Based on the Maple RET6, the Hickory has many of the peripherals onboard that shields would otherwise offer. In addition to the Maple/Arduino standard connectors that still allow a shield board to be attached, the Hickory has onboard:
* RTC from Maxim, the DS3234SN
* 8Kx8 serial EEPROM, the 25LC640A
* Ethernet port, by way of the WIZ820io
* 16 channels of Op-Amp buffered analog input that can be configured as bridge amplifier inputs or simply as non-inverting op-amp buffers with gain
* 8 channels of PWM output each rated to 40 amps, using N-Channel MOSFETS rated at 30 Volts
* The Hickory measures 2.125 inches wide by 4 inches long
* Single voltage supply input between 12 and 24 volts - rated at the current needed by the PWM loads
* Onboard regulators provide supply regulation for the analog circuits and STM32F103RET6
* MOSFET circuits are supplied directly from input voltage.
* Uses RET6 bootloader and programs through USB port just like the RET6
I plan to offer this board for sale through web sites like Sparkfun, but if anyone is interested in a board now, I can get one to you!
