IoT-focused prototyping

RS Components (RS) is adding more ways to prototype and expand the functionality of popular single-board computers like Raspberry Pi and BeagleBone, with XinaBox xChip hardware modules.

The xChip concept makes a wide variety of electronic functions available in a standardised modular format that can be assembled, in any order, to build electronic devices quickly and easily.



No soldering or breadboarding is required and users can begin coding in minutes without prior electronics knowledge, as there is no need to design and debug hardware.

xChips work in all popular programming environments.

RS is stocking an expanding selection of xChip cores including ESP8266, ESP32, ATSAMD21/Cortex M0+, ATmega328P, and SHA-256 cryptographic acceleration, LoRaWAN communication, gesture detection, and VOC environmental/weather sensing, which enhance opportunities for developing Internet of Things (IoT) and other projects.

The full range of xChip modules from XinaBox encompasses processor boards and a variety of supporting functions including WiFi and Bluetooth, OLED displays, capacitive touch sensing, proximity sensing, temperature sensing, universal digital and analogue input modules and many others.

In addition, users can take advantage of numerous posted projects that are available online to assist learning or jump-start development of new products.

xChip bridges are available to connect with Raspberry Pi and Raspberry Pi Zero, BeagleBone Black, Minnowboard, 96 Boards and Micro:Bit allowing designers, makers and teachers to use their preferred single-board computer for rapid prototyping, STEM teaching or simply learning to code.

An advanced USB programming interface supporting the Arduino IDE and a Raspberry Pi programming interface are also available.

In addition to supporting prototyping and learning activities, XinaBox xChip modules are robust and cost effective for use in scaled beta testing or to support rapid turnaround and product customisation when used as the final hardware in small-run projects.

Products in the XinaBox xChip range are now in stock and shipping from RS in the EMEA and Asia Pacific regions.