Global PCB Connections: Let the Spec Fit the Board, Not Just the Brand
Beyond Design: Refining Design Constraints
The Pulse: Design Constraints for the Next Generation
Next Gen State-Of-The-Art Embedded Systems Development Platform Announced by Embeddetech
March 19, 2020 | EmbeddetechEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
Embeddetech has announced a powerful yet inexpensive platform for rapidly building electronic hardware prototypes. The platform is expected to revolutionize the development of software that runs on microcontrollers, called "embedded software," by leveraging state-of-the-art microprocessor virtualization technology.
The design and fabrication of custom electronic hardware is typically a prerequisite to developing and testing embedded software for new product designs, for hobbyist projects, as well as for many applied research efforts. This has demanded the time and cost of designing and fabricating custom printed circuit boards which provide the microcontroller with the necessary inputs and outputs to allow the software to perform the necessary tasks.
The new platform's first innovation involves virtualizing the microcontroller so that it can run on a normal computer in a virtual environment. In this environment, virtualized components can be effortlessly connected to the microcontroller. The virtual components behave just like real components as far as the virtualized microcontroller is concerned, and provide the same behaviors to the user, like touch screen LCDs, sensor inputs and outputs.
The platform's versatility was initially driven by an unlimited number of virtual components; however, the virtual microcontroller is now able to interface directly to hardware components with the introduction of Embeddetech's QuickDAQ.mikroBUS™ development board. This development board provides the most common electronic interfaces to the "real world" and can be connected to the virtual microcontroller as easily as other virtual components. Developers only need to connect the necessary individual components to complete their custom development system, without having to completely design a new platform from scratch.
The QuickDAQ.mikroBUS™ development board is the first in a QuickDAQ product line which is geared towards incorporating real-world hardware into the virtualized simulation loop. The QuickDAQ.mikroBUS™ allows virtual microcontrollers to interface to three mikroBUS™ slots, which are industry standard slots which have become a de facto standard in the embedded systems community. MikroE, the company that first standardized the interface, offers over 750 Click boards™ which provide a comprehensive variety of sensor inputs, output controllers, and connectivity solutions.
A Kickstarter campaign will be launched on March 18th, 2020, to fund the final design, testing, and production of the new platform. Embeddetech is partnering with MikroE in the promotional Kickstarter offering, by bundling the QuickDAQ.mikroBUS™ with a variety of Click boards™. The bundle options will provide developers with a wide variety of peripherals to construct their desired development platform. Early bird backers of the Kickstarter campaign will get Click discounts of 35% as well as a discounted QuickDAQ.mikroBUS™. All backers will additionally receive a Virtuoso embedded virtualization software license, worth $150, for one year of non-commercial use.
Kickstarter campaign:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/virtuoso/quickdaq-mikrobus-next-generation-development-system?ref=24jbql
Share on:
Suggested Items
Knocking Down the Bone Pile: Addressing End-of-life Component Solderability Issues, Part 4
07/16/2025 | Nash Bell -- Column: Knocking Down the Bone PileIn 1983, the Department of Defense identified that over 40% of military electronic system failures in the field were electrical, with approximately 50% attributed to poor solder connections. Investigations revealed that plated finishes, typically nickel or tin, were porous and non-intermetallic.
Arrow Electronics Launches Engineering Solutions Center to Support Tech Innovation Across India and Southeast Asia
07/09/2025 | Arrow ElectronicsArrow Electronics, a global provider of technology solutions, announced the launch of its new Engineering Solutions Center(ESC) in Bangalore, India.
I-Connect007’s Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
07/04/2025 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007For our industry, we have seen several bullish market announcements over the past few weeks, including one this week by IDC on the massive growth in the global server market. We’re also closely watching global trade and nearshoring. One good example of successful nearshoring is Rehm Thermal Systems, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in Mexico and the official opening of its new building in Guadalajara.
Count On Tools Recognizes Donna Orr’s Ongoing Leadership and Impact Across 27+ Years
06/26/2025 | Count On ToolsCount On Tools, Inc. (COT), a leading provider of precision components and SMT spare parts, is proud to recognize Donna Orr, Executive Manager, for her continued dedication and leadership as she marks more than 27 years with the company.
A Record Year for the 75th Annual IEEE Electronic Components and Technology Conference (ECTC)
06/26/2025 | ECTCThe 75th annual 2025 IEEE Electronic Components and Technology Conference (ECTC), held at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center here May 27-30, had record attendance, a record number of paper submissions/presentations, record international and student participation, and a record number of exhibitors in a sold-out exhibition hall: