BeagleConnect Zepto – A “$1 computer” based on TI MSPM0L1117 Cortex-M0+ MCU
BeagleBoard.org Foundation’s BeagleConnect Zepto “$1 computer” is an upcoming open-source hardware board powered by Texas Instruments MSPM0L117 Cortex-M0+ MCU, part of the MSPM0 family introduced in 2023.
It’s a tiny board with mikroBus-compatible headers, a TAG-CONNECT JTAG connector, two Qwiic connectors for expansion (or one Qwiic connector + USB-C depending on the variant), Boot and Reset buttons, and an RGB LED.
BeagleConnect Zepto specifications:
MCU – Texas Instruments MSPM0L117
CPU – 32MHz Arm Cortex-M0+ core
Memory – 16KB SRAM
Storage – 128KB dual-bank flash
Package – QFN32 (5×5 mm)
USB – Optional USB-C port for power (multiplexed with one of the Qwicc JST connectors)
Expansion
mikroBUS headers supporting a choice of about 2,000 ClickE add-on boards; one of the sides is compatible with some Raspberry Pi HATs (note limited to 12 pins)
Up to 2x Qwicc connectors with full Grove function: I2C, UART, ADC, GPIO
Debugging – 8-pin TAG-CONNECT JTAG connector
Misc
Reset and User buttons
RGB LED
Power Supply – 5V via USB-C port or Qwicc/ JST connector
Dimensions – 33.7 x 25.4 mm (2-layer PCB)
Dual Qwiic variant of the Zepto board
The Qwiic connectors also allow the user to connect the Zepto to BeaglePlay, BeagleBadge, or other Qwiic-enabled hosts or targets, meaning the BeagleConnect Zepto board could also be connected to Linux hosts for internet connectivity or prototyping. The foundation notably highlights support for BeagleConnect Greybus for Zephyr to control mikroBUS modules over Linux without having to develop additional microcontroller firmware.
