.NET Micro Framework: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Open source .NET platform}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2023}} {{Use American English|date=December 2023}}

{{Infobox software

| name = .NET Micro Framework

| logo = .NET Micro Framework Logo.png

| logo_size = 150px

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| license = [[Apache License 2.0]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://github.com/NETMF/netmf-interpreter/blob/dev/License.txt|title=.NET Micro Framework|publisher=Microsoft}}</ref>

| alexa =

| website = {{URL|https://netmf.github.io/netmf-interpreter/}}

| repo = {{URL|https://github.com/NETMF/netmf-interpreter}}

}}

The '''.NET Micro Framework''' (NETMF) iswas a [[.NET Framework]] platform for resource-constrained devices with at least 256512&nbsp;[[Kibibytekilobyte|KBkB]] of flash and 64256&nbsp;KBkB of [[random-access memory]] (RAM). It includes a small version of the .NET [[Common Language Runtime]] (CLR) and supports development in [[C Sharp (programming language)|C#]], [[Visual Basic .NET]], and debugging (in an emulator or on hardware) using [[Microsoft Visual Studio]]. NETMF features a subset of the .NET base class libraries (about 70 classes with about 420 methods), an implementation of [[Windows Communication Foundation]] (WCF), a [[List of widget toolkits|GUI framework]] loosely based on [[Windows Presentation Foundation]] (WPF), and a Web Services stack based on Simple Object Access Protocol ([[SOAP]]) and [[Web Services Description Language]] (WSDL). NETMF also features added libraries specific to embedded applications. It is [[free and open-source software]] released under [[Apache License]] 2.0.

The Micro Framework aims to make embedded development easier, faster, and less costly by giving embedded developers access to the modern technologies and tools used by desktop application developers. Also, it allows desktop .NET developers to use their skills in [[embedded system]]s, enlarging the pool of qualified embedded developers.

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Relative to other .NET platforms, the unique features of the Micro Framework are:

* Memory needs of about 300&nbsp;KBkB; in contrast, the next smallest .NET implementation, the [[.NET Compact Framework]] running on [[Windows CE]], needs about 12&nbsp;MB

* Can run directly on a ''[[bare machine]]'' with no operating system, or can run on an [[operating system]] (OS)

* Supports common embedded peripherals and interconnects, including [[flash memory]], [[EEPROM]], [[GPIO]], [[I2C|I²²C]], [[Serial Peripheral Interface Bus]] (SPI), [[serial port]], [[USB]]

* Optimized for energy-efficiency in battery-powered devices

* Needs no [[memory management unit]]

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As of 2013, the .NET Micro Framework was supported on [[ARM architecture]] processors (including ARM7, ARM9, and Cortex-M) and has been supported on [[Analog Devices]] [[Blackfin]] in the past. The Porting Kit is now available along with the source code as a free download under the [[Apache License]] 2.0 at the Microsoft Download Center.

The Micro Framework has its roots in Microsoft's [[Smart Personal Objects Technology]] (SPOT) initiative and was used in [[MSN Direct]] products such as smart watches before being made available to third-party developers early in 2007.<ref>{{Cncite web|url=https://news.microsoft.com/2007/01/08/microsoft-spot-initiative-accelerates-with-addition-of-msn-direct-to-navigation-devices|title=Microsoft SPOT Initiative Accelerates With Addition of MSN Direct to Navigation Devices|date=2007-01-08|publisher=Microsoft Corporation|access-date=2 July 20202024}}</ref> It is a common platform for [[Windows SideShow]] devices and has been adopted in other markets, such as energy management, healthcare, industrial automation, and sensor networks.

Microsoft allows developers to create applications using the Micro Framework without charge, and makes a [[software development kit]] (SDK) available for free download that can be used with all versions of Visual Studio, including the free Express editions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=23546|title=NETMF4 SDK|publisher=Microsoft}}</ref>

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[http://www.TinyCLR.com FEZ: open-source electronics boards with many open-source component drivers using .NET MF]</ref>

On 3 August 2010, Secret Labs announced the Netduino, the first all-open-source electronics platform using the .NET Micro Framework.<ref>[{{Cite web |url=http://www.netduino.com/ |title=Netduino: open-source electronics platform using .NET MF] |access-date=8 September 2010 |archive-date=20 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320225203/http://www.netduino.com/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In February 2011, Novell posted a preview of the Mono 2.12 C# compiler, the first open-source compiler for .NET Micro Framework.<ref>[http://forums.netduino.com/index.php?/forum/12-mono/: Experimental Mono support for Mac/Linux]</ref>

