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VakaOS/docs/hardware.md
2026-03-20 17:23:49 +01:00

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Hardware

Current target: PineTime smartwatch.

PineTime is an open hardware smartwatch designed by Pine64.

It is capable of running fully custom firmware.

Core Specifications

Main hardware components include:

  • Nordic nRF52832 MCU (ARM Cortex-M4F)
  • 64 KB RAM
  • 512 KB internal flash
  • additional 4 MB SPI NOR flash for assets
  • Bluetooth Low Energy support

The CPU runs at 64 MHz and includes a floating-point unit.

Display

PineTime includes:

  • 1.3 inch IPS display
  • resolution 240×240
  • ST7789 display controller
  • capacitive touchscreen controller

The display is connected through SPI.

Sensors

The device contains several sensors and peripherals:

  • BMA421 accelerometer
  • HRS3300 heart rate sensor
  • vibration motor
  • capacitive touchscreen

These are typically connected over I²C.

Battery

PineTime uses a small Li-Po battery around 170-180 mAh capacity.

Battery life depends heavily on firmware design and BLE usage.

Development Constraints

Important constraints for firmware design:

  • very limited RAM (64 KB)
  • limited internal flash (512 KB)
  • firmware must run entirely from internal flash
  • external flash cannot execute code

The external flash is mainly used for:

  • fonts
  • assets
  • large UI resources.

Future Hardware Support

Vaka OS is designed primarily for PineTime.

Portability may be considered later but is not a primary goal during early development.