The Beetle ESP32-C6 Board is a tiny Arduino IoT board with an ESP32-C6 160MHz RISC-V processor, with support for Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5, Zigbee 3.0, and Thread 1.3. It’s designed for Matter terminal devices and includes integrated battery charging, which makes it ideal for compact, wearable projects.
Matter is a universal, open-source smart home standard designed for secure, interoperable connectivity across devices, making the development process simpler within smart ecosystems.
We’ve reviewed many DFRobot products before, like the FireBeetle 2 ESP32 C6 board which is similar to this one. We’ve also looked at the Beetle RP2040 Mini, a DC-DC Fast Charge Module, and many other modules from DFRobot feel free to check those out if you are interested in the topic.
The module is powered by an ESP32-C6 CPU that offers a single-core RISC-V processor running at 160 MHz, 512KB of SRAM, 4MB of Flash memory, and 16KB of dedicated SRAM for the Real-Time Clock (RTC), and other features.
As we mentioned earlier FireBeetle 2 supports Thread 1.3, a protocol designed for low-power, secure, and scalable mesh networking in IoT devices. It features IPv6-based connectivity, and enhanced reliability, and is optimized for smart home and commercial IoT applications.
The FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C6, supporting Wi-Fi 6, enables ultra-low-power IoT devices with efficient operation and low latency. Its Wi-Fi 6 capability, including Target Wake Time technology, reduces power consumption and extends battery life.
The company also provides pinout and board parts markings to make the development process easier and as we can see in the above post this board uses the very popular TP4057 IC to charge the battery.
Features and Specification of Beetle ESP32-C6 Board:
Others: IR (5x transmit/receive), ADC (7 channels), DMA
This compact 25 x 20.5mm board supports Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n, 802.11ax) with (20 MHz-only non-AP mode), Bluetooth 5, Bluetooth mesh, and IEEE 802.15.4 (Zigbee 3.0, Thread 1.3) protocols, operating at 2.4GHz and offering power-saving with Wi-Fi 6’s Target Wake Time(TWT).
For detailed technical information and Arduino IDE setup instructions, refer to the DFRobot Wiki pages. The Beetle ESP32-C6 board is available on the DFRobot website, priced at $4.90. it can also be bought from AliExpress for $13.92. AliExpress price includes shipping.
The Olimex RT1010-Py is a small dev board with 500 MHz NXP i.MX RT1011 Cortex-M7 MCU, a microSD slot, USB-C port, two buttons,20-pin GPIO header, and a 12-pin fUEXT connector for UEXT modules.
Olimex provides comprehensive documentation for the RT1010-Py board, including a user manual in PDF, EU and UKCA Declarations of Conformity. For hardware insights, they offer the schematic in PDF and KiCAD source files on GitHub. Software-wise, the board is compatible with MicroPython, PlatformIO, and Arduino, with all resources accessible to users.
Olimex RT1010-Py Specifications:
SoC: NXP iMX RT1011 crossover microcontroller, Arm Cortex-M7 at 500 MHz, 128KB SRAM/TCM
Storage: 2MB SPI Flash; microSD card slot
USB: 1x USB 2.0 OTG Type-C port
Expansion Interfaces:
2x 20-pin headers with up to 15x GPIO, 3x UART, 2x SPI, 2x I2C, 1x I2S, 4x PWM, 5x analog input
EXT connector (12-pin flat cable, 0.5 mm step) with 3.3V, GND, I2C, SPI, UART
Miscellaneous:
RTC with 32.768 kHz crystal
RESET and BOOT buttons
Power Supply: 5V via USB-C port
Dimensions: 53.34 x 25.4 mm (2.1 x 1 inch)
Additional Features:
MIMXRT1011DAE5A running at 500Mhz
128KB onboard RAM
Two GPIO headers spaced at 22.86 mm (0.9 inch)
Micro SD card connector
Four PWM units with complementary outputs for push-pull drivers
USB 2.0 OTG
UEXT connector with 3.3V, GND, I2C, SPI, and UART
For ease of use, Olimex also developed the RT1010Py-DevKit, a compact (75 x 55 mm) carrier board for the RT1010-Py. The board includes support via 2x 20-pin headers, two 250VAC/10A relays, dual UEXT connectors for additional modules, a 4-position boot configuration slide switch, status LEDs, power and user buttons, and a USB-C power supply connector for streamlined expansion and functionality.
