Free Resources And Development Tools For Embedded Systems Enthusiasts

Embedded systems development requires access to various tools, software, and components. Fortunately, numerous resources are available at no cost to developers, hobbyists, and students. This article explores the range of freebies, including software tools, development kits, components, and other resources that can help individuals engage with embedded systems development without financial barriers.

Free Software Tools for Embedded Systems

The field of embedded systems development benefits from a rich ecosystem of free software tools that enable programming, compilation, debugging, and testing of embedded applications. These tools are essential for developers working on projects with limited budgets or those just beginning their journey in embedded systems.

Compilers and Development Environments: Several free compilers and integrated development environments (IDEs) are available specifically for embedded systems development. Dev-C++ is a Win32 C++ IDE and compiler that provides a comprehensive environment for C++ development. DJCPP offers GNU C++ capabilities, while Hi-Tech Software provides the PIC-Lite Compiler (PICL) specifically for PIC microcontrollers. Rigel offers a free 8051 C Compiler/IDE, and SDCC (Small Device C Compiler) provides another free 8051 C Compiler option.

Data Acquisition and Microcontroller IDEs: Various tools are available for data acquisition and microcontroller programming. These platforms help developers interface with hardware, read sensors, and control actuators in embedded systems. While specific tool names aren't detailed in the source material, numerous options exist in this category.

Power Supply Design Tools: National Semiconductor offers free tools called "Webench" and "Switchers Made Simple" for power supply design. These tools assist developers in designing and simulating power supply circuits, which are critical components in many embedded systems.

Text Editors and Version Control: Basic text editors and version control systems form the foundation of any development workflow. While specific names aren't mentioned in the source material, these tools are essential for writing, organizing, and managing code for embedded projects.

Bug Tracking: Bug tracking tools help developers identify, document, and resolve issues in their embedded systems software. These tools contribute to the reliability and stability of final products.

CAD Tools: Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools are essential for creating schematics and designing PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards) for embedded systems. While specific free CAD tools aren't detailed in the source material, numerous options exist for those working with limited budgets.

Specialized Collections: DesignAids offers a collection of design aids and tools for electrical, mechanical and civil engineering, architecture and construction. This collection includes freeware and shareware software that can be useful for embedded systems development.

TheFreeCountry provides an outstanding collection of free programming resources. While not specifically focused on embedded systems, this collection includes numerous useful tools that embedded developers can leverage. The platform offers a wide range of resources that can benefit developers working on various aspects of embedded projects.

Free Samples and Components from Semiconductor Companies

Semiconductor companies typically offer free datasheets, data books, and CD-ROMs to engineers and developers. These resources provide essential technical information about components, including specifications, application notes, and example circuits. To obtain these resources, individuals can visit the websites of semiconductor companies and look for "literature" or "info request" forms.

Many semiconductor companies are also willing to provide sample parts upon request. These samples allow developers to test components in their projects before committing to larger purchases. While specific companies aren't detailed in the source material, the availability of samples is common across the industry.

Trade Publications:

TheFreeCountry website offers free access to various industry-specific publications. TradePub.com provides free subscriptions to numerous publications across categories such as Biotechnology, Computers, Engineering, Healthcare, Industrial, Internet, Purchasing, Sales & Marketing, and more. These publications often contain technical articles, product reviews, and industry news relevant to embedded systems development.

Free Resources from Trade Shows and Events

Trade shows and industry events often provide opportunities to obtain free resources, development kits, and promotional materials. Embedded World, a prominent trade show in the embedded systems industry, is known for offering various freebies to attendees.

Embedded World 2018 featured several companies offering free items:

Trinamic: Location: Hall 3, Booth 511 Website: Trinamic @ EW2018 The source material suggests that attendees could potentially receive free items from Trinamic by asking politely, though specific details about the freebies aren't provided.

Mouser Electronics: Location: Hall 3A, Booth 111 Website: Mouser @ EW2018 Mouser Electronics offers numerous giveaways at each event. At their booth, attendees could participate in a "spin of fortune" game for a chance to win development boards. Additionally, they provided smaller items such as cups and back scratchers. Mouser also hosts an online lottery on their website with various development boards as prizes, including: - Digi International Xbee SX 868 Development Kit - Infineon AURIX Application Kit - Linear Technology/Analog Devices DC1962C-KIT Starter Kit - Maxim Integrated MAXREFDES100 Health Sensor Platform - Microchip PIC32MZ Embedded Graphics Starter Kit - NXP Semiconductors QN9080DK Development Kit - On Semiconductor IoT Development Kit Bundle - Renesas Synergy DK-S124 Development Kit - Silicon Labs Giant Gecko GG11 Starter Kit - STMicroelectronics STM32F769I-EVAL Evaluation Board - Texas Instruments CapTIvate Development Kit Bundle

OpenSystems Media: Location: Hall 3A, Booth 507 Website: OpenSystems @ EW2018 OpenSystems Media offered free T-shirts to attendees and provided opportunities to win free development boards through drawings.

