Embedded Systems Conference, Boston, Mass., Sept 26, 2006 – SJJ Embedded Micro Solutions, LLC and EMAC, INC are pleased to announce a joint development effort to create a development kit for Microsoft’s .NET Micro Framework. The new .Net Micro Framework development kit (NDK) will feature EMAC’s iPac 524 Single Board Computer (SBC) running the .NET Micro Framework. The kit will also contain an instruction manual, sample source code, and other tools to allow engineers and students to develop applications with managed code.
The .NET Micro Framework contains a tinyCLR that acts as a mini kernel to run managed code applications. Developers can write C# applications in Visual Studio and just download to the iPac 524. Developers only need to focus on application development since the OS has already been ported.
“Having worked with Windows CE and XP Embedded, the .NET Micro Framework represents a major push for deeply embedded systems and shows Microsoft’s continued interest in the embedded market”, says Sean Liming, Managing Director of SJJ Embedded Micro Solutions, “We are excited about working with Microsoft and EMAC, Inc to develop the new development kit.”
The iPac 524 features the SHARP 79524 ARM processor in a PC/104 form factor. The board contains a wide variety of I/O to meet any application: RS-232, 10 A/D channels, 16 digital GPIO lines, 8 High-Drive digital output lines, 3 multi-purpose I/O lines (GP/Counters/PWM), 5 Synchronous Serial I/O lines (GP/SPP/SPI/I2S), SD/MMC Flash, Graphic LCD interface, 10/100 Ethernet, and USB 2.0 Device.
“The SHARP 79524 offers the best feature set of any ARM7 processor, and is ideal for the .NET Micro Framework”, says Eric Rossi, President of EMAC, Inc. “The NDK is perfect for engineers and students looking to develop deeply embedded applications that require a low cost hardware platform. It provides the user with a starting point for developing .NET MF applications for the iPac 524 SBC.”
The NDK can be used to develop a variety of applications from robotics to industrial controls. Microsoft will also purchase several hundred-development kits for their own internal use.
“We are pleased to have SJJ and EMAC produce a low-cost board to add to the growing set of platform choices for developers on the .NET Micro Framework,” said Colin Miller, Director, .NET Micro Framework. “What makes this product unique is that they have elected to make a board that will be very attractive to students and hobbyists, as well as other developers.
The training kit will include step-by-step exercises. The NDK will have a special introductory price of $129.00 USD. When released, the NDK can be purchased online at www.sjjmicro.com or contact via e-mail sales@sjjmicro.com. Additional information can be found on the iPac 524 at www.emacinc.com.
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About EMAC Inc. (www.emacinc.com)
Since 1984, EMAC, Inc. has provided customers worldwide with custom hardware, software and manufacturing. EMAC’s custom services include Digital and Analog[
] Hardware Design, BIOS adaptation, Operating System integration (Windows CE, NT Embedded, XP Embedded, and other embedded software), driver development and software application development. In addition, EMAC offers a comprehensive line of products and services that include Single Board Computers (SBCs), SBC Peripherals, and Microprocessor Training Systems. Off-the-shelf SBCs include x86 compatible, 32-bit RISC and both 8-bit and 16-bit microcontrollers.
About SJJ Embedded Micro Solutions, LLC (www.sjjmicro.com)
SJJ Embedded Micro Solutions was founded in 2004 to provide a better approach to learning and implementing embedded systems with the “Learn-by-Doing” philosophy. SJJ offers training, consulting, and various books and software products for Windows Embedded.
