NightShade Electronics today introduced the Trēo development system, a new way to develop electronics systems with Raspberry Pi and Arduino. Trēo modules use some of the best components from leading electronic component suppliers, including sensors, displays, relays, and more. The Trēo system follows a patent-pending specification that allows modules to work together seamlessly while reducing system development time. Trēo is plug-and-play compatible with several of the most versatile development platforms in the market, including Raspberry Pi, Arduino, and STM32 Nucleo. Learn more about the Trēo system here: About Trēo.

The Core of Trēo

The core of Trēo is an open-source library designed in-house to be versatile and easy to use across all supported development platforms. A Trēo system running on a Raspberry Pi will use very similar code to the same system running on an Arduino. Trēo allows the designer to select the development platform that best suits their needs without concern about hardware compatibility.

Reduce Development Time: Retain System Quality

Developing an electronic system or product typically consists of circuit design, firmware development, and mechanical integration. While many suppliers on the market aim to help developers with one or two of these items, NightShade has addressed all three. NightShade empowers their Trēo customers with consistent documentation, cross-platform software support, and predictable electrical/mechanical interfaces.

System Performance

Trēo’s click-together cabling system provides high performance through the use of high-speed SPI, I²C, and UART communications protocols, along with support for native GPIO signals. When Trēo modules are connected using the solder-less cabling system, the resulting circuit closely resembles a completed custom circuit board. Trēo allows the designer to develop their product using Trēo and then quickly translate the hardware to a custom form factor.

Cross-Platform Compatible: Arduino, Raspberry Pi, STM32

When developing electronics there are many options of hardware platform and IDE. From the start, NightShade determined Trēo would be cross-platform compatible with some of today’s most popular development systems: Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and STM32. While this current lineup covers many needs, plans are already in place to expand to new development platforms.

Mechanical Integration

Mechanical integration is not typically high on the feature list for electronic development, but it is crucial for organization, durability, and ease of use. All Trēo modules can mount to a 10mm x 10mm grid using M2.5 screws. Whether designing an enclosure using machined aluminum, 3D printed plastic, or laser-cut acrylic, it’s simple to integrate a 10mm square grid. The robust mounting method enables Trēo to hold up in robotics and industrial environments.

Need a high quantity? Trēo can help.

The main goal of Trēo is to reduce development time, and the quality of the modules leads to a long service life within a product. Trēo modules and cables are ready to be used permanently in products, and they can be made in the 10s, 100s, or even 1000s of units. If a custom solution is preferred, NightShade can produce custom PCBs with the same functionality as a system of Trēo modules. Trēo allows a designer to prototype a system using Treo modules and hardware and then quickly transition that system to a custom mass-produced product.

About NightShade Electronics

NightShade Electronics is an engineering start-up in Melbourne, FL that focuses on product design and development. Founded in 2013, NightShade has since provided engineered solutions to several Fortune 500 companies without losing a personal touch. With in-house engineering and manufacturing, NightShade is uniquely capable of providing custom solutions for professionals.