Espressif Systems: Location: Not specified Website: Not specified Espressif Systems, manufacturer of the popular ESP8266 and ESP32 series of System on Chips (SoCs), participated in Embedded World for the first time. While specific freebies aren't detailed, their presence at the expo suggests they may have provided promotional materials or samples of their products.

Post-Event Giveaways: Some individuals who attend trade shows organize giveaways of the items they collect. One attendee from Embedded World obtained numerous development kits and other items and organized a live drawing event to distribute these items to multiple winners, recognizing that a single recipient would unlikely make full use of the diverse collection of boards. The first draw was planned to be streamed live on EmbeddedRelated.tv.

NASA's Public Software Offerings

NASA has made portions of its internal software available to the public, offering opportunities for developers, researchers, and enthusiasts to utilize tools developed for space applications. The software package includes physics simulations, operational management tools, embedded systems control software, and other applications typically associated with space programs.

Some of the software is designed for general-purpose applications such as machine learning and data processing, which can benefit organizations ranging from large enterprises to small startups with specialized needs.

Notable software packages available through NASA's program include:

AutoBayes: This software can automatically generate efficient and customized programs for data analysis using extended Bayesian networks and algorithm schemas. It represents an approach to creating software components based on a set of rules.

Block GP: This is another machine learning and data analysis tool available in NASA's software catalog. While specific details aren't provided in the source material, it appears to be part of the suite of data-analysis tools offered.

Important Considerations: Not all NASA software is available for use outside the United States. Additionally, while some software is open source, other portions may have different licensing terms. Potential users should review the specific licensing terms for each software package before use.

Free Development Boards and Kits

Development boards and kits are essential resources for embedded systems development, providing platforms for testing, prototyping, and learning. While many of these products come with a price tag, various opportunities exist to obtain them at no cost.

Manufacturer Promotions: Some semiconductor manufacturers and development board providers occasionally offer free development boards as promotional items. These promotions may be targeted at students, educators, or developers in specific regions. While the source material doesn't detail specific ongoing promotions, it's worth checking manufacturer websites periodically for such offers.

Trade Show Lotteries: As mentioned earlier, companies like Mouser Electronics organize lotteries where participants can win development boards. These lotteries may be conducted at trade shows or online through company websites.

Community Giveaways: Members of the embedded systems development community sometimes organize giveaways of development boards and kits they've acquired through various means. These community-driven initiatives help distribute resources to developers who might otherwise lack access to such tools.

Educational Programs: Some educational programs and initiatives offer free development boards to students and educators as part of their mission to promote embedded systems education. While specific programs aren't detailed in the source material, interested individuals should explore educational opportunities in their regions.

Specialized Memory Solutions:

Macronix offers Armor Flash, a highly secure non-volatile storage solution designed for applications requiring security and deterministic behavior. While the source material doesn't explicitly mention free samples of this product, it represents an example of specialized components that may be available through sample programs or promotional offers.

Armor Flash is particularly relevant for automotive applications, including advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and other automated vehicle systems that rely on public networks and require secure storage solutions. As vehicles increasingly incorporate network connectivity and in-app payment capabilities, secure storage components like Armor Flash become essential.

Conclusion

The embedded systems development community benefits from a wealth of free resources that help reduce barriers to entry and support ongoing development efforts. Free software tools, including compilers, IDEs, and specialized applications, provide essential capabilities without financial constraints. Semiconductor companies offer datasheets and often sample parts, allowing developers to test components before purchase. Trade shows like Embedded World provide opportunities to obtain development boards, promotional materials, and other resources.

NASA's software release program offers sophisticated tools developed for space applications, with some packages suitable for general-purpose data analysis and machine learning tasks. Development boards and kits, while typically purchased, can sometimes be obtained through manufacturer promotions, trade show lotteries, or community giveaways.

For those interested in embedded systems development, exploring these free resources can significantly reduce costs while providing access to professional-grade tools and components. By taking advantage of these opportunities, developers at all levels can engage in embedded systems projects without substantial financial investment.

Sources

1. FreeBSD Project
2. Free Stuff for EEs
3. Freebies at Embedded World 2018
4. Free Goodies from Embedded World
5. NASA Software Freebies
6. What You Missed at Embedded World