Semi-pseudonymous electronics designer Arya, of FairywrenTech, has taken the Framework Laptop computer’s chop-and-change nature to its absolute restrict — by designing a modular module for the modular laptop computer, the USB-A-ugment Growth Card.
“This card is the Framework Laptop computer USB-A Growth Card however augmented to the acute,” Riga-based Arya explains of the design. “The USB-A-ugment card has all of the options of the inventory USB-A Growth Card together with USB 3 assist, after which an entire lot extra.”
This modular module for Framework’s modular laptop computer takes the idea of customization to extremes. (📷: FairywrenTech)
The module is designed to be used with Framework’s Laptop computer household of gadgets, which launched two years in the past and was refreshed again in March with the promise of larger customizability and upgradeability by means of using a replaceable Mainboard system and compact Growth Card modules for exterior interfaces. Usually, these modules supply issues like USB Sort-A or Sort-C connectivity, or an HDMI video output, however Arya’s model goes past Framework’s personal designs by being modular itself.
“There is a 9-pin grid that allows you to join 3.3V or 5V USB gadgets, in addition to entry CC2 and SBU1/2 pins,” Arya explains. “This grid allows you to stack one other add-on card on high of the USB-A-ugment card, including cool options in alternate for a small enhance in thickness, letting you make your day-to-day carry bag a couple of USB dongles lighter. I’ve constructed three totally different add-on playing cards, and you’ll simply make your individual ones, too!”
These three playing cards present further performance past an easy USB port: a microSD Card reader, a secondary USB 2.0 Sort-C port, or a USB UART bridge with debug capabilities. These will be added on high of the module’s different bonus options: an inside USB Sort-A socket for wi-fi keyboard and mouse dongles and an influence swap which lets the USB Sort-C port go right into a full power-saving mode when not required.
An inside USB Sort-C connector can host a keyboard/mouse dongle, whereas add-on boards develop the module nonetheless additional. (📷: FairywrenTech)
“For the way featureful this card is, at the moment, there’s a catch,” Arya admits. “I haven’t got a 3D printed shell design for you in the meanwhile; my laptop with SolidWorks is just not with me, so I am unable to even begin the design but myself. Nonetheless, I’m placing up a bounty for any 3D designers within the Framework group – I’ll ship a full set of USB-A-ugment growth card and add-ons to whoever can get a design up and working from the 3D fashions I’ll present. If no one takes up the wager, I’ll do a design of my very own inside every week.”
The boards themselves can be found to order from the FairywrenTech Tindie retailer at $20, plus $10 every for the microSD or USB Sort-C add-on boards or $20 for the USB UART and debug board.
