Build Bluetooth Smart prototypes without soldering

OSHChip (Open Source Hardware Chip) from U.S. maker and hobbyist startup of the same name, employs a Nordic nRF51822 SoC and its 1.98x0.89cm (0.78x0.35") form factor is said to be less than 5% the size of an Arduino UNO or 22% the size of an Arduino Nano.

Philip Freidin, Founder, OSHChip, commented: "Size is another major motivation behind this module because at present almost all maker wireless boards are so big they typically cover up all the holes on the bread board below and so leave no space to plug in wires or other peripherals. All of this adds time, complexity and hassle to a project and hinders the ability to quickly develop and play about with a design."

To develop OSHChip, Freidin had to develop his own IC-style pins that would be compatible with the vast majority of COTS bread boards. Freidin also says that were it not for the Nordic nRF51822's chip-scale package option he wouldn't have been able to fit his module into such a small form-factor.

OSHChip can be programmed and de-bugged (Keil) from a partner OSHChip programmer board that supports USB drag-and-drop programming, SWD debugging and bi-direction serial communications.

Freidin says he plans to make the entire OSHChip module open source (including sharing its schematics, Gerber file and BOM). He adds that over-the-air programming functionality and sample apps for iPhone and Android will also be added in the near future.