Backlog
Items identified in the July 2026 portfolio review that are worth doing but not yet scheduled in any line's phases. Review this file when planning the next design batch.
Additions to existing module lines#
| Line | Proposed # | Module | Part | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| sensor | axs-051 | Pulse oximeter / heart rate | MAX30102 (stock symbol in Sensor.kicad_sym) | The crowd-favorite "heartbeat" module in every Arduino kit; platform currently has zero biometrics. I2C + INT, L3 |
| sensor | axs-052 | Fingerprint reader carrier | UART socket for R503/FPM383-class modules | Same socketed-carrier pattern as GPS (#46); pairs with crypto element (axc-006) for a security mini-curriculum |
| io | axo-020 | HDMI/DVI output | — | Host-board feature, not a PMOD module (TMDS pins); already noted in io-modules deferred table. Keep visible here so ECP5 rev planning weighs it |
Host-board (ECP5 rev) items surfaced by module planning#
- Dual-socket PMOD spacing: RESOLVED 2026-07-12 — 0.9" (22.86 mm) center-to-center per Pmod spec 1.2.0 (see
pmod-common/PMOD-SPEC-NOTES.md); rev A must place its two sockets on exactly this pitch for camera (axs-050), VGA (axo-007), scope (axl-002). - Host ports should carry 200 Ω series + ESD per the spec's standard-port practice — decide standard vs raw ("high-speed") per socket on rev A.
- Clock-capable PMOD pins: axc-002 (RMII 50 MHz) and axl-002 (ADC clock) need at least one PCLK-routable pin per socket — verify in rev-A pinout.
- PMOD VU (5 V) option: the spec sanctions switching the power pins between 3.3 V and 5.0 V (both pins together on 12-pin ports). Decide on rev A: switched VCC per spec, or modules always take external power (current line rules assume the latter).
- ULPI USB PHY on a future rev — full-speed/high-speed USB host/device; deferred from axc-008 (which covers low-speed in fabric).
Non-PCB workstreams (no fab cost — can start anytime)#
- Curriculum tree (
curriculum/) — student-facing lab workbook mapping L1–L5 labs to module combinations across lines ("Lab 3: measure distance, gate a motor"). This is what turns the catalogs into a course. - Emulator virtual modules — simulate I2C/SPI/GPIO peripherals (SHT31, encoder, 7-seg) inside AruviEmulator so students write drivers before hardware arrives and schools can run the course software-only. Strong differentiator, zero fab cost.
- Kit SKUs — define bundles now so each line's Phase A panelization serves real products: Starter (L1–L2: buttons, LEDs, 7-seg, buzzer, breakout), Protocols (L3: I2C/SPI/UART sensors + display + console), Robot (drive modules + encoder + battery + joystick + nRF24), Computer (PS/2 + VGA + microSD + RTC + console).
- Mechanical files — laser-cut differential-drive chassis DXF sized for the carrier backplane; PMOD module display stand/rail for classroom storage. Trivial files, big perceived completeness.
- PulseView/sigrok integration — prebuilt logic-analyzer bitstream + configs shipped with axl-001 so instruments work out of the box.
Parts watchlist (blocked only on stock KiCad assets)#
Consolidated from the per-line deferred tables — recheck each KiCad release:
Mini-DIN-6 footprint (PS/2, axo-016 ships as pigtail carrier until then), LTR390 (UV), SGP40 (VOC), AMG8833 / MLX90640 (thermal), AS5600 (magnetic encoder), DRV8874/8876 (current-regulated motor driver), DRV83xx gate drivers (high-power BLDC), ST7735 (TFT), TM1637 (7-seg driver — low priority), CC1101 (sub-GHz OOK), MAX3421E (USB host), XT30 connector footprint, SKRH-class thumbstick footprint.