I'm exploring the idea of transitioning to USB-C for DIY electronics projects and creating standardized 'plain vanilla' boards dedicated to specific functions. My vision is to unify cables, connectors, and protocols—reducing the clutter of multiple types like I2C, SPI, UART, and various cables. The goal? Plug-and-play functionality with one cable and connector, where makers can focus more on coding rather than soldering. Although not every microcontroller supports USB-C, many affordable options do, especially with frameworks like Micropython and Circuitpython making it easier.
Additionally, I'm considering boards designed for single functionalities, like sound output, LED control, button inputs, and various sensors. This would streamline product design and allow developers to concentrate on the software aspect. However, I'd love your feedback on these concepts, particularly for the sound output and LED ring boards. If you have any resources or are interested in contributing, please reach out!
5 Answers
Just an FYI: debugging with an oscilloscope might get trickier with this setup. It could lead to more complications when trying to monitor signals over USB. Just something to keep in mind!
It sounds like a neat concept, but have you considered the existing ecosystems? Solutions like qwiic or stemma already provide similar functionality using I2C. For example, you could use a Qwiic Pro Micro Arduino to connect to USB-C easily without reinventing the wheel.
What have you already created? Any code or schematics? Knowing what you've built so far could help us provide more focused feedback or even collaboration!
Classic XKCD reference! Here it is for a laugh: https://xkcd.com/927/.
I think this idea might be a bit unrealistic. Many of the protocols you mentioned, like I2C and SPI, are integrated into current chips. If we were to switch everything to USB, the cost would likely skyrocket because USB-capable sensors typically come at a premium. Plus, microcontrollers with USB need more hardware, making them significantly more expensive than simpler models. It's important to balance performance and cost when making decisions for DIY projects.
I see your point, but I think the goal is to simplify the process for hobbyists. If we can just connect everything through USB-C, it might save us time in setup, even if the initial price is higher.