PowerTrace

Minimal setup and run instructions for PowerTrace.

Prerequisites

Hardware

• Seeed Studio XIAO-ESP32S3-Plus development board
• Adafruit microSD Card BFF shield
• Texas Instrument INA228 measurement module
• USB-A to USB-C cable

Software

• Python 3.14+
• PyCharm 2026.0+

Installation

git clone https://github.com/Christ0u/PowerTrace.git
cd PowerTrace

Create and activate virtual environment

python.exe -m venv .venv
.\.venv\Scripts\activate

Install dependencies

pip install -r requirements.txt

PyCharm configuration

Python interpreter configuration

Open PyCharm

1. File > Open and select the project folder
2. File > Settings > Python > Interpreter
3. Add Interpreter > Add Local Interpreter
4. Select existing and point to the project's virtual environement (...\.venv\Scripts\python.exe)

MicroPython configuration

1. File > Settings > Languages & Frameworks > MicroPython Tools
2. Check the Enable MicroPython support box
3. Hold the BOOT button on the ESP32-S3 while plugging USB
4. Click Install or update MicroPython firmware:
   • MCU: ESP32S3
   • Board variant: XIAO ESP32S3
   • Check the Erase flash first box
   • Uncheck the Connect to the device after flashing box
   • Click Flash and wait for completion
5. Reconnect the board, select the correct COM port in MicroPython Tools menu and click Connect device

Running configuration

Click on Run / Debug Configurations drop-down menu then Edit Configurations

Add new run configuration > MicroPython Tools > Upload

• Name: PowerTrace
• Define a source mapping with Local path: <project folder>

Recommended exclusions

Value	Exclude type	Exclude from uploads	Exclude from synchronisation
/venv	Absolute Path	Yes	No
/LICENSE	Absolute Path	Yes	No
/pyproject.toml	Absolute Path	Yes	No
/temp	Absolute Path	Yes	No
/doc	Absolute Path	Yes	No
*.md	Pattern	Yes	No
*.txt	Pattern	Yes	No
.*	Pattern	Yes	No

Check the Reset on success (Soft Reset) and Synchronize boxes

Running the project

Select the PowerTrace configuration and click the green triangle-shaped Run button

Troubleshooting

• Board not detected: verify COM port and drivers.
• Upload fails: reflash MicroPython firmware and verify exclusions so large or irrelevant files are not uploaded.

For further help, open an issue on the repository.