By the end of the course, you’ll be able not only to reproduce the examples but also to build on them with your own ideas and applications.
What Will You Learn?
Microcontroller programming with Arduino using the Uno R3 board
Working with Digital I/O, read buttons and encoders, control LEDs and relays
Read analog inputs, voltages, and analog sensors
Generating analog output signals and PWM
Use serial communication like UART, I²C and SPI to control displays and read digital sensors and SD cards
Managing time
Working with interrupts
Real-time sensor input and control via buttons, LEDs, and displays
Control actuators like relays and servo motors
Who Is It For?
Students and self-learners exploring embedded systems
Makers and IoT enthusiasts looking to improve their hardware skills
Educators and trainers seeking ready-to-teach material
What's Inside the Box?
Uno R3 microcontroller board + USB cable
Book: Programming Microcontrollers in C/C++ Using Arduino
Component Box:
2× LED, red, 5 mm
LED, green, 5 mm
3× Resistor, 470 Ω, 0.25 W
LDR
Potentiometer, 10 kΩ, linear
Pushbutton
Rotary encoder module
Relay module
DHT22 Humidity & Temperature Sensor
TM1637-compatible 4-digit 7-segment display
MPU-6050 IMU with headers
SSD1306-compatible I²C OLED display
Micro SD card adapter with header
Buzzer
SG90 Micro Servo
ILI9341-compatible SPI 240×320 TFT display
20× Jumper wires
Breadboard
Access to the full course on the Elektor Academy Pro Learning Platform
Downloadable project files for every module
All Programming Courses (and differences in content)
Arduino
Raspberry Pi Pico with Arduino C/C++
ESP32 with Arduino C/C++
Raspberry Pi Pico with MicroPython
ESP32 with MicroPython
Uno R3
Raspberry Pi Pico
ESP32
Raspberry Pi Pico
ESP32
Book: Programming Microcontrollers in C/C++ Using Arduino
Book: Programming Microcontrollers in MicroPython
40-piece Component Box
Access to Full Course
Access to Full Course
Access to Full Course
Access to Full Course
Access to Full Course
The Basics, New Ideas & Applications
Build digital electronics from the ground up—and take it all the way to practical circuits you can use.
This book guides you through the core principles of digital technology with a strongly hands-on approach. You’ll begin with the essentials: signals, devices for working with them, and what "logic 0" and "logic 1" mean in real hardware. Simple demonstration setups made from easy-to-find parts (LEDs, diodes, resistors, switches) help you see how logic behaves, making the theory click before you move on.
From there, you’ll explore a wide range of logic elements and how they’re implemented, including classic logic families such as TTL and CMOS. The fundamentals section covers the building blocks of digital systems: flip-flops, Schmitt triggers, registers, counters and dividers, encoders/ decoders, multiplexers/demultiplexers, plus A/D and D/A conversion and timing circuits.
Next, the book invites you into "new ideas" in digital electronics—universal logic elements, unconventional approaches (including thyristor-based and fractional logic), and creative logic functions that can inspire original designs.
Finally, a large, well-organized collection of application circuits turns knowledge into projects: electronic switches and selectors, pulse generators, PWM regulators, frequency multipliers/dividers, phase shifters, and digital filters.
Study it deeply, and you’ll gain not only understanding—but the ability to design and debug digital circuits independently.
In 35 Projects with the Raspberry Pi and Arduino
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a trend with a strong technological impulse. At home, we want to do everything on our tablets, from browsing Facebook to watching TV, from operating lights to keeping an eye on the temperature.
In 35 fun projects, this book will show you how to build your own Internet of Things system. We'll cover the hardware (primarily the Raspberry Pi and Arduino) and the software that makes control via Internet possible. We employ Wi-Fi and radio links so no requirement any longer to install cabling crisscross through your home.
Assuming the projects in the book are finished, you have a complete Internet of Things system that allows you to control and view of everything in your home. For example, if there's something in the mail box or the car is securely in the garage. Also, you can switch on the lights and the alarm from your couch. The crisp explanations allow the projects to be customized with ease, for example, to turn on your coffee machine or TV remotely. The index gives easy access to creative projects that can serve as an example, enabling you to do all the connecting to the IoT independently. All project software can be downloaded free of charge from the Elektor website.
In this unique book, Raspberry Pi, Arduino and HTML webpages with stylesheets and JavaScript come together in clearly-described, easy-to-build projects. This special book is an essential part of your collection!
