Blynk.NCP overview

What is Blynk.NCP

Blynk.NCP is a software solution that off-loads connectivity to a Network Co-Processor (NCP), while your application logic resides on the Primary MCU. This implies a dual-Microcontroller Unit (MCU) architecture.

When to use Blynk.NCP

Using Blynk.NCP is recommended if one of these is true:

• You're building a new IoT product with specific requirements for the Primary MCU, so you're adding a separate connectivity module

• You are using Blynk for retrofitting your existing products

• You have included an AT command-based module, but you struggle to make it work right or to achieve your product goals

• You have one of the supported dual-MCU boards and want connect it to Blynk

Why use Blynk.NCP

Blynk.NCP allows to immediately have access to Blynk’s advanced features - such as device provisioning, OTA firmware updates and others - using the hardware of your choice, which reduces integration efforts, time to market, and improves reliability of your products.

Features available with Blynk.NCP:

• Blynk.Inject: connect your devices easily using Android App, iOS App or Web Dashboard

  • BLE-assisted device provisioning for the best end-user experience

  • WiFiAP-based provisioning for devices without BLE support

• Network Manager:

  • WiFi (up to 16 saved networks), Ethernet, Cellular (depending on the hardware)

  • Advanced network connection troubleshooting

• Secure Blynk.Cloud connection that provides simple API for:

  • Data transfer with Virtual Pins, reporting Events, and accessing Metadata

  • Time, Timezone and Location, with an ability to track local time when the device is offline, including DST transitions

• Blynk.Air - Automatic Over The Air firmware updates using Web Dashboard

  • Both NCP and the Primary MCU firmware updates

  • Direct firmware upgrade using iOS/Android App, before device activation

Additional services that can be provided by the Blynk.NCP:

• NCP-assisted fail-safe OTA updates

• Connectivity-related device state indication - requires a monochrome/RGB/addressable LED attached to the NCP

• User button (also used for configuration reset) - requires a momentary push button attached to the NCP

• Factory testing and provisioning

Blynk team is now working on a range of complementary features that will be available with Blynk.NCP, persistent automation scenarios, non-volatile storage for Preferences library, and generic UDP/TCP/TLS socket API being among them.

How to connect any board to Blynk with Blynk.NCP

To enable a seamless connection and advanced Blynk’s functionality, add one of the supported connectivity modules to your hardware as a Network Co-Processor. We’ve prepared an example that includes firmware and will help you set up the communication between your hardware and Blynk with minimal effort.

Connect a supported dual-MCU board using Blynk.NCP

If you are using one of the following dual-MCU boards: UNO R4 WiFi, Portenta C33, Nano RP2040 Connect, Nano 33 IoT, MKR WiFi 1010, T-PicoC3, or RPi Pico + ESP8266, you can use this Blynk.NCP example to set up communication with the platform within minutes.