Microsoft's .NET Micro Framework (NETMF) is a re-implementation of desktop .NET CLR for embedded devices with limited resources. But at the same time, the developer can enjoy the easy and rich development platform the NETMF offers, on devices with greater resources.

For current .NET developers, this means that they can now create applications that run on a range of systems from tiny devices, like remote controls, to PCs and Servers on the cloud– all with the same programming model and tools.

For current Embedded developers, this means that they can now leverage the productivity gains that have been achieved on the desktop and reduce their time to market.

"The .NET Micro Framework is a fully integrated Visual Studio experience brings a reliable and productive development system to the embedded world. It offers a complete and innovative development and execution environment that brings the productivity of modern computing tools to this class of devices." .NET Micro Framework website.

From a developer's point of view, working with NETMF has two sides: porting it to the hardware, and using it to control your hardware. Porting requires a considarable cost, extensive time, and a lot of experience. But after that is done, using NETMF is almost effortless.

GHI Electronics took these tasks that involve the hardware design, porting NETMF,and enriched it with value-added features such as WiFi, PPP and USB Host. While considering quality and reliability as the main guide lines.

The result was the proudly offered drop-in solutions (hardware modules/chipsets)

GHI Electronics is an experienced partner that offers a wide range of .NET Micro Framework hardware and software capabilities using the various drop-in modules/chipsets. ChipworkX Module , EMX Module, and USBizi Chipsets can be easily adopted in a product, with minimal risk and reasonable cost.

Listed are some of the technical features that one would get at no additional cost or effort by using GHI Electronics's and NETMF's integrated solutions:

• Full TCP/IP (TCP/UDP/DNS/DHCP) with SSL security.
• Various networking interfaces support: Ethernet, WiFi, PPP (GPRS, 3G, CDMA and dial-up serial modem).
• Graphics support and Windows Presentation Foundation.
• Full color TFT displays support.
• Touch screen support.
• UART, SPI, I2C and One-Wire serial interfaces are easily accessible.
• CAN bus with Filters and Time stamping.
• Cofigurable USB client interface.
• USB host capabilities with out-of-the-box drivers that allow accessing USB devices such as USB Mass Storage, HID, and CDC devices.
• USB Camera support.
• FAT file system with Long File Name support that can be accessed on USB thumb drive,SD/SDHC and MMC.
• Real SD 4-bit interface support (GHI Electronics is a member of SD association).
• Easily controllable input/output and interrupt digital ports.
• Interfaces such as Analog Inputs/Outputs, PWM, Output Compare.
• Included Real Time Clock.
• Low power and hibernate modes.
• In-field update support for the firmware and for user application.
• Parallel port support.
• Embedded database.
• Other features include (offered with NETMF) XML reader, HTTP, Web Services, and DPWS.

Most of the listed features are GHI exclusive offerings and are not available though other NETMF solutions.

Note: Feature's support varies with different solutions.

GHI went a step further to ease the development by releasing the FEZ product line. .NET FEZ (Fast and Easy) boards are targeted for embedded system beginners and for developers seeking quick prototyping.

The FEZ product line consists of the following boards: FEZ Cobra , FEZ Rhino , FEZ Domino , FEZ Panda 2 , and FEZ Mini .

.NET FEZ offers many peripherals, such as USB host and SD interface, not commonly available with hobbyist-targeted boards. Even though FEZ is targeted for beginners, it's also a low-cost starting point for professionals with a desire to explore .NET Micro Framework.
With FEZ the possibilities are endless. The following are just a few examples of what you can accomplish.

Autonomous Robot: Find a way out of a maze or find a candle and extinguish it.

GPS Data Logger: Drive your car around and record your position, acceleration and temperature on an SD card or USB flash drive.

Home Automation: Thanks to the networking support, you can now do home automation right from any internet browser. You no longer require expensive and complicated circuits, only easy and economical FEZ is needed.

FEZ Cobra and FEZ Rhino are ready-to-ship products that are highly customizable with plastic enclosures, internal custom circuit area and different display sizes. You only need to add your company name, deploy a software application, and the product is complete.

Save time and money by having:

• Custom enclosure with cut-outs for interface connectors and display.
• Internal area for custom added circuitry.
• Different display sizes (optional).

Why Join?

1. Comprehensive support from GHI's engineering staff and community members.
2. Access and contribute to projects on the Wiki.
3. Access and contribute open source drivers with Fezzer.
4. Free tutorials with e-books available in multiple languages.
5. Live chat with community members and GHI's engineering staff.
6. Exclusive access to beta firmware releases.
7. Participate in exciting contests.
8. Coupons and free gifts.

Join the conversation for free www.TinyCLR.com

GHI has always been Microsoft's NETMF leading partner offering the most advanced NETMF devices in the market. As a partner of GHI, you have access to exclusive features, superior support, regular maintenance, core robustness, all with a very short time-to-market. All of these benefits come at no additional cost.

Exclusive Features - GHI's products include many exclusive features, such as USB Host, USB Device, WiFi, in-field-update, database, one-wire, CAN, PPP, and many more. GHI continuously adds exclusive features via free updates.

Superior Support - GHI's world-class support is freely available over phone, email or the forum. Our public forums is monitored by our engineering staff, who are always happy to help you.

Regular Maintenance - As Microsoft releases new versions of NETMF, GHI works very closely with them on clearing any possible issues. As a GHI customer, updating the firmware can be completed in a few seconds.

Core Robustness - GHI products are used around the world and in most markets. This vast usage guarantees quality and stability of GHI Electronics products. You can use any GHI product with an ease of mind.

Short Time-to-Market - Using a GHI product will drastically speed up development. The OEM modules include all the complex hardware and software, allowing products to be completed in weeks instead of months.

To GHI, a product-owner is a partner not a customer. We thrive on your success and work with you hand-in-hand to ensure the fulfillment of your needs.