Embedded Development Kit (EDK and EDKplus) for the Microsoft® .NET Micro Framework - Now Shipping with .NET Micro Framework v4.1 QFE1

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

EDK/EDKplus End Of Life Notice – Thanks to all the fans of .NET Micro Framework. Due to part cycles coming to end of life so too are the EDK and the EDKplus. Production has stopped and what is left in stock is the last available.  Version 4.1 is the last firmware update. We will continue to focus on educational programs starting with the new book Professional's Guide to .NET Micro Framework Application Development available for the Kindle.

The Microsoft .NET Micro Framework V4.1 QFE1 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. .NET Micro Framework applications are written in C# using either Visual Studio 2010 or Visual® C# Express 2010 Edition.

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 V4.1 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.

Articles

We have published several articles that demonstrate the features of EDK / EDKplus and the .NET Micro Framework SDK. The articles provide step-by-step coding instructions and detailed explanation behind the applications. Source code for some articles is also available. These articles provide a great way to learn about .NET Micro Framework.

The articles are available on Annabooks.com.

EDK price is $25.00

EDKplus price is $50.00

EDK and EDKPlus can also be purchased at our European distributor - http://shop.microframework.eu

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:

*USB Host support is not available in .NET Micro Framework, as such it is not available in the EDK/EDKplus.  If you want USB host support, GHI Electronics has USB support on some of their platforms.  If you are interested in USB support for the EDK/EDKplus, please contact us or GHI.

EDK / EDKplus .NET MF Updates

For previous version of the EDK / EDKPlus, V4.1 QFE1 up date is now available. The zip file below contains the v4.1 QFE1 Update firmware update for the EDK (iPac-9302) and EDKplus (iPac-9302Plus). The new image allows you to develop applications with Visual® C# 2010 Express .

The zip file contains the following:

1. EDK_for_NETMF_V8.0.pdf – The documentation has been changed to expand on the iPac-9302 setup, board revision changes, and API changes in the .NET Micro Framework V4.1 / V4.1 QFE1 SDK.

2. EDK_4.1_QFE1_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 2010 and Visual® C# Express 2010. 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 V4.1 System Requirements

• Pentium III or higher development system.
• 512MB of RAM, the more RAM the better
• RS-232 Serial port
• Windows XP Pro SP3 or higher
• Microsoft Visual Studio® 2010 or Visual® C# 2010 Express
• Microsoft .NET Micro Framework V4.1 QFE1 SDK

.NET Micro Framework SDK

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

SDK V4.1 QFE1 can be downloaded here. Make sure you download the latest version of the SDK, which updates the serial remote debug connection software. QFE1 will appear during the installation, and in the Add/Remove Programs or Programs and Features list.

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.