This DevKit is also open-sourced so all the documents like the hardware Schematic and the KiCAD files are also available to download for free.
Olimex offers the RT1010-Py board for €15 and its accompanying RT1010Py-DevKit at an additional cost of €10.
LECTRONZ has introduced a new USB Development Board called CH32V003. It’s designed for people who like to tinker with RISC-V microcontrollers. The main part of the board is a microcontroller called CH32V003F4U6 made by WCH. It can run at speeds up to 48 MHz, has 16KB of storage for programs, and 2KB of memory for data.
The board comes with a crystal installed, which helps with timing, but you can take it off if you want and use a different method for timing. This gives you flexibility in how you set up the clock for your projects.
It has 18 pins that you can connect to external devices, and 13 (or 15 if you count the crystal pins) of them are easy to reach from the sides. There’s also a light (LED) that you can control at pin PC0 and a button at pin PD7, which can also be used to reset the board. It’s a handy and versatile tool for people who like to experiment with microcontrollers.
The product page highlights that the CH32V003 USB Development Board is capable of using a technique called “bitbanged USB” with the rv003usb stack by CNLohr. This makes it easy for users to plug in the board and use it for USB-related projects. Three out of the 18 available pins on the board are specifically set up for USB functions, and you can access the USB data lines through holes on the inside of the board.
The board is fully compatible with the ch32v003fun project, which is an open-source project. The design of the printed circuit board (PCB) is also open source, meaning its design details are freely available with the CERN-OHL-W-2.0 license on GitHub. To program the board, users need a compatible SWIO programmer, such as the WCH LinkE. Alternatively, other programmers like the ESP32-S2 can be used, as described in the documentation.
For Arduino enthusiasts, the Ardulink project can program the board with an AVR-based ATMega328P device, like those found in Uno R3 or Nano boards.
The CH32V003 USB Development Board is mainly designed for development and evaluation purposes. It is priced at $5.16 for a single unit, and there are discounts for larger quantities; for example, two units cost $5.58, three units cost $6.42, and so on.
A frequency divider is a circuit that accepts an input signal of a frequency and outputs a signal that is a multiple of a reference frequency. It is also known as a clock divider, scaler, or prescaler.
Only very high frequencies are utilized with analog frequency dividers, which are less frequent. In today’s integrated circuits, digital dividers can operate at tens of GHz.
When a clock signal must be lowered in frequency, a frequency divider is a basic component of digital circuits. Digital communication, frequency synthesis, and data synchronization are among the many uses for frequency dividers.
Frequency Division applications employ toggle flip-flops as binary counters to reduce the frequency of the input clock signal. The output is divide-by-2 of the input.
Fig-1: Freq Division Counter
We know that D-type Flip-Flops are connected to make a Data Latch. The D-type Flip-Flop can also be used as a binary divider, a “divide-by-2” counter, or for frequency division.
Here, as seen below, the device receives “feedback” via the inverted output terminal Q̄ (not-Q), which is directly linked back to the data input terminal D.
Frequency Division Divide-by-2 Counter
Fig-2: Frequency division Phenomena by using Flip-Flop
The frequency waveforms above demonstrate how “feeding back” the output from Q to the input terminal D results in output pulses at Q that are precisely half (ƒ ÷ 2) of the input clock frequency. Put another way, the circuit divides the input frequency by two, or one octave, resulting in frequency division.