A Small Basic Approach
There are many different PC programming languages available on the market. Some have beautiful names; some have easy to use development tools. Others have incredible power. They all have one thing in common: they assume that you have, or want to have, a knack for technology and difficult to read commands.
In this book we take a practical approach to programming. We assume that you simply want to write a PC program, and write it quickly. Not in a professional environment, not in order to start a new career, but for plain and simple fun... or just to get a task done.
Therefore we use Small Basic. You will have an application up and running in a matter of minutes. You will understand exactly how it works and be able to write text programs, graphical user interfaces, and advanced drivers. It is so simple; you don't even need to be an adult!
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a new concept in intelligent automation and intelligent monitoring using the Internet as the communications medium. The “Things” in IoT usually refer to devices that have unique identifiers and are connected to the Internet to exchange information with each other. Such devices usually have sensors and/or actuators that can be used to collect data about their environments and to monitor and control their environments. The collected data can be processed locally or it can be sent to centralized servers or to the cloud for remote storage and processing. For example, a small device at the size of a matchbox can be used to collect data about the temperature, relative humidity and the atmospheric pressure. This data can be sent and stored in the cloud. Anyone with a mobile device can then access and monitor this data at any time and from anywhere on Earth provided there is Internet connectivity. In addition, users can for example, adjust the central heating remotely using their mobile devices and accessing the cloud.
This book is written for students, for practising engineers and for hobbyists who want to learn more about the building blocks of an IoT system and also learn how to setup an IoT system using these blocks.
Chapter 1 is an introduction to the IoT systems. In Chapter 2, the basic concepts and possible IoT architectures are discussed. The important parts of any IoT system are the sensors and actuators and they are described briefly in Chapter 3. The devices in an IoT system usually communicate with each other and the important aspect of IoT communication is covered in Chapter 4. Chapter 5 proceeds with the features of some of the commonly used development kits. One of these, the Clicker 2 for PIC18FJ manufactured by mikroElektronika, can be used as a processor in IoT systems and its features are described in detail in Chapter 6. A popular microcontroller C language, mikroC Pro for PIC gets introduced in Chapter 7. Chapter 8 covers the use of a click board with the Clicker 2 for PIC18FJ development kit. Similarly, the use of a sensor click board is described as a project in Chapter 9, and an actuator board in Chapter 10. Chapters 11 and 12 cover Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technologies in microcontroller based systems, and the remaining chapters of the book demo the creation of a simple Wi-Fi based IoT system with cloud-based data storage.
This book has been written with the assumption that the reader has taken a course on digital logic design and has been exposed to writing programs using at least one high-level programming language. Knowledge of the C programming language will be very useful. Also, familiarity with at least one member of the PIC series of microcontrollers (e.g. PIC16 or PIC18) will be an advantage. The knowledge of assembly language programming is not required because all the projects in the book are based on using the C language. If you are a total beginner in programming you can still access the e-book, but first you are advised to study introductory books on microcontrollers.
Elektor GREEN and GOLD members can download their digital edition here.
Not a member yet? Click here.
Arduino Portenta Machine Control and Arduino Portenta H7A CAN-to-MQTT Gateway Demo Project
Unboxing the Elektor LCR Meter with David Cuartielles
MicroPython Enters the World of Arduino
Connected Projects, SimplifiedDive Into the Arduino Cloud
Introduction to TinyMLBig Is Not Always Better
Arduino K-Way
Writing Arduino Sketches Just Got Better
Get to Know Arduino
Getting Started with the Portenta X8Manage Software Securely with Containers
Build, Deploy, and Maintain Scalable, Secure ApplicationsWith Arduino Portenta X8 Featuring NXP’s i.MX 8M Mini Applications Processor and EdgeLock SE050 Secure Element
How I Automated My HomeArduino CEO Fabio Violante Shares Solutions
Altair 8800 SimulatorHardware Simulation of a Vintage Computer
MS-DOS on the Portenta H7Run Old-School Software on Contemporary Hardware
Grow It YourselfA Digitally Controlled, Single-Box Solution for Indoor Farming
Save the Planet With Home Automation?MQTT on the Arduino Nano RP2040 Connect
Go Professional with Arduino Pro
Smart Ovens Take a Leap Into the Future
Tagvance Builds Safer Construction Sites with Arduino
Santagostino Breathes Easywith Remote Monitoring that Leverages AI for Predictive Maintenance
