update: improve documentation and restructure code for modular hardware integration, add CAN communication to HAL, and update KiCad layouts

website/content/Software/_index.md

@@ -2,13 +2,50 @@
 title: "Software"
 date: 2025-01-24
 draft: false
-description: "Information about the Firmware"
-tags: ["software"]
+description: "Information about the PlantCtrl Firmware"
+tags: ["software", "rust", "esp32-c6", "firmware"]
 ---
-* esp-idf-hal based rust project
-* can be run standalon or with wifi
-* MQTT
-* SNTP to sync the RTC/Clock
-* Abitrary file upload and download into SPIFS volume
-* Flash Battery Controller from file in Flash
-* Flash Firmware via OTA directly from website
+
+The PlantCtrl firmware is a modern, reliable, and efficient system designed specifically for the ESP32-C6 RISC-V microcontroller. It is written entirely in **Rust**, leveraging the power of asynchronous programming to ensure low power consumption and high responsiveness.
+
+## Core Technology Stack
+
+*   **Language:** [Rust](https://www.rust-lang.org/) (no_std)
+*   **Async Runtime:** [Embassy](https://embassy.dev/)
+*   **Hardware Abstraction:** `esp-hal` for ESP32-C6
+*   **Filesystem:** [LittleFS2](https://github.com/littlefs-project/littlefs) for robust persistent storage
+*   **Web Framework:** `edge-http` for the integrated web server
+
+## Key Features
+
+### Intelligent Watering
+The software manages up to 8 independent watering zones.
+*   **Moisture-Based Control:** Automatically triggers pumps when soil moisture drops below a configurable threshold.
+*   **Safety Limits:** Includes pump time limits, volume limits (requires flow sensor), and mandatory cooldown periods.
+*   **Scheduling:** Define specific hours during which watering is allowed to occur.
+*   **Pump Protection:** Monitors pump current to detect dry running or blockages (using INA219).
+
+### Modular Sensor Integration
+The firmware communicates with the new **CAN bus-based sensor modules**.
+*   **Digital Accuracy:** Receives precise moisture data over the robust CAN bus protocol.
+*   **Multi-Sensor Support:** Supports A and B sensor pairs for each plant to provide better averaging in large containers.
+
+### Networking & IoT
+*   **WiFi:** Supports both Station mode (connecting to your home network) and Access Point mode (for initial setup).
+*   **MQTT & Home Assistant:** Full integration with Home Assistant via the `mcutie` crate. Reports battery status, moisture levels, tank levels, and allows remote configuration.
+*   **Time Sync:** Uses **SNTP** to keep the internal Real-Time Clock (RTC) accurate.
+*   **OTA Updates:** Firmware can be updated wirelessly via the web interface.
+
+### Power Management
+*   **Solar Optimized:** Works in tandem with the MPPT module to maximize solar charging.
+*   **Battery Aware:** Monitors battery State of Charge (SoC). It can automatically disable non-essential features (like the nightlight) or enter a deep-sleep "rescue mode" if the battery is critically low.
+*   **Low Power:** Uses ESP32-C6 power-saving features to ensure long autonomous operation.
+
+### Integrated Web Interface
+The firmware hosts a comprehensive web dashboard built with **TypeScript** and **Webpack**.
+*   **Real-time Monitoring:** View current moisture, battery health, and solar production.
+*   **Easy Configuration:** Change all system settings (WiFi, MQTT, watering rules) directly from your browser.
+*   **Diagnostics:** Access system logs and hardware status information.
+
+## Emergency Rescue Mode
+If the system detects a missing configuration or an invalid system time, it automatically enters **Emergency Rescue Mode**. In this mode, it opens a WiFi Access Point ("PlantCtrl Init") allowing you to perform initial setup or recover the system.