3 Getting Started with PIC32-BZ6 Curiosity Board

The PIC32-BZ6 Curiosity Board is a versatile development platform designed to facilitate rapid prototyping and showcase the features of Microchip's PIC32WM-BZ6204UE Module, which supports Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) and IEEE® 802.15.4 wireless communication. Below is a summary of its core capabilities and applications:

Core Capabilities:

  • Integrated Debugging and Programming:
    • Includes the PICkit™ On-board 4 (PKOB4) debugger interface for seamless programming and debugging.
    • Requires only a USB Type-C™ cable for power and programming.
  • Expansion and Connectivity Options:
    • mikroBUS™ Click™ sockets
    • Xplained Pro (XPRO) header
    • Reduced Media-Independent Interface (RMII) header
    • Microchip Low-cost Controllers (LCC) adapter connector
  • u.FL Connector:
    • Allows connection to an external antenna using a u.FL connector on the PIC32WM-BZ6204UE Module.
  • Rapid Prototyping:
    • Enables rapid prototyping utilizing the PIC32WM-BZ6204UE Module.

Supported Applications

  • Wireless Lighting
  • Home Automation (Door locks and alarm sensors)
  • Internet of Things (IoT) (Wall switches and thermostats)
  • Industrial Automation

The PIC32-BZ6 Curiosity Board is ideal for developers looking to create and test wireless communication solutions for IoT, home automation, and industrial applications. Its rich set of features and connectivity options make it a powerful tool for prototyping and development.

For more details about PIC32-BZ6 Curiosity Board, refer to PIC32-BZ6 Curiosity Board User's Guide (DS00006006).

3.1 Preprogrammed Demo Software

The PIC32-BZ6 Curiosity Board is equipped with pre-programmed software that demonstrates commonly used BLE use case in a single application. These applications include BLE Sensor monitoring.

The preprogrammed software implements a fully functional BLE Temperature sensor. The temperature sensor data from Curiosity's on-board temperature sensor is regularly read and can be accessed through advertising information which does not require a connection. In addition, the data is updated periodically after a BLE connection is established.

In addition, the ON/OFF state is made available via advertising information so that a user can know the status without connecting.

3.2 BLE Demo Experience

The demo consists of the PIC32-BZ6 Curiosity board with accompanying ble_senor_app firmware, the Microchip Bluetooth Data (MBD) Smartphone App. The MBD app has the capability to scan for BLE Advertisements from PIC32WM-BZ6204UE module and to establish a connection.

Scan operation monitors the temperature sensor and status of RGB LED (ON or OFF). Establishing a BLE connection with the PIC32WM-BZ6204UE module enables users to control the RGB LED status (ON or OFF) as well as brightness of the RGB LED using slide controls.

Note: The firmware programmed on Curiosity board is found in <Harmony Content Path>\wireless_apps_pic32_bz6\apps\ble\advanced_applications\ble_sensor\precompiled_hex\ble_sensor.X.production.signed.hex.

BLE Sensor Demo

  1. Install the Microchip Bluetooth Data (MBD) Smartphone App.

    1. iOS/Android users can search for “Microchip Bluetooth Data” App in App Store and install

    2. Enable Bluetooth on the Smartphone

  2. Launch the MBD Smartphone App.

  3. Supply power to PIC32-BZ6 Curiosity Board:

    1. Connect a USB cable to the kit or a 4.2V Li-ion/Li-Po Battery. For more information refer to the Power Supply section of PIC32-BZ6 Curiosity Board User's Guide.

    2. The user-programmable blue LED (D5) starts blinking on the Curiosity Board when the board is in Advertisement mode.

  4. Monitor LED state and temperature from MBD Mobile App:

    1. PIC32-BZ6 Curiosity Board starts in Advertisement mode to advertise its presence on a smartphone and to allow access to LED ON/OFF state and temperature sensor data.

    2. Navigate through the Smartphone App as illustrated in the following figure to access the advertisement information.
      Figure 3-1. .

  5. Control RGB LED state ON/OFF as well as brightness from MBD App:

    1. Click the device that shows up after initiating a scan to establish a connection with the PIC32WM-BZ6204UE module.

    2. The user blue LED becomes solid, once the connection is established between the smartphone and the PIC32WM-BZ6204UE module

    3. Controls the GREEN LED state ON/OFF.

    4. User can change the RGB LED color using the color wheel in the MBD app.

    5. Controls the brightness of RGB LED when the LED is “ON”.

    6. Additional information
      Figure 3-2. .

  6. To disconnect the MBD Application running on your smart phone, ensure to follow one of the following steps:

    1. Press the reset button on PIC32-BZ6 Curiosity Board

    2. Initiating a “Scan” on Smartphone App

Upon successful disconnection, the PIC32WM-BZ6204UE module starts in Advertisement mode.