The Controller Board is built around the Atmel AT91SAM7X256, and adds the essential components (like the crystal, voltage regulator, filter capacitors, etc.) required to run it, while bringing almost all the processor's signal lines out to standard 0.1" spaced sockets.

It's simple to build your own electronics around the Make Controller, if you don't need all the features on the Application Board.  The 0.1" spaced sockets allow for breadboard experimentation, and you can include no more than an Ethernet connector or USB connector to be up and running. 

And your software environment remains the same as if you were using the whole Make Controller Kit - the firmware libraries are divided into Controller Board and Application Board specific modules.

Are you a student?  Read about our student discount program in our ordering questions seciton.

Getting Started

There are a selection of documents available to help you create your own Make Controller-based designs:

• Controller Board circuit diagram
• SAM7X pin mapping - shows which pins on the SAM7X correspond to which pins on the Make Controller
• Controller Board pinout - a quick reference showing where each signal line lies on the Make Controller
• Also, see the Prototyping Board for a quick way to start with your own design around the Make Controller.