Summary of C.H.I.P Pro The New GR8-Based Module
Next Thing Co. launches the C.H.I.P Pro, a $16 system-on-module powered by their custom GR8 SiP. Featuring a 1GHz ARM Cortex-A8 processor, 256MB RAM, and 512MB NAND storage, it runs GadgetOS. The module supports USB or battery power via an AXP209 unit and includes integrated WiFi and Bluetooth. Available in December, it offers versatile installation options for products or breadboards, with a starter kit including headers and a debug board priced at $49.
Parts used in the C.H.I.P Pro:
- GR8 System-in-Package (SiP)
- Allwinner R8 ARM Cortex-A8 Processor
- Mali400 GPU
- Nanya DDR3 DRAM
- High-speed NAND Storage
- GadgetOS Software
- AXP209 Power Management Unit
- 802.11 b/g/n WiFi Module
- Bluetooth 4.2 Module
- FCC Certification
- Header Pins
- Debug Board
NextThing Co., is a hardware company that has the goal to create things that would inspire creativity, and help people chase their own ideas of what needed to exist. After producing their world’s first $9 computer C.H.I.P, they are ready now to launch a new product!
C.H.I.P Pro, the newest addition to the Next Thing Co. family, is powered by GR8, a system-in-package (SiP) that was designed by Next Thing Co. GR8 features a 1GHz Allwinner R8 ARM Cortex-A8 processor, Mali400 GPU, and 256MB of Nanya DDR3 DRAM. in a 14mm x 14mm FBGA package. C.H.I.P. Pro is a system-on-module (SoM) that has 512MB of high-speed NAND storage flashed with NextThing Co.’s GadgetOS. Gadget is an Open Source Linux-based OS, software toolchain, and cloud infrastructure which is designed to bring the speed, openness, and productivity of modern software development to the world of embedded hardware. C.H.I.P Pro can be powered by USB or battery, intelligently managed by the AXP209 power management unit.
The Pro also features 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 4.2, and is fully certified by the FCC. This board will be available in December at supposedly any quantity for $16.
C.H.I.P Pro design defines two possibilities of installations; either in a product or in a single board computer designed for a breadboard. Its SMT-ready castellated edges and elements on both sides will make reflow soldering not so preferable. Instead, header pins, a ‘debug board’, and two C.H.I.P Pro units are introduced in one package for only 49$ to make soldering easier and to start installing the unit in applications. Due to its size and efficiency, it could be a good competitor for Raspberry Pi Zero.
For more detail: C.H.I.P Pro The New GR8-Based Module
- What is the price of the C.H.I.P Pro?
The board will be available for $16. - How is the C.H.I.P Pro powered?
It can be powered by USB or battery through the AXP209 power management unit. - Does the C.H.I.P Pro include wireless connectivity?
Yes, it features 802.11 b/g/n WiFi and Bluetooth 4.2. - Can I solder the C.H.I.P Pro directly?
While possible due to SMT-ready edges, the design suggests using header pins and a debug board to make installation easier. - What operating system does the C.H.I.P Pro use?
It is flashed with NextThing Co.'s GadgetOS, which is an Open Source Linux-based OS. - When will the C.H.I.P Pro be available?
The board will be available in December. - What is included in the $49 package?
The package includes two C.H.I.P Pro units, header pins, and a debug board. - What processor powers the C.H.I.P Pro?
It is powered by a 1GHz Allwinner R8 ARM Cortex-A8 processor within the GR8 SiP.
