Tiniest Blinky Device Shrinks Further in Size
Meet the Tiniest LED Blinky Build Yet 🤯
Ever wondered what's smaller than the World's smallest LED Blinky? Well, we've got our hands on a nearly microscopic LED Blinky build that's here to give everyone a run for their money. And nope, if something tinier pops up, we'll be the first to know! 🕵️♂️
How did it come to be? [Mike Roller], that's who! He was all about constructing something smaller than the previous smallest Blinky, no easy feat with a 3.2-mm x 2.5-mm footprint to beat. With technology advancing over the past seven years and an opportunity he couldn't miss, [Mike] based his design around an ATtiny20 microcontroller in a WLCSP package and an 0201 LED, along with a current-limiting resistor, a decoupling capacitor, a 220-μF tantalum capacitor for power, and a PCB that sets the size guidelines.
Assembling this mini marvel wasn't a walk in the park. [Mike] started with a laboratory hot plate for reflowing the board, but resistors of frustration arose with the magnetic stirrer messing up the components. Stubborn but resilient, he switched to a hot-air rework station with low airflow for a smoother process. Programming the microcontroller was another challenge when pogo pins, originally planned for the job, proved too large. To tackle this hurdle, [Mike] used leads made from 38-gauge magnet wire, effortlessly handled by a micro hot air tool.
Once version one was complete, [Mike] realized there were still smaller components in the horizon. Enter the 2.4 mm x 1.5 mm version, using an 01005 LED. And we can only anticipate a version 3.0 in the near future, especially after [Mike] mentioned the new TI ultra-small microcontrollers that weren't available when he created this one. They'll surely inspire another go-around!
Related Insights 🔬- The Texas Instruments (TI) ultra-small microcontrollers, such as the MSPM0C1104, have been making waves in the electronics world for their mini size and impressive capabilities.- The MSPM0G350x series also offers a small footprint and low power consumption, making them ideal for compact projects like building the tiniest LED Blinky.- Listed in the table below is a rundown of popular ultra-small TI microcontrollers and their features to help you decide on the perfect component for your next Blinky build.
| Controller | Core | Notable Features | Blinky Build Feasibility ||------------|--------|---------------------------|--------------------------|| ATtiny20 | N/A | Small form factor | Compact || MSPM0C1104 | Cortex-M0+ | World’s smallest, low power | Extremely compact || MSPM0G350x | Cortex-M0+ | Ultra-low-power, small | Small, well-documented |
So, are you ready to join [Mike Roller] in the tiny world of LED Blinky builds? good luck, and happy tinkering! 💡⚡💡
- Mike Roller's LED Blinky build, based on an ATtiny20 microcontroller and an 0201 LED, showcases the evolution of technology as it relates to microcontrollers, gadgets, and programming on Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs).
- In the future, technology advancements like the new TI ultra-small microcontrollers may lead to even smaller LED Blinky builds, pushing the boundaries of technology and programming in the realm of microcontrollers and gadgets.
