nblocksWiki

n-Blocks PRO

n-Blocks is a modular open source low power embedded systems platform based on a modular form factor. n-Blocks adopts a plug and play concept where computing, sensor, energy harvesting/powering, and communication boards can be plugged together to achieve particular embedded system platform capabilities.

A number of embedded processors are used based primarily on the ARM Cortex series. Wireless communication capabilities include boards with for example Bluetooth Low Energy, LoRa, WiFi, IEEE802.15.4/Zigbee, and NB-IoT.

The sensing capabilities include temperature, humidity, acceleration, light, VOC, CO2, air quality, and others.

The n-Blocks platform is built with the following principles in mind:
- Modularity- boards that can be plugged together like bricks in an efficient and seamlessmanner to create wireless nodes or industrial style controllers with varying computing, communication and sensing capabilities
- Functional Scalability- boards have 240 pins divided into four 60 pin standardized low profile connectors to expose as many functions as possible and create a scalable platform that is not limited by communication capabilities between boards
- Processing performance scalability- from the ARM Cortex M family of microprocessor to support a wide range of software applications starting from battery-powered ultra-low power wireless sensor applications running onCortex M0 to Linux OS based applications running on Cortex A8

Following these principles, we have created a range of n-Blocks PRO boards, initially for use within industry sponsored R&D projects in the Nimbus Research Centre..

The most important n-Blocks PRO boards are being assembled and are in the testing phase. We are migrating our standard n-Blocks (about 100 different n-Blocks) to the new n-PRO form factor