DIY New Year Toy: RISC-V & WS2812B Project

A developer has initiated a project to create a custom New Year toy using microcontrollers acquired in 2019. The project focuses on utilizing the CH32V003F4P6 microcontroller and WS2812B addressable LEDs to build a festive device. The hardware design and firmware development were handled using specific software tools provided by the component manufacturers.

The resulting device features a straightforward circuit design centered around a RISC-V architecture. Power is supplied externally at 5V, and the system includes standard connectivity options for programming and power. This initiative serves as a practical application for dormant electronic components.

The project began with the decision to utilize a stock of 50 microcontrollers purchased in 2019. The developer acquired these CH32V003F4P6 units at a cost of 11 rubles per unit. The motivation for the project was to create a New Year toy and to experiment with WS2812B addressable LEDs.

The core components selected for the build include:

• CH32V003F4P6 microcontroller (RISC-V architecture)
• WS2812B addressable LEDs
• Power connector
• Programming connector
• Power supply capacitors

The device is designed to operate on an external power supply rated at 5V. The inclusion of the WS2812B LEDs provided an opportunity to test their functionality in a practical application.

The schematic and printed circuit board (PCB) for the device were designed using KiCad 9.0, a free CAD software. The resulting circuit is described as sufficiently simple, bordering on primitive. The design relies heavily on the integration of the CH32V003F4P6 microcontroller acting as the central processing unit.

Key hardware features include:

• Minimalist design: The circuit avoids complex components to ensure reliability.
• Power regulation: Multiple capacitors are placed near the power connector to stabilize the 5V input.
• Connectivity: Dedicated connectors for both power input and programming access are included.

This approach ensures that the device is easy to assemble and troubleshoot while maintaining the necessary functionality for the holiday project.

The firmware for the microcontroller was developed using MounRiver Studio II. This integrated development environment (IDE) is specifically provided by Nanjing Qinheng Microelectronics, the manufacturer of the CH32V003F4P6 chip. Using the manufacturer's recommended toolchain ensures compatibility and optimal performance for the RISC-V architecture.

The software logic drives the WS2812B LEDs to create the visual effects required for the New Year toy. The development environment allows for efficient coding and flashing of the microcontroller, streamlining the transition from hardware design to functional device.

This project demonstrates the effective utilization of older stock components to create a modern, festive device. By leveraging the CH32V003F4P6 microcontroller and WS2812B LEDs, the developer successfully built a functional New Year toy. The use of KiCad 9.0 for design and MounRiver Studio II for firmware highlights the accessibility of professional-grade tools for hobbyist electronics.

The project serves as a reminder that components purchased years ago can still be put to good use in creative ways. With a simple 5V power supply and a basic circuit, complex holiday effects are achievable using modern RISC-V microcontrollers.