Security Flies High with RIoT Secure’s MKR-Based Solution
Open-Source Brings a New Generation of Water Management to the World
SensoDetect Deforestation with Sound Analysis
The Mozzi Arduino Library for Sound SynthesisInsights from Tim Barrass
The New Portenta X8 (with Linux!) and Max Carrier Redefine What’s Possible
How Using Arduino Helps Students Build Future Skills
Must-Haves for Your Electronics Workspace
The Importance of Robotics in Education
Dependable IoT Based Upon LoRa
Unboxing the Portenta Machine Control
8-Bit Gaming with Arduboy
Reducing Water Usage at Horseback Riding TracksAn IoT to Constantly Monitor Soil Humidity and Temperature Levels
The Panettone ProjectA sourdough starter management and maintenance system
Supporting Arduino Resellers
Space Invaders with Arduino
Art with ArduinoInspiring Insights from Artists and Designers
Arduino Product Catalogue
The Future of Arduino
The State of Hollow State Audio in the Second Decade of the 21st Century
Vacuum-tube (or valve, depending upon which side of the pond you live on) technology spawned the Age of Electronics early in the 20th Century. Until the advent of solid-state electronics near mid-century, hollow-state devices were the only choice. But following the invention of the transistor (after their process fell to reasonable levels), within a couple of decades, the death of vacuum tubes was widely heralded. Yet here we are some five decades later, and hollow-state equipment is enjoying something of a comeback, especially in the music and high-end audio industries.
Many issues surround hollow-state audio:
Does it produce—as some claim—better sound? If so, is there science to back up these claims?
How do hollow-state circuits work?
How do you design hollow-state audio circuits?
If hollow-state equipment fails, how do you go about troubleshooting and repairing it?
Can we recreate some of the classic hollow-state audio devices for modern listening rooms and recording studios?
How can we intelligently modify hollow-state amplifiers to our taste?
These and other topics are covered in The State of Hollow State Audio.
This USB Stick contains more than 300 Arduino-related articles published in Elektor Magazine. The content includes both background articles and projects on the following topics:
Software & hardware development: Tutorials on Arduino software development using Arduino IDE, Atmel Studio, Shields, and essential programming concepts.
Learning: The Microcontroller Bootcamp offers a structured approach to programming embedded systems.
Data acquisition & measurement: Projects such as a 16-bit data logger, lathe tachometer, and an AC grid analyzer for capturing and analyzing real-time signals.
Wireless communication: Learn how to implement wireless networks, create an Android interface, and communicate effectively with microcontrollers.
Robotics and automation: This covers the Arduino Nano Robot Controller, supporting boards for automation, and explores various Arduino shields to enhance functionality.
Self-build projects: Unique projects such as laser projection, Numitron clock and thermometer, ELF receiver, Theremino, and touch LED interfaces highlight creative applications.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced maker, this collection is a valuable resource for learning, experimenting, and pushing the boundaries of Arduino technology.
This book details the use of the ARM Cortex-M family of processors and the Arduino Uno in practical CAN bus based projects. Inside, it gives a detailed introduction to the architecture of the Cortex-M family whilst providing examples of popular hardware and software development kits. Using these kits helps to simplify the embedded design cycle considerably and makes it easier to develop, debug, and test a CAN bus based project. The architecture of the highly popular ARM Cortex-M processor STM32F407VGT6 is described at a high level by considering its various modules. In addition, the use of the mikroC Pro for ARM and Arduino Uno CAN bus library of functions are described in detail.
This book is written for students, for practising engineers, for hobbyists, and for everyone else who may need to learn more about the CAN bus and its applications. The book assumes that the reader has some knowledge of basic electronics. Knowledge of the C programming language will be useful in later chapters of the book, and familiarity with at least one microcontroller will be an advantage, especially if the reader intends to develop microcontroller based projects using CAN bus.
The book should be useful source of reference to anyone interested in finding an answer to one or more of the following questions:
What bus systems are available for the automotive industry?
What are the principles of the CAN bus?
What types of frames (or data packets) are available in a CAN bus system?
How can errors be detected in a CAN bus system and how reliable is a CAN bus system?
What types of CAN bus controllers are there?
What are the advantages of the ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers?
How can one create a CAN bus project using an ARM microcontroller?
How can one create a CAN bus project using an Arduino microcontroller?
How can one monitor data on the CAN bus?