Micro Bit

{{Short description|Single-board computer designed by the BBC}} {{For|the type of screwdriver frontend|Microbit (screwdriver)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=July 2015}} {{Infobox computer |name = BBC micro:bit |logo = File:Microbit-logo-stacked.png |developer = BBC Learning, BBC R&D, ARM Holdings, Barclays, element14, NXP Semiconductors, Lancaster University, Microsoft, Samsung, Nordic Semiconductor, ScienceScope, Technology Will Save Us, Python Software Foundation |type = Single-board microcontroller |image = Micro-bit v1 & v2.JPG |caption = micro:bit v1 (right) and v2 (left) |release_date = v1: 10 February 2016<ref>{{cite web|title=Computing at School Community|url=http://community.computingatschool.org.uk/forums/23/topics/4771#post_72001|accessdate=11 February 2016}} {{dead link |fix-attempted=yes |date=January 2025}}</ref><br/>v2: 13 October 2020<ref name="v2" /> |price = |cpu = v1: Nordic nRF51822, {{nowrap|16 MHz}} ARM Cortex-M0 core, {{nowrap|256 KB}} Flash, {{nowrap|16 KB}} RAM<ref name=arstech_anthony /><ref name=Independent_Sherwin /><br/>v2: Nordic nRF52833, {{nowrap|64 MHz}} ARM Cortex-M4 core, {{nowrap|512 KB}} Flash, {{nowrap|128 KB}} RAM |graphics = |storage = |memory = |os = |power = |connectivity = Bluetooth LE, MicroUSB, edge connector |website = {{URL|microbit.org}} }}

The '''Micro Bit''' (also referred to as '''BBC Micro Bit''' or stylized as '''micro:bit''') is an open source hardware ARM-based embedded system designed by the BBC for use in computer education in the United Kingdom. It was first announced on the launch of BBC's Make It Digital campaign on 12 March 2015<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-31859283|title=The Micro Bit - can it make us digital?|work=BBC News|date=2015-03-15|access-date=2018-07-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-31834927|title=BBC gives children mini-computers in Make it Digital scheme|work=BBC News|date=2015-03-15|access-date=2018-07-29}}</ref> with the intent of delivering 1 million devices to pupils in the UK. The final device design and features were unveiled on 6 July 2015<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/mediapacks/microbit|title=BBC and partners unveil the landmark BBC micro:bit | date=6 July 2015 |access-date=13 September 2015}}</ref> whereas actual delivery of devices, initially planned for September 2015 to schools and October 2015 to general public,<ref name="delay-response"/> began on 10 February 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/webarchive/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbc.co.uk%2Fblogs%2Faboutthebbc%2Fentries%2F32f2edad-d51f-41bb-af98-f42f41d0a705|title=BBC micro:bit at Bett 2016|work=BBC |date=2015-09-17|access-date=2018-07-29}}</ref><ref name="SentanceWaite2017">{{cite book|last1=Sentance|first1=Sue|authorlink1=Sue Sentance|last2=Waite|first2=Jane|last3=Hodges|first3=Steve|last4=MacLeod|first4=Emily|last5=Yeomans|first5=Lucy |title=Proceedings of the 2017 ACM SIGCSE Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education |chapter="Creating Cool Stuff": Pupils' Experience of the BBC micro:bit |year=2017|pages=531–536|doi=10.1145/3017680.3017749|isbn=978-1-4503-4698-6 |s2cid=18976762|chapter-url=https://kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/files/65615345/creating_cool_stuff_POSTPRINT_to_share.pdf}}</ref>

The device is described as half the size of a credit card<ref name="wired_hands" /> and has an ARM Cortex-M0 processor, accelerometer and magnetometer sensors, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, a display consisting of 25 LEDs, two programmable buttons, and can be powered by either USB or an external battery pack.<ref name=arstech_anthony/> The device inputs and outputs are through five ring connectors that form part of a larger 25-pin edge connector.

== Hardware ==

===v1=== The physical board measures {{nowrap|43 mm × 52 mm}} and, {{as of|2015|07|lc=y|alt=in its first production run|df=}},<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2416670/bbc-teams-with-arm-microsoft-and-samsung-to-launch-micro-bit-and-get-kids-coding|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709171203/http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2416670/bbc-teams-with-arm-microsoft-and-samsung-to-launch-micro-bit-and-get-kidss-coding|url-status=unfit|archive-date=9 July 2015|title=BBC teams with ARM, Microsoft and Samsung to launch Micro:bit and get kids coding|date=7 July 2015|publisher=The Inquirer|author=Bell, Lee}}</ref> included:thumb|right|micro:bit v1 with its original packaging behind it

