Debug kits

Continuing the topic of instrumentation, I want to talk about the use of ready-made debug kits (Development Kits). What is it and why are they needed?

As I already wrote, the important factor is the time from the start of development to the launch of the product on the market. And the task of any commercial developer is to reduce time (if we are talking about commercial products).

About the benefits in this area provides the use in the development of processor modules, I clearly wrote in the last post .
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Now let's talk about what role the use of a ready-made debugging kit can play at the design and development stages.

Even having transferred the lion's share of the development to the manufacturer of the processor module, we still have a job the size of a car and a small cart.

And ready-made debug kits that are produced by almost all manufacturers are designed to help in this work.

So, the debugging kit is a developer tool.

What it gives to the developer:

1. Acceleration of the development of a specific processor module and familiarization with its work without investing money and time in the development of printed circuit boards and porting the OS;
2. Fully ready to work stand;
3. Instant start of development , porting and launching of software in the environment of the OS running on the processor module;
4. The ability to determine the composition of the interfaces, connectors, chips and components that define the basic functionality of the new product being developed.

Since I’m close to the theme of Varisite , I ’ll follow his example.

Here's a video with unpacking a typical VAR-DVK-OM44 debug kit in top of the box.



As we can see, the debugging kit is completely ready for work and works as soon as you took it out of the box and plugged it into an outlet.

Included, in addition to the processor module, are:

1. The carrier board for the processor module (single board computer, CustomBoard), equipped with all possible ports and interfaces;
2. TFT-LCD with touch panel;
3. A set of all necessary cables;
4. Wi-Fi antenna, with an adapter to connect to the socket of the processor module;
5. Power Supply;
6. Disk with documentation, circuitry, tools, source code and software.

All this is assembled into a user-friendly design. Opening the box - you immediately get a ready-to-work device.

The set of necessary ready-for-work software and the operating system are already sewn into the processor module and start up without additional gestures.

That is, the processes for preparing a prototype device, its components and the development of embedded software are able to parallel. So again we get a gain in development time.

The cost of the debug kit is provided by the manufacturer’s technical support. You will not be left alone with your problems, assistance will be provided in mastering the new technology.

So let's summarize:

• This is a really handy and useful thing for a developer;
• The debugging kit allows you to quickly assess the capabilities, technology, and soon to explore possible applications;
• It allows you to immediately start the development process.