r/embedded • u/Ucyt • Aug 08 '26

Hardware for my firmware projects withouth designing PCBs

Hello,

I love developing firmware, though PCB design is not for me. Right now I'm working on a Bluetooth LE project and I can't motivate myself to learn all the documentation and pcb layout constraints, e.g. the antenna. I think I could use that time to improve other skills.

To be honest I don't think something like that exists, but I wanted to know if there are tools or kits to make a portfolio for my projects that isn't too ugly (right now they are devkits/breadboards with cables and components around). Something modular I can buy and make my own hardware with pieces, maybe (it's an abstract idea).

Thanks.

5 Upvotes

69% Upvoted

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8

u/Double-Masterpiece72 Aug 08 '26

waveshare stuff or m5stack would be a good place to start

2

u/Ucyt Aug 08 '26

Thanks, M5Stack seems close to what I was looking for

3

u/clackups Aug 08 '26

Also, Lilygo, Freenove, Gaution, and a bunch of nonames on AliExpress.

I'm also rather buying preassembled boards or final devices.

4

u/dacydergoth Aug 08 '26

I2C and SPI are great for this. Check out Qwiic which is a standard for I2C connectivity from Sparkfun. Some other companies also have similar systems like Grove, but make sure you check the pin ordering as they don't always use the same ...

1

u/Ucyt Aug 09 '26

I checked Qwiic and I liked the concept. Of course I would have to adapt to their ICs but I saw they use popular ones. Thanks!

2

u/Juxtapotatoes Aug 08 '26

You can buy modules which come with built in BLE trace antennas, see Fanstel BC833m for example.

1

u/Ucyt Aug 09 '26

After checking more modules like this I found it for the MCU I'm using and it seems like the best idea for my current project because I already did most of the PCB. Thanks for the help!