We got our hands on this prototype of the new IOIO design. It’s a breakout board that makes adding hardware to an Android device pretty easy. [Ytai Ben-Tsvi] sent it our way, and took a bit of time to explain some of the differences between this board and the original version. You can see our video preview embedded after the break.
The size and form factor of the board remain the same, but the choice and layout of parts has changed. Most obviously, the USB-A connector is gone, replaced by a USB mini-B micro-B connector. This makes it possible to use the board as a USB-on-the-go device, or as a USB host device with the help of an adapter that will ship with the board. The JST connector is for external power. The previous revision included a footprint for it but it was never populated. There has also been an upgrade to the voltage regulation circuit, using a newer part as the switch-mode regulator.
There was a last-minute bug discovered in the layout. [Ytai] wants iron-clad 5V to ground short protection and is re-spinning the board to ensure he achieves that goal. He can’t say for sure, but as we mentioned in our previous post about the prototype, a price cut is planned. It could cut the current price of $50 down to just $30, but that won’t be decided until all of the choices have been made for the first production run.
Congrats Ytai for this new revision !
I’m working right now on a small project with my old IOIO (yep, after all this time :) ) and I hope you’ll enyoy it…:)
Dan
Has the power supply issue been fixed? The previous board, the amount of current the chip could supply without browning out was embarrassing.
I just want to express my absolute love to HackADay, really enjoyed the content on this site over the years as a lurker. Keep up the awesome articles!!
You didnt show how you plugged your microUSB adapter into the miniUSB jack.
That was a mistake. It is a micro-B connector. Fixed.
The text says miniUSB, but the video says microUSB.
IMO these dev boards should be <$30 considering they're refined dev boards and not embedded application or fpga profiles. All dev boards including base Arduinos should..
They are used for workflows, consider prices where a collection is needed for prototyping and companies and corporations aren't the ones buying in most cases..
Neat, I guess it’s time to do something with that old Droid I’ve got kicking around.
– Robot
I have 4 of the current version and they are great. Can’t wait to get the new board. Keep up the good work Ytai.