Two boards merge three rapid prototyping ecosystems
Two boards created by SparkFun Electronics and MikroElektronika (Mikroe) bring together three rapid prototyping ecosystems: SparkFun’s Qwiic and MicroMod systems with Mikroe’s MikroElektronika’s Click boards.
The new boards allow users to quickly click or plug boards and peripherals together for a solderless prototyping experience. The mikroBUS standard, employed on MikroElektronika’s Click boards, is similar to SparkFun’s Qwiic and MicroMod interfaces, and therefore suitable for pairing on a single board.
The SparkFun RP2040 mikroBUS development board is a flexible digital interface featuring the Raspberry Pi Foundation’s RP2040 microcontroller. The board combines SparkFun’s Qwiic I2C connections with a mikroBUS socket, allowing users to use both ecosystems when designing projects with the RP2040. The board also follows the Thing Plus or Feather PTH pin layout to allow the use of Thing Plus/Feather shields.
The SparkFun MicroMod mikroBUS Carrier Board uses the MicroMod, Qwiic, and mikroBUS ecosystems to allow for easier rapid prototyping using peripherals from any of the three systems. The MicroMod M.2 socket and mikroBUS eight-pin header allow users to experiment with the MicroMod ecosystem and any Click board in the mikroBUS ecosystem. Two Qwiic connectors are included, allowing users to seamlessly integrate hundreds of Qwiic sensors and accessories into their projects, added Mikroe.
IT was also announced that SparkFun Electronics will now be a US-based distributor for MikroElektronika.
Glenn Samala, SparkFun CEO, commented: “Mikroe shares our strong dedication to innovation and making prototyping as easy as possible for users. Combining the mikroBUS peripheral with our MicroMod and Qwiic product ecosystems will provide users with billions of combinations to develop whatever they dream up.”
Commenting on the distribution agreement, Nebojsa Matic, CEO at Mikroe, said: “The new boards that we have jointly developed give designers even more choice. The new distribution agreement will increase our presence in the US market through SparkFun’s established community of users. It’s a great deal for both companies and our customers.”