* Nordic nRF51822 – {{nowrap|16 MHz}} 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0 microcontroller, {{nowrap|256 KB}} flash memory, {{nowrap|16 KB}} static RAM, {{nowrap|2.4 GHz}} Bluetooth low energy wireless networking. The ARM core has the capability to switch between {{nowrap|16 MHz}} or {{nowrap|32.768 kHz}}.<ref name=arstech_anthony/><ref name=Independent_Sherwin/><ref>{{cite web|quote=…we plugged them into a Nordic NRF51822 development kit, which uses the same chip as the micro:bit…|url=https://developer.mbed.org/blog/entry/bbc-microbit-mbed-hdk/|date=7 July 2015|last=Austin|first=Jonathan|title=Working with the BBC on micro:bit: Part 1 – using the mbed HDK|access-date=8 July 2015|archive-date=5 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505231034/https://developer.mbed.org/blog/entry/bbc-microbit-mbed-hdk/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media |people= |date=7 July 2015 |title=Introducing the BBC micro:bit |trans-title= |medium=Television production |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02wl84w/player |format=Shockwave Flash |time=00:39 |publisher=BBC }}</ref><ref name=wired_ofw>{{cite news|last1=Franklin-Wallis|first1=Oliver|title=BBC unveils final Micro:Bit computer design|url=https://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2015-07/07/bbc-micro-bit-launch-details-announced|accessdate=8 July 2015|publisher=wired.co.uk|date=7 July 2015|archive-date=1 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151101032751/http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2015-07/07/bbc-micro-bit-launch-details-announced|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://os.mbed.com/platforms/Microbit/|title=BBC micro:bit | Mbed|website=os.mbed.com|access-date=25 August 2020|archive-date=27 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227034817/https://os.mbed.com/platforms/Microbit/|url-status=live}}</ref> * NXP/Freescale KL26Z – {{nowrap|48 MHz}} ARM Cortex-M0+ core microcontroller, that includes a full-speed USB 2.0 On-The-Go (OTG) controller, used as a communication interface between USB and main Nordic microcontroller. This device also performs the voltage regulation from the USB supply (4.5-5.25 V) down to the nominal 3.3 volts used by the rest of the PCB. When running on batteries this regulator is not used. * NXP/Freescale MMA8652 – 3-axis accelerometer sensor via I²C-bus.<ref name="microbit features and pinout"/> * NXP/Freescale MAG3110 – 3-axis magnetometer sensor via I²C-bus (to act as a compass and metal detector).<ref name="microbit features and pinout"/> * MicroUSB connector, battery connector, 25-pin edge connector.<ref name=arstech_anthony>{{cite news|last1=Anthony|first1=Sebastian|title=BBC Micro:bit—a free single-board PC for every Year 7 kid in the UK|url=http://arstechnica.co.uk/gadgets/2015/07/bbc-microbit-a-free-single-board-pc-for-every-year-7-kid-in-the-uk/|accessdate=8 July 2015|work=arstechnica.uk|date=7 July 2015|archive-date=8 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108093724/https://arstechnica.co.uk/gadgets/2015/07/bbc-microbit-a-free-single-board-pc-for-every-year-7-kid-in-the-uk/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=wired_ofw /><ref name="microbit features and pinout">{{cite web|title=BBC micro:bit|url=https://developer.mbed.org/platforms/Microbit/|publisher=mbed.org|accessdate=8 July 2015|quote=The BBC micro:bit is based on the mbed HDK. The target MCU is a Nordic nRF51822 with 16K RAM, 256K Flash. As well as the nRF51822 there's also an onboard accelerometer and magnetometer from Freescale.|archive-date=2 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802053316/https://developer.mbed.org/platforms/Microbit/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=elecweekly_reunites /> * Display consisting of 25 LEDs in a 5×5 array.<ref name=wired_ofw /> * Three tactile pushbuttons (two for applications, one for reset).<ref name=BBCmediapack />

I/O includes three ring connectors (plus one power one ground) which accept crocodile clips or 4 mm banana plugs<ref name=BBCmediapack>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/mediapacks/microbit|publisher=BBC|title=Groundbreaking initiative to inspire digital creativity and develop a new generation of tech pioneers|accessdate=8 July 2015|archive-date=10 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710222334/http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/mediapacks/microbit|url-status=live}}</ref> as well as a 25-pin edge connector with two or three PWM outputs, six to 17 GPIO pins (depending on configuration), six analog inputs, serial I/O, SPI, and I²C.<ref name="microbit features and pinout"/> Unlike early prototypes, which had an integral battery, an external battery pack (AAA batteries) can be used to power the device as a standalone or wearable product.<ref name=Independent_Sherwin /><ref name="wired_hands">{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.co.uk/article/bbc-micro-bit-hands-on|title=Micro Bit: hands-on with BBC's coding kit|first=Matt|last=Kamen|magazine=Wired UK|date=12 March 2015|via=www.wired.co.uk|access-date=25 August 2020|archive-date=5 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205141949/http://www.wired.co.uk/article/bbc-micro-bit-hands-on|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=wired_ofw /> Health and safety concerns, as well as cost, were given as reasons for the removal of the button battery from early designs.<ref name=register_anderson />

