Purpose Built PIC Development Platforms

Over the last while, I have progressively uploaded PCB designs that I have done over the years. It was quite an interesting trip down memory lane, especially when the year in the copyright statement is a definitive statement all on its own.

Designing and producing PCBs has always been a fascinating past time - I think because it is the mechanics of electronics. While electronics is tangible, as far back as 2000 when I started in the industry, the workings of electronics engineering, moving strongly in the direction of IT was already underway. The electronics on the new machinery being brought into the factory where I worked was no longer discreet with logic gates etc, that could be repaired. No, the ominous UV-EPROM (Ultra-Violet Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) was the replacement. Personally, I am glad that I took an interest in the PIC16C84 because had I not, when I left the Industrial Electronics field for an IT job, I may have lost the love of working with the bits and bytes as well.

As for the article, it started out as an act of nostalgia just going through the various backups of old projects and then posting them. Personally, I had not anticipated the growing interest in my posts from a few views to over 1300 and counting - thankyou for the interest. There is still plenty more to come, along with the new stuff that has been worked on, so stay in the thread, and if you blink you may miss it.

If there are a few takeaway lessons from the many boards that I have showcased, it's the following:

• Always finish the CCT diagram before you place the components, adding on as you go only makes a mess
• Keep the CCT diagram clear and neat, as it helps with the PCB layout
• Don't be afraid to RIP UP and start again, and expect mistakes
• Double-check everything and work methodically
• Always be concerned with how it looks, aesthetics and flow - if it looks good, it most likely means that the time and effort into the schematic is reflected in the layout
• If it's simple and looks neat, it is more likely to sell - Arduino UNOs proving the case

While I am not a master and do not pretend or claim to be one, there is nothing more satisfying than DHL delivering the parcel of pre-assembled boards. Unpacking them, hooking one up and downloading the sample code, and then sitting back and watch it go.

Developing PIC Development Platforms

Shown below is one of our earliest products, the Proto 18 - there were variants for the 18, 20, 28, and 40 PIN pic devices. We have maintained that there of catering to the development family from the smallest package size, up to the 40 PIN - which can be seen in the Blueberry range. The real reason for this strategy is more older design criteria, and current design criteria in development platforms focus on IoT, and low power requirements.

The Next Generation Development Boards

Current design criteria for development boards outmode the above, and the variety of 32 BIT Arduino compatible PCBs, clones, and third party boards is the writing on the wall that developing applications for the Embedded Industry means KEEP UP WITH THE TIMES.

We do however have a last trick up the sleeve and this is Purpose Built development boards that can be repurposed. In other words, the development board is designed with one application in mind. However, owing to the design forethought, it can be repurposed using the onboard hardware to either tailor the design or completely reinvent its purpose.

One such product is Lumens. If I have pricked your interest, watch this space for the Purpose Built, Adaptable PIC Development PCB.

Catch up with is for the online event: Lumens - Versatile PIC Platform

HavenTechnik is an embedded electronics development design house. We develop systems for IOT, Automation, Systems Integration, and systems that interact with multitiered technologies and systems.

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