Mediatek Labs has launched a new IoT development, which on the surface looks similar to LinkIt Smart 7688 board, but the internal design is quite different as the MIPS processor and Linux OS, have been replaced by Mediatek MT7697 ARM Cortex-M4 processor running FreeRTOS, and beside WiFi, also includes support for Bluetooth 4.2 LE.
LinkIt 7697 board specifications:
- Wireless SoC – Mediatek MT7697 ARM Cortex M4F MCU @ 192 MHz with 352KB RAM, 4MB flash, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 4.2 LE and a PMU
- Expansion – 2x 14-pin header with 18x GPIO, 2x UART, 1x I2C, 1x SPI, 18x PWM, 4x EINT, 4x ADC (0 to 2.5V), 1x IrDA, 1x I2S
- Debugging – 1x SWD, CP2102 UART to USB chipset
- Misc – Reset and user buttons; power and user LEDs
- Power Supply – 5V via micro USB port
- Dimensions – 48 x 26 mm
The board can be programmed with the Arduino IDE, or if you need more control LinkIt SK for RTOS. The documentation is available on Mediatek Labs LinkIt MT7697 page. We’ll note that the board is based on Wrtnode7 module, also found in the upcoming 96Boards WRTnode IE board. Mediatek MT7697 appears to competes directly with Espressif ESP32, and already comes with a 5GHz variant (MT7697D).
LinkIt 7697 board is up for pre-order for $13.90 on Seeed Studio, and there’s also a Grove Starter Kit for LinkIt 7697 selling with breakout board, and plenty of module for $150. The board and starter kit should ship on June 15, 2017…
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
Support CNX Software! Donate via cryptocurrencies, become a Patron on Patreon, or purchase goods on Amazon or Aliexpress
Well, with 13,5€ for cheapest shipping to EU…
@Ivo
Indeed, postage is as much as the module, even for Singapore Post (15-30 days delivery). Really takes away the “impulse buy” factor…
If €13.5 to EU is really the best TRUE postage Seeed can do, if they made it avaible thru Aliexpress with the usual free Chinapost to most destinations then surely their sales would improve enormously ?
Does anyone know if this, or a similar board can connect in ‘Client mode’ to a Remote AP ?
Who would buy this instead of the vastly superior and cheaper ESP32?
You’re right, hope they can make some adjustments on postage