CHIP ProNextThingCo Launches C.H.I.P. Pro

2016-10-25 | By Maker.io Staff

BeagleBone

The makers of the very popular C.H.I.P. single board Linux computer, have just released their latest version of their hardware based around the Allwinner R8 SoC. For those who are not familiar with C.H.I.P. it is a small form factor single board computer that runs Linux OS. Originally funded through KickStarter and sold for only $9, NextThingCo produced the C.H.I.P. SBC and PocketCHIP (A portable version with LCD display & keyboard).

Figure 1: NextThingCo CHIP Single Board Computer

The latest C.H.I.P. Pro features an Allwinner R8 ATMv7 Cortex-A8 running at 1GHz, a MALI-400 GPU, 256/512MB of NAND Flash memory. The Pro also features an 802.11 b/g/n WiFi and Bluetooth 4.2 module from RealTek. The board will be available to everyone in December 2016 at $16.

The idea behind the C.H.I.P. Pro is that it can easily be embedded into any project for commercial and industrial use due to its modular form factor. It can also be easily inserted into a breadboard much like the Arduino mini or Particle Photon board with its castellated edges. However, unlike many other popular modules you cannot simply apply some solder paste and reflow. This board has components on both sides of the board, making embedding into a solution an intriguing task. NextThingCo has however stated that this SBC module has been optimized for SMT and is machine/robot friendly.

Figure 2: CHIP Pro Dev Kit

Not only does the new C.H.I.P. provide a new form factor but also a new IC. The entire system is on a single BGA module much similar to the newly released Octavo Systems OSD355X family aka the BeagleBone chip. In terms of pricing the BGA module is only $6 per chip and can also be purchase through NextThingCo in December.

Figure 3: GR8 SoC

With the recent events at the OSHWA is great to see more hardware committed to being open and the C.H.I.P. certainly does that in every way.

Figure 4: CHIP Pro Pinout

The C.H.I.P. Pro is a nice addition to the NextThingCo family of boards and will definitely see the growing community outreach expanding. I’m sure we will see some great commercial products out of this in the near future much like the Particle eco system provides. If you have any comment or questions then pop them in the box below otherwise you can check out further information on the C.H.I.P. website.

Have questions or comments? Continue the conversation on TechForum, DigiKey's online community and technical resource.

Visit TechForum

Arduino | 3D Printing | Raspberry Pi