Avnet Introduces the Azure Sphere MT3620 Starter Kit

Security is the biggest challenge to developers bringing new IoT endpoint devices to market. To meet this need, Avnet has unveiled the…

Security is the biggest challenge to developers bringing new IoT endpoint devices to market. To meet this need, Avnet has unveiled the Azure Sphere MT3620 Starter Kit, which supports rapid prototyping of IoT implementations using Microsoft’s Azure Sphere — an end-to-end solution for creating highly-secured, connected microcontroller devices.

The Starter Kit leverages the Avnet-developed Azure Sphere module that is based on the MT3620 reference development board. The production-ready module is the fastest and easiest way to equip IoT endpoint devices to be highly secure, ensuring that developers can quickly move from prototype to production.

Last spring, Microsoft named Avnet as a strategic partner for Azure Sphere and the first to distribute the solution. Now, the introduction of the Avnet Azure Sphere MT3620 Starter Kit will further help developers accelerate their IoT deployments while also addressing security holistically, from the silicon layer to the cloud. The kit is ideal for creating secured IoT edge devices, such as consumer appliances, as well as smart retail, remote access, building and factory automation applications.

As far as specs are concerned, the Avnet Azure Sphere MT3620 Starter Kit includes a small form factor carrier board supporting Avnet’s production-ready Azure Sphere MT3620 module, with built-in Microsoft security, Wi-Fi connectivity, and the combined versatility and power of an Arm Cortex-A7 processor with the low overhead and real-time guarantees of two Cortex-M4F MCUs. A suite of on-chip peripherals, real-time clock, Flash, and RAM are present as well.

Aside from the MT3620, the 33 x 22 mm module packs a dual-band Wi-Fi chip antenna and system clock. Up to 27 configurable GPIOs and three configurable serial ports (UART, I2C, or SPI) are provided as I/Os on the module.

The carrier board connects the Sphere module I/Os to a pair of MikroE Click sockets, an I2C Grove connector, a connector supporting the addition of a 128 x 64 OLED graphical display, a 3D accelerometer, 3D gyro, temperature sensor, and an ambient light sensor. Debugging is accomplished through a USB-to-UART interface, which provides the necessary 5V power for the board.

The Avnet Azure Sphere MT3620 Starter Kit is now available to pre-order for $75, with delivery scheduled for early April. More information can be found here, while those heading to CES can get a firsthand look at the hardware in booth #2609 at Tech East, Westgate.

Hackster Staff
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