Embedded Development Kit (EDK) for the Microsoft® .NET Micro Framework

EDK price is $115.00

EDKplus price is $175.00

Embedded Development Kit (EDK) for the .NET Micro Framework

The Microsoft .NET Micro Framework brings Microsoft’s embedded expertise to resource-constrained devices, allowing device makers to bring products to market faster and at lower cost. TCP/IP and Web Services for devices functionality makes the .NET Micro Framework a compelling platform for a new generation of smart, connected, service-oriented devices. Its compact footprint (as little as 64 kilobytes) and support for 32-bit embedded processors without an MMU help keep per-device costs low, and a managed driver model makes it easier to develop device drivers. Through its support for modern rapid application development tools and paradigms such as the .NET programming model that is so successful on the desktop and Visual Studio — the reliable, efficient .NET Micro Framework significantly increases the productivity of embedded developers.

Developing an embedded device from the ground up has always been a challenging task. Board bring-up is the critical path for any project. The EDK has been design to help eliminate this critical path so you can concentrate on your application.

The EDK features EMAC’s iPac-9302 Single Board Computer (SBC) with the the .NET Micro Framework already on board. The iPac-9302 features an ARM9 processor with a variety of I/O to meet the needs of any application. The EDK contains an instruction manual, sample source code, serial cables, and other tools to allow engineers and students to develop applications with managed code.

The EDK can be used to develop a variety of embedded applications such as robotics, shipment tracking, industrial controls, security systems, Point of Service applications, and much more. The EDK is ideal for engineering students getting familiar with writing code for an embedded system, hobbyists, and Engineers looking to build small footprint devices. With the .NET Micro Framework already ported to the iPac-9302, you only have to focus on writing the application, thus saving time to market.

There are two EDKs available - EDK and EDKplus. The EDKplus supports a fully populated iPac-9302 that includes a second serial port and batter backed RTC.

EDK/EDKplus Features

Each platform has the following features:

• Cirrus Logic EP9302 ARM9 200MHz Processor
• PC/104 Dimensions of 96 mm x 90 mm (3.77" x 3.54")
  
• External Reset Button
• 8 MB External Flash
  
• 8 MB External SDRAM
  

The following table lists the supported I/O features in each kit:

EDK Datasheet

Download the EDK datasheet here.

EDK / EDKplus .NET MF V4.0 Update

The zip file contains the v4.0 Update R1 firmware update for the EDK (iPac-9302) and EDKplus (iPac-9302Plus). The new image allows you to develop applications with Visual® C# Express 2008.

The zip file contains the following:

1. EDK_for_NETMF_V7.0_R7.pdf – The documentation has been changed to expand on the iPac-9302 setup, board revision changes, and API changes in the .NET Micro Framework V4.0 SDK.

2. EDK_4.0_Image – This directory contains the firmware updates for Tinybooter and the .NET Micro Framework CLR. The EDK Step-by-Step guide contains the instructions to upgrade the firmware.  Please follow the instruction to upgrade the iPac-9302 with the new firmware. If a MAC address has not been installed in the system, you will need to contact us for a MAC address file. We will need the serial number form the iPac-9302, which is the same on the box.

3. EDK_Exercises – All applications have been updated for Visual® Studio 2008 and Visual® C# Express 2008. SJJ hardware provider and Visual Studio template have been updated.

Note: The updates are subject to the terms and conditions of the accompanying end user license terms. By downloading the update, you agree to these terms. The updates are provided only for use with, and for licensed end users of, the EDK and EDKPlus. Any other use of this software is strictly prohibited and my subject you to legal action.

.NET Micro Framework V4.0 System Requirements

• Pentium III or higher development system.
• 512MB of RAM, the more RAM the better
• RS-232 Serial port
• Windows XP Pro SP2 or higher
• Microsoft Visual Studio® 2008 SP1 or higher, or Visual® C# 2008 Express
• Microsoft .NET Micro Framework V4.0 SDK

.NET Micro Framework SDK

There are several versions of the .NET Micro Framework SDK:

SDK V4.0 can be downloaded here.

SDK v2.5 can be downloaded here.

SDK v2.0 SP1 can be downloaded here.

EDK Development Guide

The EDK/EDKPlus comes with a step-by-step development guide. The guide provides instructions on how to create basic applications for the I/O support in the .NET Micro Framework. The EDK guide was written by Sean Liming and John R. Malin.

There 15+ different exercises that cover basic application development, GPIO & Interrupt basics, SPI usage, thread processing, emulators, managed code libraries, ADC, PWM, Ethernet, and much more.

When you connect devices to the iPac terminals make sure that you follow the general guidelines from EMAC INC.

Custom Solution - Consulting and Design Services

SJJ and EMAC offer consulting and design services. We can modify the iPac-9302 and .NET Micro Framework to fit your application, or if you have your own custom design, we can adapt the .NET Micro Framework to your platform. Please contact us for more information.

Prototype Expansion

Diamond Systems offers a PC/104 form factor prototype board that is great for building custom circuits to stack/interface with the iPac-9302.

Questions/Answers

Q: If we have our own Cirrus EP93XX solution, can we get .NET Micro Framework support?
A: Yes. SJJ is a .NET Micro Framework porting partner so we can port .NET Micro Framework to your custom system. If you are just beginning to design your system, the best way to get started with .NET Micro Framework is to develop applications using the EDK.

Q: Is it possible to add more serial ports?
A: Yes, the SPI port can be used to add more serial ports. There is an application note found on the seanliming.com site that provides an example. You can also add other I/O devices to the SPI. There is an example of 2 Line x16 character display/Keypad in the EDK's step-by-step guide.

Q: When will USB Host, and MMC/SD card be available?
A: MMC/SD card is planned to be added in V4.0 R2. USB Device will be support by .NET Micro Framework in the future, but there are no plans for USB Host

Q: What are the differences between the iPac-9302 in the EDK and the version sold by EMAC, Inc.?
A: The iPac-9302 can support Windows CE and other embedded operating systems. Flash and RAM sizes can be increased to support these software packages. There is also optional support for the extra RS-232 serial port and battery backed RTC, which may be supported later. If you are looking for Windows CE or Linux support on the iPac-9302, please contact EMAC INC.

Q: Does the iPac-9302 support LCD?
A: No. The iPac-9302 is not intended to be a SideShow device. The iPac-9302 is intended for deeply embedded devices. A display can be added such as a SPI 2-line LCD, which is covered in the EDK Step-by-Step Guide.

Q: If I already have an iPac-9302, can I just get a copy of the .NET Micro Framework to install?
A: No. The port developed for the iPac-9302 only supports the EDK/EDKPlus versions from SJJ.

Q: Is the .NET Micro Framework a real-time Kernel
A: No. The CLR is for managed code only.

Click here for more information about the .NET Micro Framework.