[Diao Ye Learns Programming] MicroPython Manual ESP32 Specific Port Library esp32.Partition.ioctl()

MicroPython is a lightweight version of the interpreter designed for running the Python 3 programming language in embedded systems. Compared with regular Python, the MicroPython interpreter is small (only about 100KB) and is compiled into a binary Executable file to run, resulting in higher execution efficiency. It uses a lightweight garbage collection mechanism and removes most of the Python standard library to accommodate resource-constrained microcontrollers.

The main features of MicroPython include:
1. The syntax and functions are compatible with standard Python, making it easy to learn and use. Supports most core syntax of Python.
2. Directly access and control hardware, control GPIO, I2C, SPI, etc. like Arduino.
3. Powerful module system, providing file system, network, graphical interface and other functions.
4. Support cross-compilation to generate efficient native code, which is 10-100 times faster than the interpreter.
5. The amount of code is small and the memory usage is small. It is suitable for running on MCU and development boards with small memory.
6. Open source license, free to use. The Shell interactive environment provides convenience for development and testing.
7. The built-in I/O driver supports a large number of microcontroller platforms, such as ESP8266, ESP32, STM32, micro:bit, control board and PyBoard, etc. There is an active community.

MicroPython application scenarios include:
1. Rapidly build prototypes and user interactions for embedded products.
2. Make some small programmable hardware projects.
3. As an educational tool, it helps beginners learn Python and IoT programming.
4. Build smart device firmware to achieve advanced control and cloud connectivity.
5. Various microcontroller applications such as Internet of Things, embedded intelligence, robots, etc.

Things to note when using MicroPython:
1. Memory and Flash space are limited.
2. The explanation and execution efficiency is not as good as C language.
3. Some library functions are different from the standard version.
4. Optimize the syntax for the platform and correct the differences with standard Python.
5. Use memory resources rationally and avoid frequently allocating large memory blocks.
6. Use native code to improve the performance of speed-critical parts.
7. Use abstraction appropriately to encapsulate underlying hardware operations.

Generally speaking, MicroPython brings Python into the field of microcontrollers, which is an important innovation that not only lowers the programming threshold but also provides good hardware control capabilities. It is very suitable for the development of various types of Internet of Things and intelligent hardware.

MicroPython's esp refers to the MicroPython firmware and related software libraries for ESP8266 and ESP32 chips. ESP8266 and ESP32 are a class of low-cost, low-power Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules widely used in IoT and embedded systems. MicroPython's esp provides an advanced scripting environment for both chips, allowing developers to use the Python language for rapid prototyping and development.

ESP8266: It is a low-cost, low-power Wi-Fi module/chip developed by Espressif Systems. It has a built-in TCP/IP protocol stack, can be used to connect to the Internet, and has strong processing capabilities. MicroPython's esp provides firmware and related software libraries for ESP8266, allowing developers to use MicroPython language to develop ESP8266 applications.

ESP32: It is a highly integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth module/chip launched by Espressif Systems. Compared with ESP8266, it has more powerful processing power, more peripheral interfaces and more memory. MicroPython's esp also provides firmware and related software libraries for ESP32, allowing developers to use MicroPython language to develop ESP32 applications.

MicroPython's esp firmware: It is a MicroPython firmware version specifically for ESP8266 and ESP32 chips. These firmwares have been specifically optimized to run on ESP8266 and ESP32, and provide APIs for hardware interaction, network communication, and peripheral control.

Software libraries: MicroPython's esp also provides a series of software libraries related to ESP8266 and ESP32 hardware to simplify and accelerate the development process. These software libraries provide a rich set of functional interfaces, covering commonly used hardware and communication protocols such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPIO (General Purpose Input and Output), I2C, SPI, and PWM, allowing developers to easily access and control hardware resources.

esp32.Partition.ioctl() is a method in MicroPython used to control ESP32 partitions. It provides the ability to perform low-level operations and configuration on partitions. The following is a detailed explanation of its main features, application scenarios and matters needing attention, and three practical application cases are given:

main feature:

The esp32.Partition.ioctl() method is used to perform underlying I/O control operations and can perform various configurations and controls on partitions.
This method accepts two parameters: cmd and arg. cmd is an integer representing the specific command to be executed, and arg is an argument for additional data to be passed to the command.
You can interact with the underlying partition through the esp32.Partition.ioctl() method to achieve more advanced functions and operations.

Application scenarios:

The esp32.Partition.ioctl() method is suitable for scenarios that require low-level configuration and control of the ESP32 partition.
You can use this method to perform operations such as formatting, verification, and encryption of partitions.
This method can also be used to read and set the properties of the partition, such as access rights, labels, protection, etc.

Things to note:

Before using the esp32.Partition.ioctl() method, you need to import the esp32 module first.
When using this method, be sure to provide the correct commands and parameters to avoid damage to the partition or unexpected results.
Since the esp32.Partition.ioctl() method provides direct control over the underlying partition, it needs to be used with caution to avoid unnecessary operations.

