IoT-focused prototyping adds more functionality to popular single-board computers

RS Components is adding more ways to prototype and expand the functionality of popular SBCs like Raspberry Pi and BeagleBone, with XinaBox xChip hardware modules. The xChip concept makes a wide assortment of electronic functions offered in a standardised modular format that can be constructed, in any order, to produce electronic devices quickly and easily. No soldering or breadboarding is needed, and users can start coding in minutes with no prior electronics knowledge, as there is no need to design and debug hardware. The concepts work in all popular programming environments. The company stocks a growing selection of xChip cores which includes the ESP8266, ESP32, ATSAMD21/Cortex M0+, ATmega328P, and SHA-256 cryptographic acceleration, gesture detection, LoRaWAN communication, and VOC environmental/weather sensing, which improve opportunities for developing IoT and other projects. The full range of these modules comprises processor boards and a variety of supporting functions which includes WiFi and Bluetooth, OLED displays, proximity sensing, temperature sensing, capacitive touch sensing, universal digital and analogue input modules and many others. Also, users can take advantage of many posted projects that are accessible online to help learning or jump-start development of new products. xChip bridges can connect with Raspberry Pi and Raspberry Pi Zero, BeagleBone Black, Minnowboard, 96 Boards and Micro:Bit enabling designers, makers and teachers to use their favoured single-board computer for rapid prototyping, STEM teaching or simply learning to code. An advanced USB programming interface supporting the Arduino IDE and a Raspberry Pi programming interface is also available. As well as supporting prototyping and learning activities, these modules are sturdy and cost-effective for use in scaled beta testing or to support rapid turnaround and product customisation when used as the final hardware in small-run projects.