This results in a particular kind of counter known as a “ripple counter.” A ripple counter is a series of cascading flip-flops where the clock input of the next flip-flop is driven by the output of the previous flip-flop. The modulus of the counter is a parameter that determines how many flip flops are in a cascaded arrangement and how many different logic states the circuit passes through before repeating the sequence. You can count to 2n states using an n-bit ripple counter. It comes by the name MOD n counter as well. The way the clock pulse ripples through the flip-flops is why it’s called a ripple counter.
The Toggle Flip-Flop
The T-type or toggle flip-flop is another kind of digital gadget that may be utilized for frequency division. The single input of a toggle flip-flop is paired with one or two complementary outputs of Q and Q̄, which changes states depending on whether an input clock signal or pulse is on the rising or falling edge. Since they are not commercially available, with a small change to a conventional JK flip-flop, we may design a new sort of flip-flop called a Toggle flip-flop, wherein the J input functions as a Set (S) command and the K input functions as a Reset (R) command.
Toggle flip-flops can be built using D-type flip-flops as seen above, or from ordinary JK flip-flops such as the 74LS73. The end product is a gadget with just two inputs: the actual “Toggle” input and the indicated negative-controlled “Clock” input.
Fig-3: 74LS73 Toggle Flip-Flop
The name “toggle flip-flop” refers to the flip-flop’s capacity to alternate between its two distinct states, the “memory state” and the “toggle state.” A T-type flip-flop is perfect for use in frequency division and binary counter construction as it only has two states.
By joining the output of one “Toggle” or “T-type flip-flop” to the clock input of the subsequent one, binary ripple counters may be constructed. Because toggle flip-flops switch between two states (HIGH to LOW or LOW to HIGH) on each clock cycle, they are perfect for creating ripple counter circuits. Standard T-type flip-flop circuits may be used to create straightforward frequency divider and ripple counter circuits.
When two T-type flip-flops are connected in series, the first flip-flop divides the initial input frequency by two (ƒ ÷ 2), and the second flip-flop divides it again (ƒ÷ 2), yielding an output frequency that has effectively been divided four times. The output frequency then becomes one-quarter value (25%) of the original clock frequency, (ƒ÷ 4).
The output clock frequency is split or halved by two each time a toggle or “T-type” flip-flop is added to the chain, and so on. This results in an output frequency of 2n, where “n” is the total number of flip-flops used in the sequence.
Then, based on the common JK-type flip-flop, the toggle or T-type flip-flop is an edge-triggered divide-by-two device that is activated on the rising edge of the clock signal. Each bit advances right by one flip-flop consequently. It is perfect for frequency division since all the flip-flops can be prompted to switch on either the leading or trailing edge of the input clock signal and can be reset asynchronously.
The term “Asynchronous 3-bit Binary Counter” refers to this kind of counter circuit used for frequency division since the output on QA to QC, which is three bits wide, is a binary count ranging from 0 to 7 for each clock pulse.
FF1 in an asynchronous counter is driven by a clock pulse. FF1’s output powers FF2, which in turn powers the flip flop FF3. Every J and K input is linked to Logic 1. As a result, each flip flop’s clock input will toggle with a negative transition. At first, every flip flop is reset to provide a value of 0. The criteria for the output are QC-QB-QA = 000.
On its negative edge, the FF1 changes state upon application of the first clock pulse. Consequently, QC-QB-QA = 001. Flip flop FF1 toggles on the negative edge of the second clock pulse. It produces a range of 1 to 0. FF2 changes state because of this negative alteration. Consequently, QC-QB-QA = 010. Comparably, when the fourth clock pulse is delivered, the flipflop FF3’s output only modifies if there is a negative transition at its input.
Since no bit in the counter changes at the same time, each clocking event occurs separately, giving rise to the term “asynchronous” arrangement. The counter counts from 0 to 7 consecutively and upwards. A “3-bit Asynchronous Up Counter” or an “up” or “forward” counter (CTU) are other names for this kind of counter. This is a standard three-bit asynchronous counter that operates in toggle mode using flip-flops. There are also asynchronous “Down” counters (CTD) available.
