M5Stack Core2 AWS is a specialized version of the M5Stack Core2 development board, tailored for integration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) IoT Core. Here’s an in-depth look at what the M5Stack Core2 AWS offers:
Hardware Features
- Microcontroller:
- Just like the standard M5Stack Core2, the AWS version features the ESP32-D0WDQ6 with a dual-core Tensilica LX6 microprocessor running at up to 240MHz.
- Display:
- A 2.0″ IPS LCD touchscreen with a resolution of 320×240 pixels, providing a vibrant, interactive interface.
- Memory:
- 4MB PSRAM for fast data processing and storage.
- 8MB Flash for firmware and data retention.
- Connectivity:
- Wi-Fi: Enhanced for seamless integration with AWS IoT Core, allowing for secure, cloud-based communication.
- Bluetooth 4.2: For short-range wireless communication.
- Sensors and Actuators:
- 6-Axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit): Includes an accelerometer and gyroscope for motion sensing.
- Microphone and Speaker: For audio input and output, enhancing interaction capabilities.
- Buttons and Controls:
- Side Buttons: Two programmable buttons for user input.
- Joystick: For navigation and control.
- Power Management:
- Built-in 390mAh Battery with a Type-C port for charging and programming.
- RTC (Real-Time Clock) for timekeeping and power-efficient operations.
- Expansion Options:
- Grove Ports: Two Grove connectors for easy sensor and module integration.
- HY2.0-4P Header: For additional I2C, UART, or GPIO expansion.
- Other Features:
- MicroSD Card Slot for expanded storage.
- Vibration Motor for haptic feedback.
AWS IoT Integration
- Pre-configured for AWS IoT Core: The Core2 AWS comes with pre-installed firmware that simplifies the process of connecting to AWS IoT Core, making it easier for developers to integrate IoT devices with cloud services.
- Secure Communication: Includes support for AWS IoT Device SDK, which provides secure communication protocols like MQTT over TLS, ensuring data security and integrity.
- OTA Updates: Supports Over-The-Air firmware updates through AWS IoT, allowing for remote management and maintenance of the device.
- Device Management: Integration with AWS IoT Device Management for monitoring, managing, and securing connected devices at scale.
- Data Logging and Analytics: Can send sensor data to AWS services like AWS Lambda for processing or Amazon Kinesis for real-time data streaming and analytics.
Development and Programming
- Development Platforms:
- Arduino IDE: With specific libraries for AWS integration.
- MicroPython: Provides Python-based programming with AWS IoT support.
- UIFlow: M5Stack’s visual programming environment, now with AWS integration for easier IoT development.
- Software Features:
- AWS IoT Device SDK: Pre-installed and configured to simplify AWS IoT Core interactions.
- AWS-specific Libraries: For handling AWS-specific protocols, authentication, and communication.
Applications
The M5Stack Core2 AWS is particularly suited for:
- IoT Solutions: Rapid development of IoT devices that need to interact with AWS cloud services for data storage, processing, or device management.
- Smart Home Devices: Building AWS-connected smart home gadgets where real-time data streaming, analytics, and remote control are required.
- Industrial IoT: For monitoring and controlling industrial equipment or processes through AWS IoT Core.
- Environmental Monitoring: Collecting and sending sensor data to AWS for analysis and visualization.
- Educational and Prototyping: Teaching AWS IoT integration, prototyping AWS-based IoT solutions.
Benefits
- AWS Integration: Out-of-the-box support for AWS IoT services reduces the setup time and complexity of connecting IoT devices to the cloud.
- Secure and Scalable: Leverages AWS’s infrastructure for secure, scalable IoT solutions.
- Easy Development: Pre-configured firmware and SDKs streamline development for AWS IoT.
- Real-time Data: Facilitates real-time data streaming, analytics, and machine learning applications.
- Community and Support: M5Stack’s community, combined with AWS documentation and support, provides a robust ecosystem for development.
Usage and Development
- Setup:
- Install the necessary drivers and libraries for AWS IoT in your development environment.
- Configure your AWS IoT Core environment and register your device.
- Programming:
- Use the AWS-specific libraries to handle AWS IoT Core interactions, including device registration, secure communication, and OTA updates.
- Expansion:
- Utilize the Grove ports or other expansion options to add sensors or actuators relevant to your AWS IoT application.
- Deployment:
- Connect the Core2 AWS to AWS IoT Core, allowing your device to send data, receive commands, and interact with other AWS services.
Core2 for AWS is the reference hardware kit for AWS IoT Kit – a prescriptive learning program from AWS which makes it easy and cost effective to learn how to build IoT applications using AWS services. It comes equipped with a Microchip ATECC608 Trust&GO pre-provisioned secure element, in addition to the existing features of the standard M5Stack Core2 and M5GO Bottom2. The Core2 for AWS is a feature rich, plug and play extensible, and secure hardware kit for learning and building a wide range of IoT applications.
