How to Build a Smartwatch: Picking a Chip
a year ago
- #opensource
- #smartwatch
- #microcontroller
- Selected chip for Core Time 2 is SF32LB52J from SiFli, featuring an open-source SDK.
- Smartwatch components: watch hardware, software (firmware/OS), and mobile companion app.
- Designing a smartwatch involves constraint maximization to meet target experience goals.
- Watch hardware includes microcontroller, display, sensors, electronic components, and battery.
- Choosing a microcontroller and display are the most challenging decisions in smartwatch design.
- Pebble's history with STM32F2 microcontrollers and the importance of software compatibility.
- Nordic’s nRF52840 was used for Core 2 Duo, but Core Time 2 needed more RAM and power.
- SiFli's SF32LB52J offers 512K SRAM, 16M PSRAM, low power (~50uA with BLE), and costs <$2.
- SiFli's SDK is open-source, and they offered to help port PebbleOS to their chips.