OpenPicus ist ein italienisches Hardwareunternehmen, das Internet of Things-Systeme auf Modulen namens Flyport entwickelt und produziert. Flyport ist Open Hardware und das OpenPicus-Framework und die IDE sind Open Software.
FlyPort is openPicus's family of self-contained network modules, built around a Microchip PIC24 microcontroller with a Wi-Fi, Ethernet or GPRS interface. A FlyPort runs your application and its TCP/IP stack on the module itself, so a sensor or actuator can be put on a network without a separate host processor. openPicus was an Italian company and no longer trades; The Debug Store still stocks the FlyPort Wi-Fi modules, starter and carrier boards, an Ethernet module and the Bluetooth modules listed below.
A FlyPort is a 26-pin module that combines a 16-bit Microchip PIC24 microcontroller, a network interface and an open-source framework based on FreeRTOS. You write your application in C, using the framework's functions for the network stack, web server and I/O, and download it over a serial bootloader that is preloaded on the module. The module then sits on a Nest, a carrier board that supplies power, the USB or serial link and access to the I/O signals.
The openPicus IDE builds your C application together with the framework into a firmware image, which the serial bootloader loads into the FlyPort over a UART link. A USB Nest powers the module and provides that link from a single USB port, so no separate programmer is required. The IDE is a Windows application that works with the Microchip C30 compiler.
| Product | Type | Network | Key point |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlyPort-PCB | Module | Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n) | Antenna built into the PCB |
| FlyPort-EXT | Module | Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n) | uFL connector for an external antenna (antenna not included) |
| Ethernet Programmable Module, no RJ45 | Module | Ethernet | See product page |
| FlyPort-Starter | Starter kit | Wi-Fi | USB power and firmware download, signals on screw terminals |
| FlyPort-USB-Nest | Carrier (Nest) | n/a | Powers the module and loads firmware from one USB port |
| Flyport Lighting interface board | Carrier (Nest) | n/a | See product page |
| Flyport to Arduino shield socket | Adaptor | n/a | See product page |
| USB Mini Programmer | Programmer | n/a | See product page |
For Bluetooth serial links, the catalogue also lists the BlueSmall240 SMT module (about 100 m range, set up with AT commands) and the BlueMore500, which carries a BlueSmall240 for UART cable replacement at 3.3 V logic levels.
The openPicus framework is open-source, based on FreeRTOS, and manages the TCP/IP stack and embedded web server so that your code deals with the application.
No. openPicus was an Italian hardware company and no longer trades. The Debug Store still stocks FlyPort modules, Nest boards and accessories, as listed on this page, while stock lasts.
A Nest is an openPicus carrier board that a FlyPort module plugs into. It supplies power, the programming link and access to the I/O. The FlyPort-USB-Nest powers the module and loads firmware from a single USB port.
Choose the FlyPort-PCB if the built-in PCB antenna gives enough range, or the FlyPort-EXT if you need to fit an external antenna on its uFL connector (the antenna is not included).
The FlyPort-Starter provides USB power, firmware download through the serial bootloader and screw terminals for the signals. Install the openPicus IDE, build an example and load it over USB.
No. The serial bootloader is preloaded on the module, so a USB-to-serial connection such as the USB Nest is enough to load firmware, with no Microchip or third-party programmer.
No. openPicus also made GPRS versions, but they are not in our catalogue. The Wi-Fi modules and the Ethernet module without RJ45 connector are the FlyPort modules we list.
Source: openPicus product documentation (archived) and Microchip component information. Need help choosing a model? Ask our engineers.
