SAMD HCC Module Is an Easy-to-Solder, Arduino and CircuitPython-Compatible Module

The idea behind Sean Hodgins’ SAMD HCC Module is to simplify the development of building your own circuit boards without the hassle of soldering tiny components, while retaining the benefits of a low-power microcontroller.

“Think of it as a way to bridge the gap between breadboard prototypes and full on ‘solder yourself’ custom circuit boards.”

There is a ton of different development boards on the market that will do exactly what you want for any particular project, and come loaded with all of the components necessary to get them up and running. The SAMD HCC Module enables you to create your custom PCBs with a surface-mount microcontroller that comes pre-programmed and allows you to add additional components such as buttons, switches, sensors, USB port, and arrange them in any configuration you want.

The HCC Module hosts an impressive amount of hardware for a 22mm x 18mm footprint, including a Microchip ATSAMD21G18A microcontroller (256KB of Flash and 32KB of RAM), 3.3V and 500mA output regulator, and 32.768 KHz crystal. It also packs 6X ADC (12-bit), native USB (pre-loaded bootloader), 16X GPIO (I2C, UART, SPI, WPM), RX/TX indication LEDs, reset button, and protected VCC input.

To use the SAMD HCC Module, you will need the component libraries and footprints in whatever PCB software package you use (Hodgins used KiCad); however, he does plan to have the libraries available for all popular PCB platforms at some point in the future.

The SAMD HCC Module is now on Kickstarter, starting at $30, which will get you a pair of modules and free shipping. For those who would like to build their own, Hodgins has made the HCC Mod open source and uploaded all the necessary files to do so on his GitHub page.