Truth Table for a 3-bit Asynchronous Up Counter
Fig-4: Truth Table for a 3-bit Counter
Consequently, the D-type flip-flop counts in twos, or at half the frequency of the input. A divide-by-2, divide-by-4, divide-by-8, etc. circuit that divides the input clock frequency by 2, 4, or 8 times—or by any number to the power of 2—can be created by stacking additional D-type or toggle flip-flops to create a binary counter circuit.
Frequency Division Using Binary Counters
Thus, a counter is nothing more than a specialized register or pattern generator that, when an input pulse signal known as the “Clock” is applied, generates a predetermined output pattern or series of binary values (or states).
In some applications, data transmission is accomplished via the clock. Counters are often logic circuits with the ability to increase or decrease a count by one; however, they may also split these input pulses to produce a clock division signal when utilized as asynchronous divide-by-n counters.
Flip-flops can be joined or “cascaded” together to create a “divide-by-n” binary counter, where “n” is the number of counter stages employed. This is known as the modulus. Flip-flops are the building blocks of counters. A counter experiences the number of output states before going back to zero, or one full cycle, which is known as its modulus, or simply “MOD.”
Then, using the circuit above, a counter with three flip-flops will count from 0 to 7, or 2n-1. Known as a MOD-8 counter, it has eight distinct output states that correspond to the decimal numerals 0 through 7. A counter that has four flip-flops is referred known as a modulo-16 counter since it can count from 0 to 15.
An example of this is given as.
3-bit Binary Counter = 23 = 8 (modulo-8 or MOD-8)
4-bit Binary Counter = 24 = 16 (modulo-16 or MOD-16)
8-bit Binary Counter = 28 = 256 (modulo-256 or MOD-256)
The Modulo number may be increased by adding more flip-flops to the counter and cascading is a means of getting larger modulus counters. The modulo, or MOD number, can therefore be expressed as follows: MOD quantity is 2n.
4-bit Modulo-16 Counter
Fig-5: 4-Bit counter output
The term “ripple counters” or “ripple dividers” refers to multi-bit asynchronous counters that are linked in this way since the state changes at each step seem to “ripple” through the counter from the LSB output to the MSB output connection. The 74LS393 Dual 4-bit counter and the 74HC4060, a 14-bit ripple counter with an integrated clock oscillator, are the two types of ripple counters that are available in conventional integrated circuit form and provide good frequency division of the fundamental frequency.
Conclusion
Toggle mode flip-flops are employed in a chain as a divide by two counters for frequency division. The input clock will be divided by two, by using a flip-flop, then by four (by adding another flip-flop) and so on. The output of toggling flip-flops for frequency division has an exact 50% duty cycle at any given time, which is an advantage.
The input clock frequency divided by the counter’s MOD number will yield the final output clock signal’s frequency value. “Divide-by-n” counters are the name given to these circuits. Individual flip-flops may be joined to create counters, which are categorized based on how they are timed.
In asynchronous counters, also known as ripple counters, the external clock pulse clocks the first flip-flop, and the output of the flip-flop before it clocks each subsequent flip-flop in turn. All the flip-flops in synchronous counters are linked to the clock input so that they are all timed concurrently.
We will go through asynchronous counters in the upcoming session. An asynchronous counter’s primary feature is that each flip-flop in the chain gets its clock from the flip-flop before it, making it independent of the input clock.
Tags: 20MP | onsemi Hyperlux LP | AR2020 Sensor|5K resolution| NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin |IP67 |Multi-Camera Support
e-con Systems™, with over two decades of experience in designing, developing, and manufacturing OEM cameras, has launched e-CAM200_CUOAGX – a 20MP high Resolution 5K MIPI multi-camera based on the AR2020 sensor from onsemi’s Hyperlux LP family for NVIDIA Jetson Orin platform. With its remarkable 20MP high resolution and advanced features, this synchronized multi-camera excels in effortlessly capturing every tiny detail, even from a long distance; ensuring reliable and superior imaging quality even in low-light conditions.
e-con Systems’ e-CAM200_CUOAGX camera is compatible with NVIDIA Jetson, offering synchronized multi-camera solutions that can support up to four cameras. This high-resolution camera achieves a remarkable 30fps at 20MP. With decades of experience in ISP fine tuning, e-con has excelled in fine tuning the NVIDIA host ISP, ensuring exceptional image quality.
