Vision
Our vision for n-Blocks PRO is to take the Internet of Things to the next level.
Our Vision & mission
Here at n-blocks we want to deliver…….
Mission
Our mission is to ensure that IoT devices can connect faster, better and most importantly wireless.
Our Story
How we started
n-Blocks started as a Wireless Sensor Node platform, a product for the niche academic WSN market, but due to its dynamic/modular structure and mbed code base, soon became a general IoT and embedded systems platform.
A platform to create products: We have used n-Blocks in Nimbus centre to develop and deliver innovative projects. As a result, we created many different n-Blocks.
After using and testing the n-Blocks platform internally for our Nimbus centre projects for several years, we realised that the low pin-count simple connectors (similar to mbed or Arduino boards) was blocking the
- modularity (cables create a mesh)
- scalability (need for more than 24 pins)
- Use of larger/faster Microprocessors and Linux supported Microcontroller
By the end of 2018 we decided to redesign the platform with dense connectors moving from 24 pins to 240pins
After several iterations, we created the n-PRO series. The most important n-Blocks are being assembled and are in the testing phase
Where we are
We are migrating most of our standard n-Blocks (about 70 different n-Blocks) and the Reference designs to the new n-PRO form factor
We can’t really control what the users will develop with n-Blocks, but we are creating well structured use case examples in the form of Reference Designs
Reference designs are used to narrow-down to specific use cases
- Sensing
- Wireless Sensor Networks
- Industrial Control
- Education
- Science/Lab
- Any new project requirements
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
Yes all boards share a common pinout spread in four 60 pin low profile connectors providing scalability from very simple to complex use cases.
The n-Blocks PRO hardware modules have a defined form factor and, common mechanical and electrical interfaces. Each module is equipped with embedded processing, sensing technology and, wireless and wired communication capabilities. The n-Blocks Firmware includes an SDK with open APIs to take advantage of every feature of the hardware.
The n-Blocks PRO has a modular design with small form factor and ultra-low power consumption. It comes with 32-bit-ARM processor. The user can choose from the various combinations of power, performance and features. The n-Blocks PRO gives the freedom to develop projects much faster. The modular design provides flexibility to the user to design and develop their applications from initial prototype to final production. Since no interconnection cables are involved, it is easy for the user to upgrade the system if required. The complexity of the design is less in comparison to other development platforms available in the market.
The user can build many Internet of Things applications by clicking a Host and Peripheral board together. The boards have 4×60 pins MOLEX SLIMSTACK connectors that can enable additional functionality such as RF-Communication, External Sensor interface, display control interface etc. The user can connect a range of sensors and start developing immediately, making sensing, tracking and monitoring extremely simple.