Tools & Development Environment
The tools I use for every project, with setup notes.
Firmware development
| Tool | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Zephyr RTOS | RTOS + HAL + drivers | Use west to manage the workspace |
| West | Zephyr's meta-tool | Handles dependency management, building, flashing |
| VS Code | Editor | With nRF Connect for VS Code extension |
| nRF Connect for VS Code | Zephyr build GUI | Optional but useful for beginners |
| J-Link | Debug probe | Segger J-Link EDU Mini (~$20) or J-Link BASE |
| nRF Connect for Desktop | BLE testing | Connect, read GATT, log data |
| Ozone | Graphical debugger | Segger's IDE, works with J-Link |
Hardware design
| Tool | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Altium Designer | Schematic + PCB | Primary design tool |
| KiCad | Open-source alternative | Useful for sharing open hardware designs |
| JLCPCB | PCB fabrication | 4-layer, ENIG, $12 shipped for 5 boards |
| Mouser / Digi-Key | Component sourcing | Always check lead time before ordering |
| LCSC | Component sourcing (cheap) | Good for passives and basic ICs, faster from Korea |
Measurement & debug
| Tool | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rigol DS1054Z | Oscilloscope | 50 MHz, 4-channel, cheap and reliable |
| Espressif PPK2 | Power profiler | Current measurement down to nA for power budget |
| Hot air station | Rework | QFN soldering and component removal |
| Microscope | Inspection | USB microscope for solder joint inspection |
Environment setup (macOS)
# Install west
pip3 install west
# Initialize Zephyr workspace
west init -m https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr \
--mr v3.7.0 ~/zephyrproject
cd ~/zephyrproject
west update
# Install Python dependencies
pip3 install -r zephyr/scripts/requirements.txt
# Install the Zephyr SDK
# Download from https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/sdk-ng/releases
# Run the installer: ./zephyr-sdk-0.16.x-setup.sh
# Verify
west boards | grep esp32