Evaluation Boards - Expansion Boards, Daughter Cards

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
SPX-14973 SparkFun	SPI BUFFER SAVER	0
KIT-15209 SparkFun	RFID QWIIC KIT	1
ROB-15181 SparkFun	ZIO HAPTIC MOTOR CONTROLLER - DR	0
SPX-16740 SparkFun	QWIIC POWER SWITCH	0
SPX-15838 SparkFun	CRYPTOGRAPHIC ATECC608A QWIIC	0
DEV-14592 SparkFun	LOVE TO CODE CHIBI SCOPE DISPLAY	0
SEN-15897 SparkFun	CTHULHU SHIELD	0
DEV-14627 SparkFun	PI-TOPSPEAKER	0
SPX-14847 SparkFun	4.2 INCH EPAPER BARE DISPLAY	0
BOB-15931 SparkFun	SPARKFUN QWIIC BUTTON BREAKOUT	0
SPX-15592 SparkFun	QWIIC ARCADE - BLUE	0
SPX-14846 SparkFun	7.5 INCH EPAPER BARE DISPLAY	0
SPX-15804 SparkFun	QWIIC IR BREAKOUT	0
DEV-14645 SparkFun	RESPEAKER 4-MIC ARRAY FOR RASPBE	0
SEN-15176 SparkFun	ZIO CURRENT AND VOLTAGE SENSOR -	0
SPX-15585 SparkFun	QWIIC BUTTON - BLUE	0
SPX-14783 SparkFun	QWIIC LED STICK	0
SPX-15777 SparkFun	QWIIC LIDAR-LITE V4	0
SPX-16298 SparkFun	QWIIC PRESSURE/HUMIDITY/TEMP (PH	0
SEN-15171 SparkFun	ZIO ULTRASONIC DISTANCE SENSOR -	0

Evaluation Boards - Expansion Boards, Daughter Cards

1. Overview

Evaluation Boards (EVBs), Expansion Boards, and Daughter Cards are essential hardware tools for embedded system development, prototyping, and testing. These platforms enable engineers to assess processor capabilities, interface peripherals, and validate designs before mass production. Their modular architecture supports rapid innovation in IoT, automotive, industrial automation, and consumer electronics sectors.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Features	Application Examples
Microcontroller EVBs	ARM/FPGA SoC integration, onboard sensors, debug interfaces	IoT edge devices, smart sensors
Expansion Boards	Standard interfaces (PCIe, USB-C), protocol converters	Industrial gateways, communication modules
Daughter Cards	Specialized functionality modules (ADC/DAC, RF transceivers)	Medical imaging equipment, test instruments
Programmer Kits	Flash programming, JTAG/SWD debugging, voltage monitoring	Automotive ECUs, aerospace controllers

3. Structure and Components

Typical architecture includes:

Multi-layer PCB with high-speed traces
Processor sockets or soldered-down SoCs
Standardized connectors (2.54mm headers, M.2)
Onboard memory (RAM, Flash storage)
Power management ICs and voltage regulators
Debug interfaces (SWD, JTAG, UART)

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Description
Clock Speed	Determines processing capability (1MHz-2GHz range)
Bus Width	Memory bandwidth (8/16/32-bit configurations)
Interface Support	USB 3.0, Ethernet, CAN, SPI/I2C compatibility
Power Consumption	Typical range: 0.5W-25W (varies with workload)
Operating Temperature	Industrial (-40 C to +85 C) or commercial grade

5. Application Areas

Major industries include:

Telecommunications (5G base stations, optical transceivers)
Medical equipment (MRI scanners, patient monitors)
Industrial automation (PLC controllers, robotics)
Consumer electronics (smart home devices, wearables)
Automotive (ADAS systems, V2X communication)

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Vendor	Product Series
Xilinx	Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC Evaluation Kit
Intel	Stratix 10 GX FPGA Development Board
STMicroelectronics	STM32 Nucleo Expansion Boards
Texas Instruments	Processor DKx Daughter Cards

7. Selection Guidelines

Key considerations:

Match SoC architecture to target application requirements
Verify interface compatibility with existing systems
Evaluate available ecosystem (IDE support, middleware)
Consider power budget and thermal management needs
Assess long-term availability and RoHS compliance

8. Industry Trends

Future developments include:

Integration of AI accelerators (NPU modules)
Adoption of 5nm/3nm process technologies
Expansion of RISC-V based evaluation platforms
Increased focus on functional safety (ISO 26262 compliance)
Growing adoption of modular "Lego-style" prototyping systems