On 23 January 2017, after numerous attempts (<ref>{{cite web |title=Manifest for .NETMF (the current state and the future we want for it) |website=[[GitHub]] |url=https://github.com/NETMF/netmf-interpreter/issues/491}}</ref> and <ref>{{cite web |title=Future of .NETMF (take #999999) |website=[[GitHub]] |url=https://github.com/NETMF/netmf-interpreter/issues/527}}</ref>) to revive .NET Microframework project and bring it to community governance and a period of work "in the dark", a group of embedded systems developers publicly announced .NET nanoFramework as spin-off of .NET Micro Framework.<ref>{{cite web |title=The name's Framework, nanoFramework |url=https://nanoframework.net/2017/01/23/my-name-is-framework-nanoframework/ |access-date=2019-02-22 |archive-date=2019-02-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190222152330/https://nanoframework.net/2017/01/23/my-name-is-framework-nanoframework/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> A major rework on the build system, an easier way of adding new targets, a modernized API following [[Universal Windows Platform|UWP]], a Visual Studio extension with all the tools required for managing targets, full development experience from coding to debugging on the native code and support for ARM Cortex-M and ESP32 were the key differences at that time. On 12 October 2018 the first official release of the class libraries and firmware images was announced.<ref>{{cite web |title=nanoFramework v1.0 is official! |url=https://nanoframework.net/2018/10/12/502/ |access-date=2019-02-22 |archive-date=2019-02-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190222152201/https://nanoframework.net/2018/10/12/502/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> On 2020-06-17 the developers announced release of nanoFramework<ref>[https://www.nanoframework.net/stable-releases-are-out/ Stable releases are out]</ref>

On 16 December 2016, GHI Electronics announced their own implementation of Micro Framework called TinyCLR OS, citing lack of maintenance of NETMF by Microsoft.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=24044# |title=Introducing TinyCLR OS: a new path for our NETMF devices |access-date=2017-07-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728203332/https://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=24044# |archive-date=2017-07-28 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On 7 July 2017 GHI announced 5th preview of TinyCLR OS.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=24580# |title=Fifth Preview of TinyCLR OS Core Features and Porting |access-date=2017-07-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728202902/https://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=24580# |archive-date=2017-07-28 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On 2 February 2018 GHI announced 8th preview of TinyCLR OS.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://tinyclr.com/tinyclr-os-eighth-release-fez-hydra-wi-fi-and-cortex-m7/# |title=TinyCLR OS Eighth Release: FEZ Hydra, Wi-Fi, and Cortex-M7 |access-date=2018-02-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180309184128/http://www.tinyclr.com/tinyclr-os-eighth-release-fez-hydra-wi-fi-and-cortex-m7/# |archive-date=2018-03-09 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On 5 April 2018 GHI announced 10th preview of TinyCLR OS.<ref>[https://forums.ghielectronics.com/t/tinyclr-os-tenth-release-bugs-rtc-and-stm32f7/21327 TinyCLR OS Tenth Release: Bugs, RTC, and STM32F7]</ref> On 27 April 2022 GHI announced release of TinyCLR OS version 2.2.<ref>[https://www.ghielectronics.com/2022/04/27/tinyclr-os-2-2-release/ TinyCLR OS 2.2 Release]</ref>

As of 2023, only nanoFramework and TinyCLR OS continue development of a framework that can run .NET code on a microcontroller.

==Hardware==

Multiple vendors make chips, development kits, and more that run the Micro Framework.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.microsoft.com/netmf/hardware/default.mspx# |title=Compatible Device Matrix |website=[[Microsoft]] |access-date=2010-10-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101223163114/http://www.microsoft.com/netmf/hardware/default.mspx# |archive-date=2010-12-23 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Netduino by Wilderness Labs===

[[Netduino]] is an open-source electronics platform using the Micro Framework. Originally created by Secret Labs, butNetduino now{{When|date=Julyhas 2020}}been manufactured and maintained by Wilderness Labs Inc.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.netduino.com/|title=Netduino: home|publisher=Wilderness Labs, Inc.|access-date=29 October 2010|archive-date=20 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320225203/http://www.netduino.com/|url-status=dead}}</ref> since the acquisition of Secret Labs in 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.prweb.com/releases/netduino_acquired_by_wilderness_labs/prweb14517316.htm|title=Netduino acquired by Wilderness Labs|date=2017-07-20|publisher=PRWeb|access-date=2 July 2024}}</ref> Based on 168Mhz Cortex-M4 (STM32F4) with up to 1,408 KB of code storage and 164 KB of RAM. On-board USB, Ethernet, Wifi, SD card slot. Development environment is MS Visual Studio and C#. Pin compatible with Arduino shields although drivers are required for some shields.

