Microchip launches new 8-bit microcontroller development board

     Microchip Technology Inc announced the launch of AVR-IoT Cellular mini development board based on AVR128DB48 8-bit MCU (MCU). This solution provides a powerful platform for building sensor and actuator nodes on 5G narrowband iot networks.

     AVR IoT cellular mini development board is a small size (SFF) board, which is an ideal solution for developers who want to connect Internet of Things devices to the existing 5G network. This is an important function for mobile devices or devices located in remote areas, because long distance (LoRa ） Network or other low power wide area network (LPWAN) solutions are difficult to use.

     Customers can take advantage of the flexibility and ease of design provided by the latest products of AVR128DB48 8-bit microcontroller series, including ATECC608 CryptoAuthentication using Microchip  The device shall be protected. ATECC608 devices can be easily configured to support most mainstream cloud service providers through Microchip's Internet of Things pre configuration tool.

     Greg Robinson, vice president of marketing of Microchip's 8-bit single-chip business unit, said, "Microchip continues to expand AVR ® 8-bit MCU series products enable developers to easily and flexibly implement various embedded designs. With the key functions of low power consumption and high-quality analog peripherals, the 8-bit SSU can connect remote and mobile devices to the 5G narrowband network, thus bringing new opportunities for battery powered devices. "

     The pre configured AVR-IoT cellular mini development board can send the data of on-board light and temperature sensors to the cloud, which can be viewed through the sandbox portal of Microchip. The sandbox portal provides customers with the function of real-time tracking and monitoring equipment from remote locations, which meets the core requirements of agricultural, industrial and energy industry applications, as well as consumer fields such as cargo transportation, alarm systems, building automation and remote monitoring.

     In order to provide developers with a simpler, more efficient and more economical solution, AVR128DB48 MCU is used to connect Internet of Things devices to 5G. Microchip cooperates with Sequans to equip Monarch 2 GM02S single chip radio with 5G LTE-M and narrowband Internet of Things. Microchip also cooperates with Truphone to provide SIM cards to support worldwide reliable coverage of cellular services.

     Didier Dutronc, executive vice president of partner strategy of Sequans, said, "Monarch 2 GM02S, designed for narrowband IoT applications, is a 5G ready LTE-M and narrowband IoT single-chip microcomputer solution, which is suitable for sensors, wearable devices and other low data and low power devices. By working with Microchip to launch AVR-IoT honeycomb boards, we are simplifying and reducing the cost of IoT device design."

     Steve Alder, Chief Business Development Officer of Truphone, said: "We are committed to restructuring the connection mode of people, things and enterprises through the breakthrough embedded SIM card (eSIM) technology. We own and operate all elements of the eSIM ecosystem internally, and access a large number of low-power cellular networks through a single SIM card SKU, providing future oriented cellular services for Microchip customers who want to connect Internet of Things devices."

     AVR-IoT honeycomb mini development board is an excellent solution for makers and amateurs, because it conforms to the overall dimensions of Adafruit Feather. The development board is equipped with a Qwiic/Stemma I2C connector to facilitate function expansion and provide a clear path for production. In addition, the development board also works with Arduino  It is compatible and supported by Microchip Github library, which provides HTTPS, MQ telemetry transmission (MQTT), low power consumption and other functions.