DigiKey, Microchip Collaboration Aims to Lower Barrier to Embedded Systems Entry
Event summary
- DigiKey and Microchip are hosting a free webinar, 'Programming hardware two ways: CircuitPython and Verilog,' on April 30, 2026, at 10 a.m. CDT.
- The webinar will cover embedded system design, focusing on when high-level code (CircuitPython) is sufficient versus when dedicated hardware logic (Verilog) is needed.
- Microchip's 'veryVERILOG' platform and Mini FPGA Kit will be showcased, developed in collaboration with DigiKey's Academic Program.
- The webinar includes introductory soldering practice to connect logic design with real hardware.
The big picture
DigiKey's partnership with Microchip to offer this educational webinar highlights the growing importance of accessible embedded systems education. As the demand for IoT devices and edge computing solutions continues to surge, the need for a skilled workforce capable of designing and deploying these systems becomes increasingly critical. This initiative positions both companies to capitalize on the expanding market for embedded systems development tools and training.
What we're watching
- Skills Gap
- The focus on upskilling and attracting new makers suggests a continued effort to address the ongoing shortage of skilled embedded systems engineers, a critical bottleneck for innovation across multiple industries.
- Open Source Adoption
- Increased adoption of CircuitPython, a Python-based embedded programming language, indicates a shift towards more accessible and rapid prototyping tools within the embedded systems space, potentially disrupting traditional development workflows.
- Hardware Democratization
- The combination of low-cost hardware kits and accessible programming tools like veryVERILOG signals a broader trend towards democratizing hardware design, empowering smaller teams and individual makers to develop sophisticated embedded systems.
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