BBC Micro:bit Introduction

Topics covered

Key Features

Latest Firmware

Programming languages

The BBC micro:bit is a pocket-sized computer that can enable you to be creative with digital technology.

Key features:

• • A display consisting of 25 red LEDs

  • Two programmable buttons (marked A and B)

  • An on-board motion sensor or accelerometer

  • A built-in compass or magnetometer

  • Bluetooth Smart Technology;

  • Three input and output (I/O) rings.

On the back of the board you will find the brains of the micro:bit, a 16MHz, 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0 microcontroller with 256KB Flash, 16KB RAM and a built-in temperature sensor.

Latest Firmware

Your micro:bit may need to have its firmware updated to the latest version. To do this check out the link below before you begin the rest of this lesson. Pay special attention to placing your micro:bit into 'MAINTENANCE' mode before downloading the firmware: https://microbit.org/get-started/user-guide/firmware/

Programming Languages

The micro:bit may be programmed using a variety of languages, including Scratch and other Block type systems, JavaScript, MicroPython and 'C' code.