DKBBoard - Open-Source Embedded System for Engineering Education
🌍 DKBBoard
is an open-source hardware and software ecosystem designed for students, educators, and engineers to learn IoT, embedded systems, and automation. This project provides a modular, scalable, and practical learning tool, enabling hands-on development with ESP32, GSM, real-time execution, and cloud integration.
📌** Vision & Purpose**
To create an educational and industry-ready embedded system that integrates multiple MCUs, real-time execution, and cloud connectivity, making it suitable for students, developers, and researchers.
Why DKBBoard?
Modern engineering education often lacks affordable, interactive, and scalable learning tools that bridge theory with practical application. DKBBoard is designed to: ✅ Enhance hands-on learning with real-world embedded programming examples. ✅ Provide a modular embedded framework for IoT, automation, and AI expansion. ✅ Create an accessible tool for students and educators in electronics and computer science. ✅ Support open-source development, allowing contributors to refine and improve functionality.
📡 This project is open to all engineers, DIY makers, and educational institutions looking to foster creativity and technical expertise through real-world applications.
🔧 Hardware Architecture 1️⃣ Core Processing Unit
- ESP32 – High-performance microcontroller with Wi-Fi & Bluetooth support.
- GSM Module (SIM800L) – Cellular communication for IoT applications, enabling SMS alerts & remote control.
- Real-Time Clock (RTC) – For precise time-based automation. 2️⃣ Sensor & Peripheral Integration
- Temperature Sensor (LM35/DHT11) – Environmental monitoring.
- Light Sensor (LDR) – Adaptive brightness control based on ambient light.
- PIR Motion Sensor – Security and automation triggers.
- Current Sensor (ACS712) – Energy consumption monitoring.
- OLED/LCD Display – Real-time sensor data visualization. 3️⃣ Actuators & Communication Modules
- Stepper Motors & Servos – Mechanical movement control.
- Relays & Solid-State Switches – Electrical device switching for automation.
- MQTT/WebSockets – Wireless cloud connectivity for remote operation.
- Expansion Ports – GPIOs, I2C, SPI, UART for additional module integration.
💻 Software Architecture
1️⃣ Embedded Firmware (ESP32 & GSM)
- Multi-threaded execution using FreeRTOS for parallel sensor data processing.
- Interrupt-driven response system for high-priority execution tasks.
- Non-blocking communication protocols (MQTT/WebSockets/SMS).
- Cloud API integration for remote dashboard updates & data logging.
2️⃣ Web-Based Dashboard (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
- Dynamic sensor data streaming using Server-Sent Events (SSE) for real-time updates.
- User-friendly UI for actuator control (motor, relay, lighting adjustments).
- API-driven data handling between ESP32 and web interface.
- Cross-platform compatibility (Desktop/Mobile-friendly).
3️⃣ Cloud & Remote Access
- Real-time data processing & storage via MQTT/WebSockets.
- GSM fallback mechanism for remote operation in areas without Wi-Fi coverage.
- Historical data analytics for tracking system usage trends.
📡 Future Expansions: ✔ AI-driven automation using edge computing & machine learning. ✔ Industrial integration with CAN/LIN communication protocols.
📡 Detailed System Architecture Multi-Layered Execution Flow ┌────────────────────────┐ │ Web Dashboard UI (GUI) │ └──────────┬─────────────┘ │ ┌─────────────────────────▼─────────────────────────┐ │ API Services (MQTT, WebSockets, GSM SMS) │ │ Enables real-time IoT data exchange │ └─────────────────────────┬─────────────────────────┘ │ ┌──────────────────────────────▼──────────────────────────────┐ │ Firmware Layer (ESP32 & GSM) │ │ - Multi-sensor parallel processing (FreeRTOS) │ │ - Interrupt-based execution for motors & relays │ │ - Secure data communication (Wi-Fi, GSM, MQTT) │ └──────────────────────────────┬──────────────────────────────┘ │ ┌──────────────────────────────▼───────────────────────────────┐ │ Hardware Layer (Microcontrollers, Sensors, Actuators) │ │ - ESP32 MCU for Wi-Fi & Bluetooth communication │ │ - GSM (SIM800L) for SMS & fallback connectivity │ │ - Stepper motors, PIR sensors, temperature modules │ └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
✔ Ensures modularity and flexibility for future enhancements. ✔ Decouples software and hardware dependencies, improving scalability.
📖 Development Roadmap
📅 Phase-Wise Implementation 🔹 Phase 1: Core System Setup ✅ ESP32 & GSM firmware initialization. ✅ Multi-sensor integration using FreeRTOS. ✅ Wi-Fi & MQTT/WebSocket API setup.
🔹 Phase 2: Web Dashboard Development ✅ Real-time SSE-based sensor data visualization. ✅ User-friendly UI design for controlling actuators. ✅ Mobile accessibility optimization.
🔹 Phase 3: Cloud & IoT Expansion ✅ Implement historical logging & analytics. ✅ Expand GSM functionality (SMS-based automation). ✅ Secure remote access with encryption. 📡 Future Roadmap: AI-driven automation, industrial CAN/LIN integration.
🚀 Getting Started
Step 1: Clone the Repository git clone https://github.com/github4mathews/DKBBoard.git cd DKBBoard
Step 2: Setup ESP32 & GSM ✔ Install dependencies (Arduino IDE, PlatformIO). ✔ Configure Wi-Fi & MQTT in config.h.
Step 3: Deploy Firmware & Web Interface ✔ Flash ESP32 with main.cpp firmware. ✔ Launch web dashboard (index.html).
Step 4: Explore Features ✔ View real-time sensor updates. ✔ Control motors, relays via the web app. 📖 Refer to the documentation in the repository for detailed usage!
🌟 How to Contribute?
We welcome open-source contributors, educators, and industry professionals to improve and expand DKBBoard! ✔ Fork the repo and submit improvements via pull requests. ✔ Report issues & suggest enhancements in the discussions section. ✔ Share technical knowledge & tutorials to improve the learning experience. 🔗 Let’s collaborate to make engineering education more interactive! 🚀🔥