MikroElektronika has launched SiBRAIN, a standard for add-on development boards that facilitates the simple installation and exchanging of a microcontroller (MCU) on a development board equipped with the SiBRAIN socket. SiBRAIN enables embedded designers to try out different MCUs in a prototype system without having to invest in expensive hardware or learn new tools. Currently, the SiBRAIN cards are available to support MCUs from major manufacturers including Microchip Technology, STMicroelectronics, NXP Semiconductors and Texas Instruments, with others to follow.
Nebojsa Matic, CEO of MikroElektronika, commented: “Because there is no universal standardisation, for every different microcontroller there is a specific set of operating instructions, new tools to learn, new boards and licences to buy and new processes to adopt. The SiBRAIN card and socket standard is a game changer, saving months of wasted development time and money, and providing enormous design flexibility.”
SiBRAIN uses the same ‘plug-and-play’ concept that underpins MikroElektronika’s Click board product range. Depending on the MCU type, its pin count and the number of required external components, there are different SiBRAIN add-on boards. Each board is a self-contained unit, allowing the development system to operate on a logic level without having to facilitate the specific requirements of many different MCUs. This gives designers a free hand in the choice of MCU, regardless of the pin count or pin compatibility. Most importantly, this approach enables designers to swap SiBRAIN MCU cards easily during the development phase, without any additional hardware.
Each SiBRAIN card is equipped with two high-speed, 168-pin mezzanine connectors (one male and one female) with the standard SiBRAIN socket pin-out. Cards can easily be installed on any development board with the SiBRAIN socket, and the smart design eliminates the possibility of incorrect orientation and placement. Already, MikroElektronika offers more than 100 SiBRAIN boards covering popular MCU families such as STM32, PIC32, TIVA, MSP432, Kinetis and many more.
The 8-bit survival syndrome – Part 2
DSP, Micros & Memory
Just like the 4-bit pre-microcontroller, the 8-bit MCU has been finding ways to stick around. Their features and speeds have been improving, offering competitive reasons to work with them.
Read more...Enhanced code protection for USB µC portfolio Future Electronics
DSP, Micros & Memory
To help easily incorporate USB power and communication functionality into embedded systems, Microchip Technology has launched the AVR DU family of microcontrollers.
Read more...General-purpose MCU with RISC-V architecture EBV Electrolink
DSP, Micros & Memory
Renesas has released a general-purpose MCU to enhance its existing RISC-V portfolio, and this is its first MCU using a RISC-V core developed internally at the company.
Read more...8-bit MCU with I3C support Avnet Silica
DSP, Micros & Memory
The PIC18-Q20 8-bit microcontrollers from Microchip easily interface with devices operating in multiple voltage domains, and the built-in I3C interface supports higher-speed and lower-power data transfers than I2C.
Read more...An evolutionary step in customisable logic Altron Arrow
DSP, Micros & Memory
Microchip Technology is offering a tailored hardware solution with the launch of its PIC16F13145 family of microcontrollers, which are outfitted with a new Configurable Logic Block module.
Read more...MCU for battery-powered applications Altron Arrow
DSP, Micros & Memory
Included in ST’s family of devices is the STM32U031, an ultra-low-power MCU featuring an ARM Cortex-M0+ 32-bit core running at up to 56 MHz.
Read more...Serial SRAM up to 4 MB EBV Electrolink
DSP, Micros & Memory
The chips are designed to provide a lower-cost alternative to traditional parallel SRAM products, and include optional battery backup switchover circuitry in the SRAM memory to retain data on power loss.
Read more...SiP supports LTE/NB-IoT and GNSS RF Design
DSP, Micros & Memory
The nRF9151 from Nordic Semiconductor is an integrated System-in-Package that supports LTE-M/NB-IoT, DECT NR+ and GNSS services.
Read more...Qi2 dsPIC33-based reference design
DSP, Micros & Memory
Powered by a single dsPIC33 Digital Signal Controller, the Qi2 reference design offers efficient control for optimised performance.
Read more...MIKROE’s IDE now includes MPLAB XC compilers
DSP, Micros & Memory
MIKROE has announced that the latest version of its multi-architectural IDE, NECTO Studio 6.1, now includes Microchip’s MPLAB XC compilers for 8-, 16- and 32-bit MCUs.
printer friendly version