Cypress PSoC 4

Introduction to Cypress PSoC 4

The PSoC 4 (Programmable System-on-Chip) is a powerful and flexible microcontroller family that combines an ARM Cortex-M0 core with programmable analog and digital blocks. Its unique architecture allows developers to design custom peripherals and analog functions on-chip, providing a high level of flexibility for embedded applications.

Core Features of Cypress PSoC 4

• Processor: ARM Cortex-M0 running at up to 48 MHz
• Programmable Analog Blocks: Including op-amps, comparators, ADCs, and DACs
• Programmable Digital Blocks: UDBs (Universal Digital Blocks) for implementing custom digital peripherals
• Integrated CapSense: Built-in capacitive touch sensing capabilities for touch buttons, sliders, and proximity sensing
• Low Power Consumption: Multiple power modes, ideal for battery-powered devices

Applications

PSoC 4 microcontrollers are suitable for a wide range of applications, such as:

• IoT Devices: Due to its low power modes and flexible peripherals
• Home Automation: CapSense capabilities make it ideal for touch interfaces
• Industrial Automation: Customizable analog and digital functions support various sensor interfaces and signal processing needs
• Consumer Electronics: Used in devices like wearables and portable electronics due to its low power and compact design

Development Tools

Development for the PSoC 4 series is supported by:

• PSoC Creator: Cypress’s own IDE for creating custom analog and digital peripherals, with drag-and-drop functionality for easy configuration.
• PSoC Programmer: A programming tool that works with PSoC devices and various Cypress programming kits.
• ModusToolbox: Cypress’s development platform for creating IoT applications with PSoC and other Cypress devices.

Example: LED Blink Program on Cypress PSoC 4

Requirements

• Cypress PSoC 4 development board (e.g., CY8CKIT-042)
• PSoC Creator IDE

Steps

1. Open PSoC Creator and create a new project.
2. In the schematic editor, add a Digital Output Pin component and name it LED.
3. Configure the pin to connect to the onboard LED.
4. In the main code file, add the following code to toggle the LED:

#include "project.h"

int main(void)
{
    CyGlobalIntEnable;  // Enable global interrupts
    
    for (;;)
    {
        LED_Write(~LED_Read());  // Toggle LED state
        CyDelay(500);            // Delay for 500 ms
    }
}
            

Explanation

This C code toggles the state of an LED connected to the digital output pin named LED. The CyDelay() function provides a delay of 500 ms, creating a visible blink pattern.