ESP-Scope

ESP-Scope is a clever implementation of a web-based oscilloscope leveraging the power of the ESP32 and the ESP-IDF framework. Designed to provide real-time signal visualization through a standard web browser, this project eliminates the need for dedicated display hardware by serving a responsive UI directly from the microcontroller. It is particularly optimized for the Seeed XIAO ESP32C6, though it can be adapted for other ESP32-based development boards.

Core Features and Capabilities

The project transforms an ESP32 into a functional diagnostic tool with several impressive features:

• Real-time Visualization: Signals are captured via the ADC and streamed to a web interface.
• Adjustable Sample Rates: Users can configure the sampling frequency between 1 Hz and 83,333 Hz.
• Triggering and Measurement: Includes adjustable trigger levels and crosshair functionality for precise signal analysis.
• Integrated Test Signal: A built-in test signal generator (output on D1) allows for easy calibration and verification without external equipment.
• WiFi Management: The device starts as a WiFi Access Point (AP) for initial configuration and can be easily connected to an existing network via a built-in WiFi manager.

Technical Architecture

ESP-Scope is built using the ESP-IDF (Espressif IoT Development Framework). It relies on FreeRTOS for task management, ensuring that ADC sampling and web server operations run concurrently without interference. The project uses the following ESP-IDF components:

• esp_http_server: To host the web interface and handle data requests.
• esp_adc: For high-speed analog-to-digital conversion.
• esp_wifi and esp_netif: To manage wireless connectivity.
• nvs_flash: For persistent storage of WiFi credentials and oscilloscope settings.

The frontend is a lightweight combination of HTML and JavaScript, embedded directly into the firmware. This allows the device to remain completely self-contained.

Hardware and 3D Design

While the software is the heart of the project, the author has provided a complete hardware solution. The repository includes 3D design files (STEP format) for a custom case designed for the Seeed XIAO ESP32C6. The case includes space for a Li-poly battery, making the ESP-Scope a truly portable tool. The hardware setup uses standard 2.54mm pitch headers for ground, signal, and test connections.

Getting Started

To build the project, you will need the ESP-IDF environment installed. The build process follows the standard ESP-IDF workflow:

# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/MatAtBread/esp-scope.git
cd esp-scope

# Set up environment and build
idf.py set-target esp32c6
idf.py build
idf.py flash monitor

Once flashed, the device creates a WiFi network named “ESP-Scope”. Connecting to this network and navigating to http://esp-scope opens the control dashboard. The onboard LED provides status feedback, such as indicating AP mode (1-second flashes) or active data transmission (rapid flashes).

A Note on Development

Interestingly, the project serves as a case study for AI-assisted development. Much of the code was generated using Google Gemini, with human oversight for architectural design and refinement. This collaborative approach resulted in a fully functional, documented, and housed project completed in just a weekend.