By Majeed Ahmad, contributing writer
Microchip Technology’s new internet of things (IoT) development board aims to simplify the connectivity with Google Cloud infrastructure using a reference design built around an AVR microcontroller, a secure element, and a certified Wi-Fi network controller.
The AVR-IoT WG Development Board facilitates cloud connectivity without requiring necessary expertise in communication protocols, security, and hardware compatibility. The Chandler, Arizona-based chipmaker claims to connect IoT developers to the cloud with a single click using a free online portal: www.AVR-IoT.com.
Once connected, embedded designers can employ the Google Cloud IoT Core to collect, process, and analyze the data. They can also use Microchip’s rapid development tools — MPLAB Code Configurator (MCC) and Atmel START — to develop and debug in the cloud.
The development board uses the 8-bit microcontroller ATmega4808 to facilitate advanced sensing and robust actuation functions. The AVR processing platform features Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) to lower power consumption and ensure support for real-time sensing and control applications.
The board also includes the ATECC608A, a specialized security — CryptoAuthentication — chip that ensures that each connected device is securely authenticated. The low-cost security MCU is pre-registered on Google Cloud IoT Core and is ready for use with zero-touch provisioning.
The third and final building block of this reference design is the fully certified IEEE 802.11 b/g/n IoT network controller, the ATWINC1510, which provides an easy connection to an MCU of choice via a flexible serial peripheral interface (SPI). The wireless LAN module frees developers from acquiring expertise in RF and networking design.
In addition, AVR devices are beta-supported in the MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment (IDE), giving designers the option to choose between MCC or Atmel START. The board is compatible with more than 450 MikroElektronika Click boards, which expands sensors and actuator options.
Available now in volume production, the AVR-IoT WG Development Board (AC164160) is priced at $29 each.
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