Development package enables better embedded systems

3rd June 2015

Future Technology Devices International Limited

Nat Bowers

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Helping engineers implement better embedded systems, FTDI Chip has worked with MikroElektronika to introduce a cost effective development package based on the ground-breaking FT90x MCU series. For the launch, a free MikroElektronika Clicker 2 board worth $39.95 is being offered with every FT90x Compiler license purchase.

The FT90x offering created through the partnership with MikroElektronika showcases the capabilities of FT90X devices, each of which features a 32-bit proprietary processing core and substantial memory resources (256kB Flash memory, 64kB on-chip data memory and 256kB shadow RAM). Thanks to the shadow RAM, instructions can be executed with the highest degree of efficiency. This results in zero wait state operation at speeds of 100MHz - a performance benchmark that puts it way ahead of many rival MCU products.

The FTDI Chip/MikroElektronika package consists of a compelling amalgamation of essential items of hardware and software - with a Clicker 2 for the FT90X board supplied alongside a powerful dedicated compiler.

The compact Clicker 2 board incorporates an FT90X MCU plus the supplementary component parts needed for starting off development projects (including power management/battery charging functionality, LED indicators, crystal oscillators, configurable pushbuttons, etc.). In addition, the credit card format board offers straightforward interfacing to a multitude of add-on boards via male/female IDC10 interconnects. The 118 add-on boards currently available are capable of offering a staggering total of nearly 7,000 different combinations, maximising versatility. Through these all manner of different functionality can be integrated into the system design, including wireless communication, motor control, cameras, displays and various sensors.

There are an array of full featured compilers to choose from, covering C, Pascal and Basic programming languages. Engineers can thus pick the best option for them. Each provides a full IDE with added library support for all FT90X features plus syntax colour-coded editor and project manager windows.

To encourage adoption the FT90X development package is being offered exclusively with free shipping. For a Clicker 2 board with mikroC it is $299, and for the mikroBasic and mikroPascal the cost is $249. Offer available for a limited time only, while stocks last.