MIchrochip Technology and Digilent chipKIT uC32 open-source development platform

Microchip Technology and Digilent have launched the jointly developed chipKIT uC32 open-source development platform, which is based on Microchip’s 32-bit PIC32 microcontroller, as well as the chipKIT Wi-Fi Shield.

The uC32 board provides a single, general-purpose development platform for users to create a wide range of 32-bit MCU-based applications using the free, Arduino compatible chipKIT IDE - called the multiplatform IDE.

Digilent’s chipKIT uC32 development board has the same form factor as its chipKIT Uno32 board, with the addition of larger memory (512 KB flash and up to 32 KB RAM).

Digilent’s chipKIT Wi-Fi Shield enables users to implement wireless projects with the chipKIT line of microcontroller boards, such as the new uC32, or existing Uno32 and Max32 boards.

The chipKIT uC32 board includes Microchip’s PIC32MX340F512H microcontroller, featuring 105 DMIPS performance, 512 KB flash, 32 KB SRAM and 42 I/O pins that support a number of peripheral functions. Twelve of the PIC32’s I/O pins can be used as analog inputs or as digital inputs and outputs.

The Wi-Fi shield makes use of Microchip’s agency-certified MRF24WB0MA Wi-Fi module, and provides chipKIT microcontroller boards with the ability to communicate via IEEE 802.11 compatible wireless networks. The Wi-Fi Shield also provides a microSD card connector for use with microSD Flash memory cards. The chipKIT MPIDE SD library can be used to read/write files stored on the microSD card.