Figure 1: e-CAM200_CUOAGX connect with NVIDIA Jetson AGC Orin
Its flexible interface options spanning MIPI, GMSL, and USB (upcoming) ensure seamless integration across diverse applications, consistently delivering optimal performance. It also comes with an optional IP67 enclosure for the GMSL version, making it versatile and durable.
With such comprehensive features, this camera proves to be an ideal solution for various applications, including drones, autonomous sports broadcasting and analytics, skin analyzers, fundus imaging, whole slide imaging, OCR, inventory scanning, and digital twin.
Watch our video showcasing e-CAM200_CUOAGX’s superior performance; effortlessly capturing every tiny detail in the scene even from a long distance.
“e-con Systems has expanded its camera portfolio with an impressive 20MP camera which enhances the capability to capture finer details and deliver exceptional image quality. This 5K camera’s high resolution, enhanced low-light capabilities, low power consumption with the 1.4um pixel size, versatile interface compatibility, and exceptional NIR performance make it an ideal solution for various embedded vision applications. It will include game-changing features such as Smart ROI, Wake on Motion, and extended dynamic range (EDR) in near future, further elevating its capabilities. This advancement reinforces our commitment to provide superior multi-camera imaging solutions, ensuring reliability and excellence in every capture for our valued customers.”, said Prabu Kumar, CTO at e-con Systems.
Key features of e-CAM200_CUOAGX
20MP High Resolution – Ensures crystal-clear imaging quality, capturing tiny details even from a long distance while maintaining reliability in low-light conditions.
Expert ISP Fine-Tuning for Superior Image Quality – Delivers high-quality image output through a precisely tuned ISP, capturing every detail, enhancing dynamic range, and reducing noise.
Multi-Camera Support – Achieves remarkable 30fps at 20MP, even with multiple cameras connected to your platform.
Low-light and NIR Excellence – Achieves superior image quality, particularly in extremely low-light conditions of <5 lux, while showcasing a remarkable 60% Quantum Efficiency (QE) in the NIR spectrum.
Shutter Efficiency Enhancement with GRR – Reduces the rolling shutter artifacts, delivering smoother and clearer visuals, especially while capturing fast-moving objects.
Availability
For evaluating the capabilities of the e-CAM200_CUOAGX, please visit the online web store and purchase the product.
Customization and integration support
e-con Systems, with its deep expertise in and knowledge of various camera interfaces, provides the necessary customization services and end-to-end integration support for e-CAM200_CUOAGX. It ensures that unique application requirements can be easily met. If you are looking for any customization or integration support, please write to us at camerasolutions@e-consystems.com.
When it comes to automation, solutions don’t get more versatile than the new BOXER-6711-ADN.
AAEON, a leading provider of integrated Industry 4.0 solutions, has released the BOXER-6711-ADN, a DIN Rail Embedded Box PC available with Intel Atom® x7211E, Intel® Processor N200, or Intel® Processor N50 CPUs. The BOXER-6711-ADN is equipped with the rugged characteristics that have come to represent AAEON’s fanless Box PC range, including an incredibly compact 48mm x 190mm x 124mm body with a DIN rail mount for easy, low-profile deployment.
Designed as an automation control solution for the development of industrial machine maker applications, the BOXER-6711-ADN is mechanically robust, with a number of features facilitating its deployment in industrial settings such as factories. The most prominent of these features is the PC’s -20°C to 60°C temperature range, which is joined by a wide power input of 9V to 36V via 3-pin terminal block.
