What is the Intel Edison?

The Intel Edison is a compact computing platform designed for IoT and wearable projects. It features a dual-core Intel Atom processor, integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and support for a wide range of I/O interfaces. The Edison is available in several different configurations, including a development board, a module, and a mini breakout board.

Benefits of the Intel Edison for IoT Prototyping

There are several key benefits to using the Intel Edison for your IoT prototype:

1. Small Form Factor: The Edison’s compact size makes it ideal for embedded and wearable applications where space is limited.

2. Low Power Consumption: With a typical power consumption of less than 1 watt, the Edison is well-suited for battery-powered IoT devices.

3. Powerful Computing: Despite its small size, the Edison’s dual-core Atom processor provides ample computing power for most IoT applications.

4. Wireless Connectivity: Integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity simplify the process of connecting your IoT device to the cloud or other devices.

5. Flexible I/O: The Edison supports a wide range of I/O interfaces, making it easy to connect sensors, actuators, and other peripherals.

Intel Edison vs. Other IoT Platforms

When choosing an IoT platform for your prototype, it’s important to consider how the Intel Edison compares to other popular options. Here’s a quick comparison of the Edison with two other common IoT platforms:

As you can see, the Edison offers a good balance of processing power, memory, storage, and I/O capabilities in a very compact package. While the Raspberry Pi 3 provides higher performance, it is also larger and consumes more power. The Arduino Uno, on the other hand, is even smaller than the Edison but has very limited processing power and memory.

Choosing the Right Intel Edison Configuration

The Intel Edison is available in several different configurations to meet the needs of various IoT prototyping scenarios. Let’s take a closer look at each option:

Intel Edison Development Board

The Intel Edison development board is a full-featured kit that includes the Edison module, a baseboard with a variety of I/O interfaces, and a power supply. This configuration is ideal for getting started with the Edison and exploring its capabilities.

Intel Edison Module

The Intel Edison module is the smallest configuration, consisting of just the Edison compute module itself. This option is best suited for projects where space is at a premium and you plan to design your own custom carrier board.

Intel Edison Mini Breakout Board

The mini breakout board provides a compact way to access the Edison module’s I/O interfaces without the bulk of the full development board. It includes a power supply and exposes the most commonly used I/O pins.

When deciding which Edison configuration is right for your IoT prototype, consider the following factors:

1. Space Constraints: If your prototype needs to fit into a very small enclosure, the Edison module or mini breakout board may be the best choice.

2. I/O Requirements: Assess which I/O interfaces your prototype requires and choose a configuration that provides access to those interfaces.

3. Development Ease: If you’re new to the Edison or IoT development in general, the full development board may be the most straightforward option to get started.

4. Cost: The Edison module is the most affordable configuration, followed by the mini breakout board and the full development board.

Getting Started with the Intel Edison

Once you’ve chosen the appropriate Intel Edison configuration for your IoT prototype, it’s time to set up your development environment and start building your application. Here are the key steps to get started:

1. Assemble Hardware: If you’re using the development board or mini breakout board, follow the included instructions to assemble the hardware and connect any necessary peripherals.

2. Install Development Tools: The Intel XDK is the recommended development environment for the Edison. It provides a web-based IDE, a debugger, and tools for installing packages and managing code repositories.

3. Configure Edison: Use the Intel XDK or command-line tools to configure the Edison’s Wi-Fi settings, update the firmware, and install any required packages for your application.

4. Write Code: The Edison supports a variety of programming languages, including C++, Python, and Node.js. Use the Intel XDK or your preferred text editor to write your application code.

5. Deploy and Test: Use the Intel XDK or command-line tools to deploy your application to the Edison and test it on the hardware.

Example Intel Edison IoT Projects

To help inspire your own IoT prototypes, here are a few examples of projects that have been built using the Intel Edison:

Smart Home Sensor Hub

This project uses an Intel Edison and a variety of sensors to monitor temperature, humidity, light levels, and motion in a home. The sensor data is collected by the Edison and sent to a cloud-based dashboard for remote monitoring and analysis.

Wearable Health Monitor

This wearable device uses an Intel Edison, a heart rate sensor, and an accelerometer to track the wearer’s heart rate and activity levels. The data is sent to a smartphone app via Bluetooth for display and analysis.

Industrial Machine Monitor

In this project, an Intel Edison is used to monitor the vibration and temperature of an industrial machine. The Edison analyzes the sensor data locally and sends alerts to a control system if any anomalies are detected, allowing for predictive maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What operating system does the Intel Edison run?
   The Intel Edison runs Yocto Linux, a custom Linux distribution optimized for embedded devices.

2. Can I connect a display to the Intel Edison?
   Yes, the Edison supports several display interfaces, including HDMI (via an add-on board), LCD (via GPIO), and MIPI DSI.

3. How do I power the Intel Edison?
   The Edison requires a 7-15 VDC power supply, which can be provided via the development board, mini breakout board, or a custom power supply circuit.

4. What programming languages are supported on the Edison?
   The Edison supports a wide range of programming languages, including C++, Python, Node.js, Java, and more.

5. Is the Intel Edison still in production?
   No, Intel announced the end-of-life for the Edison platform in 2017. However, the Edison module and associated hardware are still available from various retailers and distributors.

Conclusion

The Intel Edison is a powerful and versatile platform for IoT prototyping, offering a balance of performance, connectivity, and compact size. By understanding the key features and configuration options of the Edison, you can choose the best setup for your specific IoT application needs.

Whether you’re building a smart home sensor hub, a wearable health monitor, or an industrial machine monitoring system, the Intel Edison provides a solid foundation for your IoT prototype. With its extensive I/O capabilities, wireless connectivity, and support for multiple programming languages, the Edison enables you to quickly develop and deploy your IoT Solution.

As you embark on your IoT prototyping journey with the Intel Edison, remember to start with a clear understanding of your project requirements, choose the appropriate Edison configuration, and leverage the many resources and examples available in the Edison community. Happy prototyping!