What is FEZ?

FEZ (Freakin' Easy!) is a board based on USBizi running the Microsoft .NET Micro Framework at the core. It is targeted for electronics beginners, hobbyists and even professionals where we enclosed everything, hardware and software, in one package for an easy and fast start with .NET Micro Framework and embedded systems. With .NET Micro Framework, developers can write code with greater efficiency using C# programming language under Microsoft Visual Studio. Many libraries for hardware and software access are already available with FEZ including FAT file system, threading, UART, SPI, I2C, GPIO, PWM, ADC, DAC and more.

Is FEZ open source?

FEZ Domino and FEZ Mini boards are open source hardware. You are free to use the design files to make your own commercial boards as long as you are using GHI Electronics' USBizi Chipset to run the board. The software running inside USBizi chipset is not open source.

Note that this is the core software and has nothing to do with your development, that is done in C#.

I want to design my own board. What should I do?

If you are making a FEZ mother-board like domino or mini then take the files provided and modify them anyway you like. Or easier, just use the files unmodified. If making a plug-in for the boards then follow what we have with one of the available plug-in components.

Can I build a commercial product with FEZ?

Absolutely! However, you may want to use FEZ boards for prototyping then just use USBizi in your products to save board space and cost.

What if I need more memory?

The core of FEZ is USBizi, which is a powerful chipset but provides very little memory. If your application requires more resources then consider EMX or ChipworkX from GHI Electronics, LLC.

The learning curve from USBizi to other NETMF devices is small, so its easy to start with USBizi (FEZ) then upgrade to more sophisticated devices.

TinyCLR, NETMF, USBizi, FEZ... How do they relate?

Microsoft released an excellent technology called .NET Micro Framework or NETMF for short. This technology allows users to run C# managed applications on small embedded devices. This means, a PC programmer can now program a little device and even use Visual Studio without the need for any knowledge of electronics or embedded systems.

Now, the core of NETMF is a software called TinyCLR. TinyCLR is responsible of parsing/executing assemblies and managing system resources. GHI took the TinyCLR and compressed it to the point it ran on a single chipset. This chipset is called USBizi. GHI also added a lot of features that are not available in NETMF, such as CAN, Analog In, Analog Out, PWM, USB host and many more.

Finally, FEZ boards are made directly for beginners and educational institutions. These boards use USBizi chipset at the core but what makes it easier is that everything is packaged and made with beginners in mind. For example, there are many sensors (which include a driver example) that are ready to plug right into FEZ. With connecting a few sensors and using the available drivers, a beginner can create all kinds of devices easily.

Even though the target is beginners, FEZ is also a great device for professionals that need to prototype new designs.

Who makes these products? How do they relate to Arduino?

As seen in our product images, only FEZ Domino and FEZ Mini are GHI Electronics, LLC products. Everything else is provided by Inex, DFRobot and others for your convenience. FEZ Domino and Mini are open source hardware but other boards may or may not be open source.

With the Arduino team's approval, FEZ Domino has a similar pin-out and layout to Arduino Duemilanove. This is not an Arduino product, it only has a similar pin-out, so you can use most of the available Arduino shields (we offer some on this website).

What are components, shields and extensions?

What do you have for academic institutions and instructors/professors?

FEZ is perfect for learning electronics, programming, .NET Micro Framework, embedded system and more! The hardware cost is very low and software is free. Also, FEZ is not a toy, it is based on the cutting-edge USBizi chipset that is used in many commercial projects around the world.
If you are interested in special educational pricing or in special kits that include components of your choice, please contact us directly.

Discounts are only available for 10 or more units and for educational institutions only, no student discount, sorry!

I have created a useful component, shield, or extension. Can you offer it for sale on this website?

Yes, if you are able to show the usefulness *and* quality of your device.
We are even open to a whole new FEZ family using USBizi or other GHI OEM products, like EMX or ChiporkX.

What is the difference between FEZ Domino and FEZ Mini? Which one is better?

FEZ Domino and Mini are based on USBizi144/100 chipsets respectively. At the core, they almost have the same set of features, but only FEZ Domino (USBizi144) has a USB host peripheral. However, both support USB client devices.

FEZ Mini supports SD cards but the board doesn't have an SD connector. With minor soldering, a user may add the Micro SD board to FEZ Mini. FEZ Domino includes a Micro SD connector.

There is also no UEXT header placed on FEZ Mini. If you need to use one of the extensions then you need to solder a header, FEZ Domino comes with the header.

If you need a plug-in module then FEZ Mini is an easier option since it's header layout matches standard DIP24 package.

Depending on your application, FEZ Domino or FEZ Mini could be the right choice. If you are using the robot kit then you must use FEZ Mini or if you need the Ethernet Shield then you must use FEZ Domino.

No matter what you select to get started, you should use the USBizi chipset once your design is ready for production.

How much RAM and flash memory do I have for my application?

FEZ Domino and Mini are based on the USBizi chipset. This means both have 512KB of flash memory and 98KB of RAM, with about 100KB flash and 50KB RAM left for user applications. These numbers don't mean much for NETMF users because the TinyCLR (firmware) and the libraries are already stored on USBizi. If you use threading then you still have about 100KB left, if you use XML then you still have about 100KB. What the application flash does is basically hold your application. So how much can you do with 100KB? If you're coming from the PC world then you'll think this is extremely small, but its not. Throughout the years we've had USBizi on the market being used by professionals, we've never had a customer complain about running out of flash memory. Yes, you can purposely fill the flash, but if you manage to write the code properly then 100KB is enough for any application where USBizi (FEZ) fits.

For RAM, NETMF is a runtime managed system. This means it can be RAM hungry if the developer doesn't write code properly. Our free ebook talks about ways to "think small." 50KB of RAM is more than enough for any application if you plan your application properly.

An important note here is that most RAM usage on NETMF is dynamic (managed) which means you almost can't say that your application is using xx KB, because your program objects are continuously being allocated and freed depending on what the code is doing.

While most deep embedded applications fit well on USBizi (FEZ), you can always switch to larger devices like GHI's EMX and ChipworkX if necessary.