# MicroPython with Matt Trentini

- Show: [The Pragmatic Embedded Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast)
- Published: 2026-01-05
- Length: 57m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2026-01-05-micropython-with-matt-trentini
- Listen: https://agileembeddedpodcast.com/episodes/micropython-with-matt-trentini-MAk9WKHp

## Summary

Matt Trentini, Principal Software Engineer at Planet Innovation, explains how his team uses MicroPython for professional embedded development, including Class B medical devices. He details the benefits of the interactive REPL and the Unix port for rapid testing, while addressing performance trade-offs and the ability to integrate C code for critical sections. Trentini highlights how this approach accelerates board bring-up, improves junior developer productivity, and enables real-time client demos that are difficult to achieve with C++.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2026-01-05-micropython-with-matt-trentini#t=0) Introduction: Matt Trentini and Planet Innovation
- [3:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2026-01-05-micropython-with-matt-trentini#t=210) What is MicroPython: REPL, Machine Module, and Ports
- [7:46](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2026-01-05-micropython-with-matt-trentini#t=466) Introducing MicroPython via OpenMV and Vision Processing
- [12:48](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2026-01-05-micropython-with-matt-trentini#t=768) Testing with the Unix Port and Mock Machine Library
- [18:40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2026-01-05-micropython-with-matt-trentini#t=1120) Integrating C and C++ Extension Modules
- [26:59](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2026-01-05-micropython-with-matt-trentini#t=1619) When Not to Use MicroPython: Cost and Resource Constraints
- [31:50](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2026-01-05-micropython-with-matt-trentini#t=1910) Garbage Collection and Safety in Class B Medical Devices
- [41:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2026-01-05-micropython-with-matt-trentini#t=2485) Common Mistakes: Logic Errors vs. Memory Corruption
- [48:26](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2026-01-05-micropython-with-matt-trentini#t=2906) Junior Developer Productivity and Board Bring-up

## Topics

- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [Medical & health devices](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/medical-devices)
- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Planet Innovation (company)
- MicroPython (other)
- OpenMV (product)
- Damian George (other)
- PyBoard (product)
- MPRemote (tool)
- Zephyr (other)
- ESP32 (chip)
- STM32 (chip)
- RP2040 (chip)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [An Interview with Tony DiCola](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-11-18-an-interview-with-tony-dicola) (The Amp Hour)
- [493: Put the Peeps in the Chili Pot](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2025-01-24-493-put-the-peeps-in-the-chili-pot) (Embedded.fm)
- [256: Agglomeration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2018-08-16-256-agglomeration) (Embedded.fm)
- [295: In the Key of Lime (Repeat)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-04-07-295-in-the-key-of-lime-repeat) (Embedded.fm)
- [Ep 387: Superhuman Clocks, CAN in USB-C, and the Joys of Bare Metal](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-09-18-ep-387-superhuman-clocks-can-in-usb-c-and-the-joys-of-bare-metal) (Hackaday Podcast)

## Citing this page

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