Internet of Things (IoT) will rule the world one day and all our avid readers might already be aware of it since we here at IndianWeb2 have time and again talked about the various dimensions of this new trend. Adding to that knowledge, today I'm going to talk about the platforms that make the process of getting started with embedded programming easier than ever. So, all those people wanting to invent an IoT prototype and are in need of an embedded system for the same, take out your writing pads and take notes!
1) Raspberry Pi 2 -
The one thing that comes to my mind instantly after I hear Raspberry Pi, is the size. The device makes every developers dream of building a Web server that fits in the palm of your hand come true. Based on Linux and an ARM processor, the latest version of the Pi packs a lot of punch. Having enough processing power, memory, and marketing weight, the latest version is powerful enough to run an embedded version of Windows 10. Further, the device can also serve as the brains of a network appliance or the controller for a network of simpler devices.
2) Arduino Uno -
According to industry experts, the history of the majority of the current generation of the makers in the embedded system arena can be traced back to Italian educators who can be credited for invention of the basic idea for a simple and inexpensive embedded controller. Arduino Uno is the device that is considered as a foundation for the group. Having 32 KB of memory for software and running on the ATmega328 processor, Arduino Uno is a low-power board. If you're one of those who has been scouting for a simple controller that can easily fit into an Altoids tin, then your search ends with Arduino Uno. Using Uno requires tight, efficient code with no unnecessary frills. Most developers find, though, that they need to move their project onto a more streamlined system for high-volume production, such as a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) etc.
3) BeagleBoard -
In layman terms, BeagleBoard can be considered as a slightly refined version of the Raspberry Pi. Developed by a foundation with support from Digi-Key and TI, BeagleBoard is a Linux-based, single-board computer using an ARM processor. Though BeagleBoard is more powerful than Raspberry Pi, it is also slightly more expensive than Pi. But, with a very active user and developer community and good support from TI, it makes up for everything.
4) Intel Galileo -
Intel is going great guns when it comes to the Internet of Things market. In fact, it is a little surprising to see all the efforts being put by the company to pursue the maker market. Intel Galileo is another step in this direction. The board is based on Intel Quark processor and is capable of running codes written for the Arduino with minimal changes. The board's hardware runs Linux, RTOS, Windows 10 Embedded and is compatible with many Arduino shields. It further has an available developer kit that makes programming sensors and controllers a much easier task. On the whole, Galileo can be considered as the perfect bridge between Arduino and Raspberry Pi worlds. So, if as a developer, you're comfortable using the Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE) but feel like your project needs a bit more power kick, then an Intel Galileo is the way to go.
5) Intel Edison -
Another winner from Intel. The company is surely very serious about the IoT market and that is being reflected in their range of products based on the concept. Based on a dual-core Intel Atom processor, this single board system is compatible with a number of other single-board embedded systems. The board is capable of taking codes from many of these systems, including the Arduino Uno and then lets it operate with minimal changes. In addition to all this, Edison's hardware is compatible with a number of different systems and shields as well as several Intel development kits. On the to of all this, their price point makes them more desirable than ever. Edison boards are available for as low as $50, though there are wide variations in price depending on your version of the board and accessories needs.
6) PicAxe -
At its core, the PicAxe controller is a microcontroller chip that has several varieties to offer. Available with different capabilities and in combination with many types of development systems and boards, the PicAxe has come as a boon to many who consider embedded systems are becoming way too complex to use. Not adopting the industry trend of rushing into adding features and functions to bring the capabilities of embedded systems closer to those of business-class workstations and servers, the PicAxe controller has managed to control its this urge and has remain rooted in the minimalist group, providing the users with just enough intelligence for completing the work at hand with no additional cost or complexity.
While developing a project with PicAxe does involve more hard work as one also has to develop the supporting board along with the software, there's a huge amount that you can save on cost. So, it isn't that bad an option for the ones with a tight pocket.
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