Information Center for the Microsoft® .NET Micro Framework

The .NET Micro Framework is an innovative development and execution environment for resource-constrained devices. The Framework enables faster development of more capable embedded systems that are smart, securely connected, and easier to manage. By bringing proven desktop computing models and tools to the embedded space, the .NET Micro Framework improves productivity and helps businesses bring innovative embedded products to market faster and at lower cost.

Through its fully integrated Visual Studio experience, the .NET Micro Framework brings a reliable and productive development environment to the world of embedded development. Complex applications can be developed and debugged faster by leveraging the powerful emulator and Visual Studio’s debugging capabilities. The familiar development environment also enables .NET desktop programmers to work easily on embedded projects.

Below you will find links, sample applications, utilities, and much more to help you with .NET Micro Framework development.

Technology and information is continuously changing. Please let me know of any information that could be added to keep this page up to date.

Products

Embedded Development Kit (EDK)
for the .NET Micro Framework

The EDK contains a multipurpose development board (EMAC's iPac-9302) with the .NET Micro Framework already installed and ready to run C# applications. The kit contains a step-by-step instruction manual, sample applications, cables, and power supply.

Embedded Development Kit plus(EDKplus)
for the .NET Micro Framework

The EDKplus contains a fully populated iPac-9302 with second serial port. .NET Micro Framework is already installed and ready to run C# applications. The kit contains a step-by-step instruction manual, sample applications, cables, and power supply.

EDK/EDKPlus Updates

EDK / EDK Plus Updates available at the SJJ Embedded Micro Solutions site.

Prototype Expansion

Diamond Systems offers a PC/104 form factor prototype board that is great for building custom circuits to stack/interface with the iPac-9302.

Articles

Implementing a Lock Application with the EDK - November 2008

The article shows a security lock application example which builds on the basic I/O found in the EDK. - Source code can be found here.

Building a Robotics Platform using the EDKPlus and the RobitcsConnections.com’s Traxster - March 2008

Here are a couple of videos from RoboticsConnection.com demonstrating the EDKPlus and Serializer Robot Controller:

Traxster MF Line Following Video

Traxster MF Simple Navigation Video

A Couple of Gadgets for Windows® SideShow™, Using VB.NET - January 2008

Looks at how to create SideShow Gadgets using VB.NET - Source code can be found here.

Example of How to Convert a TrueType Font to TinyFont for use with the Microsoft .NET Micro Framework - January 2008

Application note covers the steps to convert a TrueType Font to the Tiny Font format.

Notes on Application Development Tools for Microsoft® .NET Micro Framework and Windows® SideShow™ - January 2008

Explains the different tools available for developing .NET Micro Framework applications and gadgets for Windows SideShow.

More Serial Ports! SPI-to-Serial for.NET Micro Framework - November 2007

A solution to add more RS-232 serial ports using the SPI bus on the iPac-9302.

Embedded Development Kit (EDK) Step-By-Step Guide - September 2008

A Basic Step-by-Step Guide for .NET Micro Framework Application Development on the iPac-9302. A new release is available for those who have the EDK/EDKPlus. There 20+ different exercises that cover basic application development, GPIO & Interrupt basics, SPI usage, thread processing, emulators, managed code libraries, ADC, PWM, Ethernet, and much more.