Computer Electronics

A $25 Open-Source USB-Key-Fob Computer

26 September 2017

The newest BeagleBoard.org® board is PocketBeagle®, an ultra-tiny-yet-complete open-source USB-key-fob Source: BeagleBoard.org®Source: BeagleBoard.org®computer. PocketBeagle features an incredibly low cost, slick design and simple usage, making PocketBeagle the ideal development board for beginners and professionals alike.

For Hobbyists

At 35 mm x 56 mm x 5 mm, PocketBeagle is small and flexible enough to fit in gaming, 3D printing, robotics or other electronics projects; and affordable enough to dedicate one to live permanently in each of those different projects. PocketBeagle not only includes a 1-GHz processor, but also industrial-oriented peripherals and microcontrollers optimized for interfacing to the physical world.

For Educators

PocketBeagle doesn't require installation of tools to get started. You develop it directly in your web browser, a tool you already know; and PocketBeagle can easily be reset to factory conditions, leaving you free to experiment.

For Professionals

PocketBeagle utilizes a simple open-source hardware design and a catalog-available, well-documented processor. PocketBeagle avoids consuming precious hardware resources, leaving them available for design goals. Most importantly, PocketBeagle respects time and helps avoid risk by providing a solution for rapid prototyping without slowing the path to production. BeagleBoard.org's community of serious developers allows for crowdsourced similar attempts, answers and experiences.

Key Features and Technical Specs:

• Low-cost Linux computer with tremendous expansibility

• Opportunity to learn many programming aspects from educators online

• Openness and flexibility tear down limits on your imagination

• Based on new Octavo Systems OSD3358-SM 21 mm x 21 mm system-in-package that includes 512 MB DDR3 RAM, 1-GHz ARM Cortex-A8 CPU, 2x 200-MHz PRUs, ARM Cortex-M3, 3D accelerator, power/battery management and EEPROM

• 72 expansion pin headers with power and battery I/Os, high-speed USB, eight analog inputs, 44 digital I/Os and numerous digital interface peripherals

• microUSB host/client and microSD connectors

PocketBeagle is available today from Arrow, DigiKey and Mouser.

To contact the author of this article, email shimmelstein@globalspec.com


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