With a fanless design, the BOXER-6711-ADN protects against environmental contaminants such as dust, while also boasting advanced safeguards against over/under-voltage currents and short-circuits, which allows data to remain safe even when deployed in premises with unstable power supplies.
The BOXER-6711-ADN is equipped with a variety of strategically placed communication ports conducive to its target vertical market, such as three DB-9 ports, all supporting RS-232/422/485 function, along its top ridge, and a DB-15 port on its bottom ridge for DIO function. The PC’s side panel contains dual RJ-45 ports for Intel® I226 running at 2.5GbE, along with two USB 3.2 Gen 2 and two USB 2.0 ports apiece. For display, the machine hosts two HDMI ports, which could be useful for incorporating HMI elements to industrial settings. Overall, the BOXER-6711-ADN’s range of interfaces make it the ideal PC to facilitate a number of different types of interaction with other devices, PLCs, or SCADA systems.
As has become standard for AAEON’s system-level product portfolio, the BOXER-6711-ADN grants users a flexible range of storage options, with support for both SATA HDDs and an M.2 2280 M-Key being joined by a full-size Mini Card and a SIM card slot.
The BOXER-6711-ADN is now available for order via AAEON’s contact form.
For more information about the BOXER-6711-ADN, please visit its product page.
DFRobot launched a new and improved FireBeetle 2 development board. This version has the latest ESP32-C6 chip from Espressif Systems, providing standard input/output options, battery support, and advanced connections with Zigbee 3.0 and Thread 1.3.
Unlike the previous FireBeetle 2 model (ESP32-S3) released in 2022, the new one comes with the recently unveiled ESP32-C6 chip, offering a single-core RISC-V processor running at speeds up to 160 MHz, 512KB of SRAM, 4MB of Flash memory, and 16KB of dedicated SRAM for the Real-Time Clock (RTC).
The ESP32-C6 chip is noteworthy for being the first to incorporate the Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) protocol. This upgrade enhances network capacity and decreases latency. Additionally, the Target Wake Time (TWT) feature is included to optimize power usage, leading to longer battery life in Internet of Things (IoT) applications.
FireBeetle 2 ESP32 C6 Specifications:
Display: 1x GDI connector
Connectivity: Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n), BLE 5, Zigbee 3.0, Thread 1.3
I/O Interfaces: 19x Digital I/O, I/R Transceiver, 1x User LED
USB: 1x USB Type-C
Other Features: Reset button, Boot button, Charging LED, Battery connector
Operating Temperature: -10℃ to 60℃
Power: 5V DC (via USB Type-C), 5V DC or 4.5-6V (Solar Panel)
Mechanical: 25.4 x 60mm
The FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C6 is equipped to support Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5, Zigbee 3.0, and Thread 1.3. This makes it a versatile connectivity hub for diverse IoT networks, allowing seamless integration into smart home setups with multiple systems and platforms.
As per the information from the DFRobot Wiki, the FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C6 comes with a variety of header pins that serve different functions. These include 19 Digital I/Os (Input/Output), one SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), three UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter) for serial communication, two I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) for connecting to other devices, and one I2S interface for audio applications. Additionally, it features a 12-bit SAR ADC (Successive Approximation Register Analog-to-Digital Converter), which is useful for precise analog signal measurements. The board also supports DMA (Direct Memory Access) for efficient data transfer and PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) for controlling devices like motors and LEDs.
FireBeetle 2 ESP32 C6
The power management system of the board is designed for flexibility. It includes an integrated CN3165 battery charging IC, allowing you to charge batteries directly on the board. There’s also a dedicated battery connector, making it suitable for portable applications where battery power is essential. Moreover, the board features a USB Type-C port, offering an alternative option for power supply and data transfer. This versatility in power options makes the FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C6 adaptable to various scenarios and applications.
The FireBeetle 2 ESP32 C6 is priced at $5.90 and can be purchased from the DFRobot online store.
The Machdyne FPGA USB dongle, known as Kolibri, is a compact device that combines different technologies to offer versatile functionality. It includes the Lattice iCE40 FPGA, a RP2040 microcontroller, and a 12-pin PMOD connector for additional I/O expansion.
The Lattice iCE40 FPGA in the Kolibri is the ICE40HX4K model, boasting 7680 Look-Up Tables (LUTs) and 2 Phase-Locked Loops (PLLs) for robust performance. The device also comes with 1MB SPI NOR Flash, storing gateware (configuration data for the FPGA), and 32MB PSRAM for additional memory.
In addition to the FPGA, Kolibri features the RP2040 microcontroller, equipped with dual 32-bit ARM Cortex M0+ cores. This microcontroller comes with 1MB QSPI NOR Flash for firmware storage and provides 8 GPIOs connected to the FPGA, allowing seamless communication between the two components.
The Kolibri USB dongle is designed to be user-friendly and is compatible with the Open Source Project IceStorm. This means that developers and hobbyists can leverage open-source resources to enhance and customize the functionality of the device. The combination of FPGA and microcontroller capabilities makes Kolibri a versatile tool for various applications, offering a balance of processing power and I/O expansion options in a compact form factor. The Kolibri USB dongle’s product page highlights its unique features. The RP2040 MCU enables programming of the FPGA SRAM and onboard flash over the USB connection using ldprog. Additionally, the USB connection functions as a USB-UART bridge to the FPGA.
On the Kolibri GitHub repository, you’ll find schematics, documentation, example gateware, and a 3D-printable case model. The RP2040 firmware, based on Müsli, initializes the system and sets the default system clock to 48MHz.
Kolibri also supports Zucker, an experimental System-on-a-Chip (SOC) for Lone Dynamics FPGA computers. Zucker provides a RISC-V CPU (PicoRV32), a simple GPU, memory controllers, a keyboard controller, and a UART. More details can be found in the Zucker GitHub repository.
Specifications
Lattice ICE40HX4K FPGA
7680 LUTs when using open-source tools
2 PLLs
8Mbit (1MB) SPI NOR Flash (for gateware)
256Mbit (32MB) OPI PSRAM
1 12-pin Digilent Pmod™ compatible expansion port
1 white LED
RP2040 MCU (Dual 32-bit ARM Cortex M0+)
8Mbit (1MB) QSPI NOR Flash (for firmware)
1 button for boot mode selection
8 GPIOs routed to FPGA
USB Type-A male plug
32mm x 16mm board dimensions (~56mm total length)
The Kolibri FPGA Dongle is available for purchase at $49.95 from the Machdyne online store. This compact device offers a range of I/O options and compatibility with other Machdyne products, making it a versatile solution for various applications.
The Arduino development scene just got a big upgrade with the introduction of the Arduino Cloud Editor. This online platform is changing the game for developers, offering a smooth experience that you can access from anywhere with an internet connection. Unlike the traditional Arduino IDE, the Cloud Editor is a major improvement designed to make your work easier and project management more efficient.
What’s cool about the Cloud Editor is that it brings together the simple and full editors into one powerful online tool. This means you don’t have to switch between different versions anymore, making your work smoother. And here’s the best part – you can still stick to the old IDE if you like, making the move to the cloud hassle-free. It’s all about giving you more options and making your Arduino projects a breeze!
In the Arduino Cloud Editor IDE, there’s a significant improvement in how it deals with libraries and examples, making it especially helpful for those working on intricate projects with various components. This enhancement simplifies the process of finding and utilizing the necessary resources, marking a significant stride towards more intuitive project management.
Library manager in the new Arduino Cloud Editor
When it comes to development, debugging plays a crucial role, and the Cloud Editor’s serial monitor has undergone an upgrade to better assist you in this aspect. Now, it comes with additional features such as the ability to download logs and incorporate timestamps. These additions provide more detailed information, empowering you to troubleshoot issues effectively and fine-tune your projects.
