Open source computer enables rapid prototyping

27th September 2017

Mick Elliott

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The BeagleBoard PocketBeagle is on the shelves at Mouser Electronics. The minuscule open source USB-key-fob computer from BeagleBoard.org provides extensive flexibility, enabling makers and designers to add only the peripherals they need. It is based on the 1GHz Octavo OSD3358-SM, the smallest system-in-package (SiP) device in the OSD335x family.

The 21×21mm SiP includes 512Mbytes of DDR3 RAM. Prioritising ease-of-use, this affordable Linux computer features a simple, intuitive design that offers tremendous expansibility.

The PocketBeagle, bolstered by two 32-bit programmable real-time units (PRUs) with single-cycle input/output (I/O) latency, enables rapid prototyping for 3D printing, robotics, and education.

Also included in the ultra-tiny board is an SGX530 graphics accelerator.

The PocketBeagle has 72 expansion pin headers with power and battery I/Os, eight analog inputs, 44 digital I/Os, high-speed USB, and numerous digital interface peripherals.

For reinforced power and security management functions, the board is supported by the Arm Cortex-M3 processor. The PocketBeagle also offers an SD/MMC connector for MicroSD as well as a high-speed USB 2.0 OTG (host/client) micro-B connector.

The computer is compatible with all BeagleBone software not requiring access to unavailable expansion pins.