===GHI Electronics===

GHI Electronics makes several modules that support the Micro Framework:

* EMX Module<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ghielectronics.com/catalog/category/18/|title=Catalog - Latest Products - GHI Electronics|publisher=GHI Electronics, LLC|access-date=2011-02-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320155135/http://www.ghielectronics.com/catalog/category/18/#|archive-date=2012-03-20|url-status=dead}}</ref>

* ChipworkX Module<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ghielectronics.com/catalog/category/20/|title=Catalog - Latest Products - GHI Electronics|access-date=2011-02-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121204182300/http://www.ghielectronics.com/catalog/category/20#|archive-date=2012-12-04|url-status=dead}}</ref>

* USBizi144 Chipset<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ghielectronics.com/catalog/product/116|title=USBizi144 Chipset - GHI Electronics|publisher=GHI Electronics, LLC|access-date=2011-02-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107233556/https://www.ghielectronics.com/catalog/product/116#|archive-date=2014-01-07|url-status=dead}}</ref> and USBizi100, whose only difference is the lack of USB host support in the USBizi100<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ghielectronics.com/catalog/product/117|title=USBizi100 Chipset - GHI Electronics|publisher=GHI Electronics, LLC|access-date=2011-02-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107234235/https://www.ghielectronics.com/catalog/product/117#|archive-date=2014-01-07|url-status=dead}}</ref>

GHI Electronics also makes the ''.NET FEZ'' line of very small open-source hardware boards with proprietary firmware, targeted for beginners. They are based on the USBizi chipset and all its features. The FEZ Domino board offers USB host. Even though FEZ is for beginners, it's is also a low-cost starting point for professionals wanting to explore NETMF.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ghielectronics.com/catalog/category/7/|title=Catalog - Latest Products - GHI Electronics|access-date=2011-02-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130302063709/http://www.ghielectronics.com/catalog/category/7/#|archive-date=2013-03-02|url-status=dead}}</ref> Some of these boards are physically compatible with the [[Arduino]].

GHI Electronics does not recommend to use its Micro Framework-based devices for new designs and instead recommends its TinyCLR-based devices.<ref>{{cite web|title=.NET Micro Framework Devices|url=https://www.ghielectronics.com/netmf/|website=GHI Electronics|access-date=2023-10-26}}</ref>

===Mountaineer boards===

Mountaineer boards, part of the Mountaineer Group, used to make a small range of [[Open-source hardware|open-source]] open-hardware boards that make use of the Micro Framework. Mountaineer have ported the Micro Framework for use on the [[STM32]] family of [[microcontroller]]s featured on their Mountaineer boards and elsewhere.<ref>{{cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=NETMF for STM32 - Mountaineer Group|url=http://www.mountaineer.org/netmf-for-stm32/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119051708/https://www.mountaineer.org/netmf-for-stm32/|archive-date=2018-11-19|access-date=|website=|publisher=}}</ref>

===STMicroelectronics===

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===Netmfdevices===

Netmfdevices iswas an open-source electronics platform using FEZHacker and .NET Micro Framework.<ref>[{{Cite web |url=http://www.netmf.in/ |title=Netmfdevices] |access-date=2019-06-26 |archive-date=2019-06-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626093829/http://www.netmf.in/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Micromint===

The Micromint Bambino 200 is the first [[multi-core processor]] SBC compatible with the .NET Gadgeteer framework.<ref>[{{Cite web |url=http://www.micromint.com/component/content/article/53-products/products/196-bambino200.html |title=Micromint Bambino 200] |access-date=2014-06-19 |archive-date=2014-11-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141113165956/http://www.micromint.com/component/content/article/53-products/products/196-bambino200.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> The model 200 is powered by an NXP LPC4330, the first dual-core ARM Cortex-M microcontroller. Its Cortex-M4 and Cortex-M0 cores are both capable of 204&nbsp;MHz. It has 264&nbsp;KB SRAM onboard and 4&nbsp;MB of flash. The model 200E has all the same features as the model 200, and increased flash memory to 8&nbsp;MB, 10 Gadgeteer sockets, an [[Ethernet]] port, [[microSD]] socket, and other features.

===.NET Gadgeteer devices===

Several manufacturers make boards and modules compatible with the [[.NET Gadgeteer]] rapid-prototyping standard for the framework.

===MikroBus.Net===

The MikroBus.Net Quail is an STM32-powered development solution for building hardware prototypes with click boards and C# managed code. It brings together Mikroelectronika click boards and the Micro Framework for embedded devices (NETMF).<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.mikrobusnet.org/ |title=MikroBus.Net Quail |access-date=2021-01-27 |archive-date=2020-08-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816052724/https://www.mikrobusnet.org/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==See also==

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{{Microsoft FOSS}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:.Net Micro Framework}}

[[Category:.NET Framework implementations|Micro Framework]]

[[Category:Free computer libraries]]

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[[Category:Software using the Apache license]]

[[Category:2007 software]]

[[Category:Windows-only free software]]