Organizing your projects becomes a breeze with the Cloud Editor, thanks to its centralized sketch repository. This feature includes a sketchbook that lets you create folders, helping maintain a neat workspace and making project management easy. In the Cloud Editor, there’s a neat separation between standard “Sketches” and “IoT Sketches” designed for projects linked with the Arduino Cloud. While Chromebooks are not initially supported, there are plans to include this feature, making the platform even more accessible.
The Arduino Cloud, as a comprehensive IoT platform, collaborates seamlessly with various devices and programming languages, accessible via your browser or mobile device. This ensures that you can reach your projects from anywhere.
For those new to the Cloud Editor, extensive documentation is available to guide you through the setup. Additionally, there’s a special promotional offer for the Maker plan, allowing new users to explore the Cloud Editor at an exclusive rate.
The launch of the Arduino Cloud Editor marks a significant milestone for Arduino developers. Packed with a multitude of features, improved debugging tools, and compatibility with diverse devices, the Cloud Editor is poised to become a pivotal tool for developers globally. Whether you’re engaged in personal projects or complex IoT solutions, the Cloud Editor is crafted to support your work and enhance your Arduino experience.
A few months back SAPPHIRE launched the EDGE IPC-FP6, a mini-ITX Motherboard with AMD Ryzen Embedded V2000 SoC and support for 10GbE Ethernet.
The motherboard features four DisplayPort outputs for 4K displays, M.2 sockets for both storage and wireless modules, two SATA ports for additional storage, up to eight USB ports, a PCIe x8 expansion slot, and a combined audio jack. With all these features this board can be used for applications like gaming machines, medical imaging, digital signage, thin clients, and POS terminals.
1 x Key M (sizes 2242/2260/2280) with PCIe x4 for SSD
1 x Key E (size 2230) with PCIe x1 and USB2.0 for Wireless
SATA Ports:
2 x SATA3 (6.0 GB/s) ports
1 x SATA Power connector
PCIe Slot:
1 x PCIe x8 slot
External Input/Output (I/O) Ports:
Display: 4 x DisplayPort 1.4 + 1 x eDP (shared with 1 x DP1.4)
Ethernet:
1 x RJ45 (10/100/1000 Mbps)
1 x RJ45 (1/10 Gbps)
Serial Ports: 2 x RS232/422/485
Audio Ports:
1 x Line-In
1 x Line-Out
1 x Mic-In
USB Ports:
2 x USB3.1 Gen2
2 x USB2.0
Internal Input/Output (I/O) Headers:
Serial Headers: 2 x RS232 (Jumperless)
Front Panel: 1 x header
USB Headers: 2 for 4 x USB 2.0
Other: 1 x 4-pin SATA Power
Thermal Design Power (TDP):
Maximum 54W
Cooling System:
Type: Active Cooler
Security Features:
TPM: Infineon SLB9670 TPM2.0 on board
Chassis Intrusion Alert
Power Supply:
12-19V DC Power Jack
2-pin power header with protection diode
Additional Features:
Watchdog timer trigger signal
Dimensions:
170 x 170 mm (Mini-ITX form factor)
The SAPPHIRE IPC-FP6 board offers varied cooling solutions for 15W and 45W Ryzen V2000 processors. It supports Windows 10 64-bit and Ubuntu 20.04.1 64-bit operating systems.
The board first came to our attention through cnx-software, and in his post, he mentions,
That’s a bit old, but that’s because the IPC-FP6 Ryzen V2000 motherboard appears to have been introduced in 2021 or 2022 after the company launched the FS-FP6 mini-STX motherboard with similar features. But I was only made aware of the IPC-FP6 a few days ago and decided to write about it since there may not be that many mini-ITX motherboards with 10GbE (and gigabit Ethernet) ports around.
Released years ago for commercial use, this mini-ITX motherboard isn’t sold to consumers. For pricing, contact SAPPHIRE or distributors. Details are on the product page.