New Analog and Evaluation Platforms for Learning, Testing and Rapid Validation

Microchip has introduced several new general-purpose evaluation and learning platforms designed to support experimentation, education and early-stage prototyping. These platforms allow engineers, students and makers to explore analog, power and memory subsystems using real hardware, without the need to design custom test boards.

By providing modular evaluation environments, these tools help shorten the transition from concept to measurement, enabling practical validation and faster design iteration.

Understanding Signals

Small Signal Sensor Kit (BB15L61A)

The Small Signal Sensor Kit provides a modular platform for evaluating mixed-signal components and sensor interface behavior. Rather than building custom test circuits, designers can populate the board with supported components and begin electrical measurement and characterization using known layouts and signal paths.

This approach allows engineers to observe real-world analog behavior—including noise, offset and signal integrity effects—that are difficult to capture in idealized simulations.

Why it’s useful:

The platform reduces setup time and helps bridge the gap between theoretical analysis and practical measurement.

Exploring Power

Switching Regulator Breakout Board (BB22H52A)

The Switching Regulator Breakout Board is designed to support evaluation of multiple switching regulator devices on a common breakout platform. By using a standardized layout, engineers can prototype and compare regulator behavior without creating custom power boards for each device.

What it enables:

• Side-by-side comparison of regulator devices
• Evaluation of load response and efficiency
• Observation of thermal behavior under real operating conditions
• Early selection of power architecture options

By eliminating the need for a custom PCB during early evaluation, engineers can focus on electrical characterization before committing to a specific design.

Working With Data Storage

Serial Memory Evaluation Baseboard (EV60D49A)

The Serial Memory Evaluation Baseboard provides a modular environment for evaluating serial EEPROM and Flash memory devices. Using a baseboard and software-driven workflow, engineers can interact with supported memory devices and observe programming and access behavior prior to final hardware integration.

Benefits during development:

• Early firmware development and testing
• Validation of memory device selection
• Faster bring-up of boot and storage functions
• Reduced risk during system integration

This platform allows firmware teams to develop and validate storage handling earlier in the design cycle, rather than waiting for a complete system prototype.

Ready to Start Prototyping?

Explore the newly released development tools and order evaluation directly from Microchip Direct to accelerate your design cycle.

Visit Microchip Direct for availability, pricing and documentation.

Need help selecting the right evaluation platform? Connect with me on LinkedIn — Harsha Nanduri, Development Tools Marketing.