microZERO is a compact, Arduino compatible Microchip SAMD21 module (Crowdfunding)

SRKH Designs’ microZERO is a tiny, Arduino compatible module based on Microchip SAMD21 Arm Cortex-M0+ microcontroller for applications such as drone control, mobile platforms such as cars, trucks, boats and bikes, and other products working in demanding environments.

The company has also designed two baseboards, namely Dev Board A with RGB color high resolution IPS display and the more classic Dev Board B, both mostly following Arduino UNO form factor to get started with development and/or evaluation.

microZERO SAMD21 Arduino module

microZERO specifications

  • MCU – Microchip SAMD21G18 Arm Cortex-M0+ @ 48 MHz with 256KB flash, 32KB SRAM
  • Storage – 16MB SPI flash memory for additional storage and remote firmware upgrades
  • I/Os
    • 32x protected IO with 6x ADC, SPI, I2C, 6x PWM, TCC, USART, 1-WB, I2S, and USB
    • 1 Mbps CAN controller with fully isolated and filtered CAN transceiver for maximum signal integrity
    • 2mm pitch footprint
  • Security – Microchip ATECCA508/608 software protection encryption IC
  • Misc – 6x LEDs for power, GPIO, and CAN activity, Brown-out Detect/Reset, DMA, POR, WDT
  • Power Supply
    • Protected 6-48V DC input with protection diode, thermal fuse, and Zener diode
    • Onboard 5V at 2.5A and 3.3V at 1A power supplies available externally
    • Onboard auto shut off under-voltage lockout (at 6V/3V per cell) to protect lithium batteries when they are exhausted.
  • Dimensions – 32 x 20mm

SAMD21 MCU module

The module is not only compatible with the Arduino IDE, but also Microchip/Atmel Studio 7 and Zephyr real-time operating system. The documentation and bootloader are currently finalized and everything will be published/released in March.

microZERO Dev Board A/B

microZERO Dev Board A
microZERO Dev Board A with IPS display

As mentioned in the introduction, the company will also provide two development kits with microZERO DevBoard A and B with most of the same specifications, except for a small display:

  • Fitted with microZERO module soldered on the baseboard
  • Display (Dev Board A only) – “High-resolution RGB IPS display”
  • Expansion
    • Arduino headers
    • 3-pin “NET I/O” terminal for CAN, USB or RS485
    • Qwiic compatible I2C interface
  • Debugging/Programming
    • Standard 10-pin Atmel ICE programming interface
    • Optional 6-pin ICSP SPI based interface for backward compatibility
  • Misc – Reset switch
  • Power Supply – External 6-48V PSU via 2-pin header or power barrel, or 5V via micro USB cable connection
  • Dimensions – 68.6 x 53.3mm
microZERO Dev Board B
microZERO Dev Board B

The project has launched on Kickstarter with a 5,000 AUD target (or just under $3,900 US). I’ll use US dollars going forward. Rewards start at $54 for the module only, while the fully assembled Dev Board A goes for $77, and Dev Board B for $93. It looks like a nice project, but the campaign is not very successful so far, as pricing will turn off many people. That’s without shipping which $7.75 to Australia, and $23.25 to the rest of the world. Backers should expect their rewards to ship by May 2021 if the campaign is successful.

Via Geeky Gadgets

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5 Comments
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Whiterat
Whiterat
3 years ago

Not sure I’d call it “micro” when compared to seeeduino xiao.

Jeroen
3 years ago

The price certainly isn’t micro either, i also don’t like 2mm pitch, its a hassle

willy
willy
3 years ago

It’s pretty dense and featureful but as said, 2mm pitch is a hassle. However I like the arduino-like board integrating the display.

I’m still looking for an arduino nano-compatible board using a SAMD21 or maybe ESP32 or STM32. Most such boards use different pinouts and I cannot use them as a drop-in replacement to upgrade my laser engraver’s GRBL controller without having to change the baseboard. This completely defeats the purpose of using standardized modules :-/ I even started to think about trying to make my own but I have more useful things to do of my time.

Scotty
Scotty
3 years ago

Text says Microchip but board image shows an Atmel?

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