Here are a few practical application examples:

Case 1: Format partition:
:

import esp32

# 获取分区对象
partition = esp32.Partition(0)

# 格式化分区
partition.ioctl(esp32.Partition.IOCTL_FORMAT, 0)

print("分区已格式化.")

Case 2: Set up partition protection:
:

import esp32

# 获取分区对象
partition = esp32.Partition(1)

# 设置分区保护
partition.ioctl(esp32.Partition.IOCTL_SET_PROTECT, 1)

print("分区已设置保护.")

Case 3: Obtain partition access:
:

import esp32

# 获取分区对象
partition = esp32.Partition(2)

# 获取分区访问权限
access = partition.ioctl(esp32.Partition.IOCTL_GET_ACCESS)

print("分区访问权限:", access)

Note that the partition IDs in the above example may need to be adjusted based on the actual partition configuration. You can select the appropriate partition ID to operate based on the partition layout and needs on the ESP32. Also, ensure that when using the esp32.Partition.ioctl() method, you provide the correct commands and parameters, and follow relevant documentation and guidance to ensure correct and safe operation of partitions.

Case 4: Control the erasure operation of partition:

import machine

# 打开分区
partition = machine.Partition('data')

# 发送擦除命令
partition.ioctl(0x100)

# 等待擦除完成
while partition.ioctl(0x101) == 0:
    pass

# 擦除完成
print("分区已擦除")

In this example, we use the esp32.Partition.ioctl() method to control the partition to perform the erase operation. We first open a partition named 'data' using the machine.Partition() method. Then, we use the ioctl() method to send the erase command (0x100). Next, we use a loop to wait for the erase operation to complete by continuously checking the status code (0x101) returned by the ioctl() method. Finally, when the erase operation is complete, we print a message to confirm.

Case 5: Get the size of the partition::

import machine

# 打开分区
partition = machine.Partition('data')

# 获取分区大小
size = partition.ioctl(0x200)

# 输出分区大小
print("分区大小：{} 字节".format(size))

In this example, we use the esp32.Partition.ioctl() method to get the size of the partition. We first open a partition named 'data' using the machine.Partition() method. We then use the ioctl() method to send the command to get the partition size (0x200). Next, we store the returned size value in the variable size and use the print() function to output the partition size.

Case 6: Set the protection mode of the partition::

import machine

# 打开分区
partition = machine.Partition('data')

# 设置分区为只读模式
partition.ioctl(0x300)

# 尝试写入数据到只读分区
try:
    with open('/data/test.txt', 'w') as file:
        file.write("Hello, World!")
except OSError as e:
    print("无法写入到只读分区：", e)

In this example, we use the esp32.Partition.ioctl() method to set the protection mode of the partition. We first open a partition named 'data' using the machine.Partition() method. We then use the ioctl() method to send the command to set read-only mode (0x300). Next, we try to write data in the read-only partition. Since the partition has been set to read-only mode, an OSError exception is raised. We catch the exception and print the corresponding error message.

Case 7: Get the size of the partition:

import esp32

partition = esp32.Partition(esp32.Partition.RUNNING)
size = partition.ioctl(esp32.IOCTL_PARTITION_GET_SIZE)
print("Partition size:", size, "bytes")

In this example, we use esp32.Partition()the class to get the currently running partition object. Then, by calling ioctl()the method of the partition object and passing it esp32.IOCTL_PARTITION_GET_SIZEas argument, we can get the size of the partition. The result returned will be the size of the partition in bytes, which we print out.

Case 8: Set the protection mode of the partition:

import esp32

partition = esp32.Partition(esp32.Partition.RUNNING)
partition.ioctl(esp32.IOCTL_PARTITION_SET_PROTECTION, esp32.PARTITION_PROTECT_READ_ONLY)

In this example, we use esp32.Partition()the class to get the currently running partition object. We can then set the partition into read-only protected mode by calling ioctl()a method on the partition object, passing esp32.IOCTL_PARTITION_SET_PROTECTIONand as arguments. esp32.PARTITION_PROTECT_READ_ONLYThis will prevent writes to the partition.

Case 9: Erase partition data:

import esp32

partition = esp32.Partition(esp32.Partition.RUNNING)
partition.ioctl(esp32.IOCTL_PARTITION_ERASE)

In this example, we use esp32.Partition()the class to get the currently running partition object. Then, by calling ioctl()the method of the partition object and passing it esp32.IOCTL_PARTITION_ERASEas parameter, we can erase the partition's data. This will clear everything in the partition.

These examples show the esp32.Partition.ioctl() method in action. It can help you perform different control operations, such as getting partition size, setting protection mode, erasing partition data, etc. Please note that the specific partition ID and operation may vary depending on the configuration and firmware version of the ESP32, please adjust according to your actual situation.