Rapidly Prototype Projects with the Serpente CircuitPython Dev Board

Sweden-based PCB designer Arturo182 has released a tiny CircuitPython development board aimed at rapid prototyping and producing quick projects. There are two boards in the Serpente line, and both are virtually identical but offer different USB interfaces — the Standard board outfitted with a USB Type-C connector, and the Plug version featuring a USB Type-A connector.

“If you are familiar with the Digispark boards, you may notice some similarities. This fact is of course not incidental, the Serpente boards are inspired by the Digispark, both in form-factor as well as use-cases. The Serpente boards are meant to be used as quick and dirty, yet flexible, prototyping tools.”

As far as hardware goes, the Serpente boards are outfitted with an ATSAMD21E18A 32-bit Arm Cortex-M0+ (running at 48MHz), with 32Kb of RAM and 256Kb of Flash. There’s also 4MB of additional Flash for file and code storage, six customizable GPIOs, 250mA LDO, 3.3V logic/power, a user-controlled RGB LED, a reset button, and can be powered over USB or external source.

The software side of the Serpente is self-explanatory — it leverages Adafruit’s CircuitPython programming language, which simplifies the coding process, making it prime for rapid prototyping and quick-build projects. Arturo182 has made his board available on Tindie for $15 with your choice of USB Type-C or Type-A connector. It should be noted the board ships with unsoldered male pin headers, but it shouldn’t be too difficult to solder them yourselves.