To learn more about the Core2 for AWS IoT Kit program, visit https://core2-for-aws-docs.m5stack.com.
The Core2 for AWS comes with an ESP32-D0WDQ6-V3 micro controller, which features dual Xtensa 32-bit LX6 cores and a main frequency up to 240Mhz, with 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. Comes with 8MB PSRAM and 16MB flash on board.
The main unit is equipped with a 2.0-inch capacitive touch screen that provides a smooth and responsive human machine interface. The built-in vibration motor can be used to provide haptic feedback or alerts. Onboard RTC module provides accurate time of day. Power is supplied through an AXP192 power management chip, to monitor and control power attributes of the device. The included TF card slot supports microSD cards up to 16GB. The on-board speaker is paired with an I2S digital audio interface power amplifier chip to reduce signal distortion and provide clearer audio output. There are independent physical power and reset (RST) buttons on the sides of Core2 for AWS, with 3 programmable touch buttons on the front of the screen.
The M5GO Bottom2 for AWS adds additional features and security for IoT applications. The MPU6886 provides 6-axis internal IMU and temperature, the SPM1423 digital microphone captures audio for recording or creating voice applications, 10 individually programmable RGB LEDs via SK6812 to create customized and animated light effects, a 500mAh lithium-ion battery provides power on the go, the onboard Microchip ATECC608 Trust&GO crypto-authentication chip is pre-provisioned with secure keys to simplify connectivity to AWS and accelerate cryptographic computation.The CP2104 chip interface is reserved on the PCB of Core2 for AWS to interface with the lithium battery.
For all questions or issue regarding this device, pls visit our forum: https://forum.m5stack.com/category/41/core2-for-aws
Power Management
Operations:
Power on: One click the power button on the left
Power off: Long press the left power button for 6 seconds
Reset: Click the RST button on the bottom side
Extensions
The vibration sensor of M5Core2 and M5 Base series are incompatible in mechanical design. Please do not stack them together.
Some of the screen edges will have touch non-linearity problem, you can try to use M5Tool to upgrade the screen firmware to solve this problem.
Product Feature
- Reference hardware kit for use with AWS IoT Kit
- ESP32-D0WDQ6-V3, supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi
- 16M Flash, 8M PSRAM
- Built-in ATECC608 hardware encryption chip
- Capacitive touch screen
- Built-in PDM microphone, power indicator, 6-Axis IMU, vibration motor, I2S codec, Amplifier, Speaker, RTC, power button, reset button, 10 x RGB LEDs
- TF card slot (support up to 16GB)
- Built-in 500mAh Lithium ion battery, equipped with power management chip
- Validated through AWS Device Qualification Program
- Compatible with multi-platform development:
Include
- 1x M5Stack Core2
- 1x M5GO Bottom2 for AWS
- 1x Type-C USB (50cm)
- 1x HEX KEY
Application
- Internet of Things Controller
- STEM Education
- DIY projects
Specification
| Resources | Parameter |
|---|---|
| ESP32-D0WDQ6-V3 | 240MHz dual core, 600 DMIPS, 520KB SRAM, Wi-Fi |
| Flash | 16MB |
| PSRAM | 8MB |
| Hardware encryption chip | ATECC608B-TNGTLSU-G (addr 0x35) |
| Input voltage | 5V @ 500mA |
| Host interface | TypeC x1, POGO PIN x1, I2C x1, GPIO x1, UART x1 |
| Programmable LED light | SK6812*10 |
| Button | Power button, RST button, virtual screen button * 3 |
| Vibration reminder | Vibration motor |
| IPS LCD screen | 2.0″@320*240 ILI9342C |
| Capacitive touch screen IC | FT6336U |
| Speaker | 1W-0928 |
| Microphone | SPM1423 |
| I2S power amplifier | NS4168 |
| IMU | MPU6886 |
| RTC | BM8563 |
| PMU | AXP192 |
| USB chip | CP2104 |
| DC-DC boost | SY7088 |
| TF card slot | Support up to 16G |
| Lithium battery | 500mAh @ 3.7V |
| Antenna | 2.4G 3D antenna |
| Working temperature | 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C ) |
| Net weight | 101g |
| Gross weight | 108g |
| Product size | 54 x 54 x 24mm |
| Package size | 90 x 60 x 27mm |
| Shell material | Plastic (PC ) |
Conclusion
The M5Stack Core2 AWS is a specialized IoT development platform designed to simplify the integration of devices with Amazon Web Services. It offers developers a quick path to building cloud-connected IoT solutions with the security, scalability, and analytics capabilities of AWS, making it an excellent choice for both educational projects and professional IoT deployments where AWS services are preferred or required.