Python is fine for many uses, but when it comes to number crunching, it struggles. For regular Python,
designed to run on full computers, the solution comes in the form of NumPy and SciPy. These libraries contain number-crunching code that runs much quicker than is usually possible. This is because Python can work with code written in other, much faster, languages.
While NumPy and SciPy don’t work in MicroPython and CircuitPython, there is a similar library that does – ulab. We’ll look at the CircuitPython version here.
It’s only available on the very latest release – 5.1 rc0 – or higher, so you’ll need to upgrade to this. Also,
it’s only compatible with Cortex-M4 ARM chips at the moment, which mostly means those boards based on SAMD51 or nRF52 series microcontrollers. You can download the latest firmware for any CircuitPython compatible device from circuitpython.org. We’ve used the Adafruit CLUE for this code as it has both a built-in microphone and screen, but you can use the same technique with any data that varies over time.
Stop breadboarding and soldering – start making immediately! Adafruit’s Circuit Playground is jam-packed with LEDs, sensors, buttons, alligator clip pads and more. Build projects with Circuit Playground in a few minutes with the drag-and-drop MakeCode programming site, learn computer science using the CS Discoveries class on code.org, jump into CircuitPython to learn Python and hardware together, TinyGO, or even use the Arduino IDE. Circuit Playground Express is the newest and best Circuit Playground board, with support for CircuitPython, MakeCode, and Arduino. It has a powerful processor, 10 NeoPixels, mini speaker, InfraRed receive and transmit, two buttons, a switch, 14 alligator clip pads, and lots of sensors: capacitive touch, IR proximity, temperature, light, motion and sound. A whole wide world of electronics and coding is waiting for you, and it fits in the palm of your hand.