The available hardware design documentation consist of only the schematic and BOM distributed under the Creative Commons By Attribution license, no PCB layout is available.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tech.microbit.org/hardware/schematic/|title=micro:bit Circuit Schematics|access-date=2018-07-25|archive-date=12 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012134703/https://tech.microbit.org/hardware/schematic/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://github.com/bbcmicrobit/hardware/blob/master/CC-BY-4.0|title=Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Public License ("CC BY 4.0")|website=GitHub|access-date=2018-07-25}}</ref> The compatible reference design by Micro:bit Educational Foundation, however, is fully documented.

===v2=== v2, released on 13 October 2020, includes:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tech.microbit.org/hardware/|title=Hardware|access-date=24 February 2021|archive-date=1 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201021933/https://tech.microbit.org/hardware/|url-status=live}}</ref>thumb|right|micro:bit v2 with its original packaging behind it * Nordic nRF52833 – {{nowrap|64 MHz}} 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4 microcontroller, {{nowrap|512 KB}} flash memory, {{nowrap|128 KB}} static RAM, {{nowrap|2.4 GHz}} Bluetooth low energy wireless networking provided by Nordic S113 SoftDevice, integrated temperature sensor. * NXP/Freescale KL27Z – {{nowrap|48 MHz}} ARM Cortex-M0+ core microcontroller, preprogrammed as a full-speed USB 2.0 controller, used as a communication interface between USB and the CPU. * Either ST LSM303 or NXP FXOS8700 – 3-axis combined accelerometer and magnetometer sensor via I²C-bus. * Knowles MEMS microphone with a built-in LED indicator. * Jiangsu Huaneng MLT-8530 magnetic speaker. * MicroUSB connector, JST PH battery connector, 25-pin edge connector. * Display consisting of 25 LEDs in a 5×5 matrix. * Three tactile pushbuttons (two for applications, one for reset) and a touch sensor button.

In micro:bit v2, the reset button can be used to turn the board off by holding it for 3 seconds.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rs-online.com/designspark/everything-you-need-to-know-about-bbc-microbit-v2|title=Everything You Need To Know About The BBC micro:bit V2|access-date=2021-02-22|archive-date=29 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329100021/https://www.rs-online.com/designspark/everything-you-need-to-know-about-bbc-microbit-v2|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://makecode.com/blog/microbit/arcade-shield|title=micro:bit shield for MakeCode Arcade|access-date=2021-02-22|archive-date=1 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201162107/https://makecode.com/blog/microbit/arcade-shield|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://microbit.org/new-microbit/|title=Meet the new BBC micro:bit|access-date=2021-02-22|archive-date=1 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201162027/https://microbit.org/new-microbit/|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Software == There are three official code editors on the micro:bit foundation web site: * MicroPython<ref name="elecweekly_williams">{{cite web|url=http://www.electronicsweekly.com/news/design/embedded-systems/video-bbc-micro-bit-user-interface-2015-07/|title=Hands on with the BBC Micro-Bit user interface|last1=Williams|first1=Alun|website=ElectronicsWeekly.com|date=7 July 2015|accessdate=8 July 2015|archive-date=1 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001202640/http://www.electronicsweekly.com/news/design/embedded-systems/video-bbc-micro-bit-user-interface-2015-07/|url-status=live}}</ref> * Makecode Arcade * JavaScript

The Python programming experience on the Micro Bit is provided by MicroPython.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Story of MicroPython on the BBC micro:bit|url=http://ntoll.org/article/story-micropython-on-microbit|website=ntoll.org|date=20 October 2015|accessdate=13 November 2015|archive-date=8 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108094339/https://ntoll.org/article/story-micropython-on-microbit/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=MicroPython for the BBC micro:bit|url=https://github.com/bbcmicrobit/micropython|website=GitHub|accessdate=13 November 2015}}</ref> Users are able to write Python scripts in the Micro Bit web editor which are then combined with the MicroPython firmware and uploaded to the device. Users can also access the MicroPython REPL running directly on the device via the USB serial connection, which allows them to interact directly with the Micro Bit's peripherals.

The Micro Bit was created using the ARM mbed development kits. The run-time system and programming interface utilize the mbed cloud compiler service to compile the user's code into a .UF2 file. The compiled code is then flashed onto the device using USB or Bluetooth connections. The device appears as a USB drive when connected to a computer, and code can be flashed dragging and dropping the .UF2 file.<ref name=elecweekly_reunites>{{cite web|last1=Williams|first1=Alun|title=Micro Bit reunites BBC and ARM for grand education initiative|url=http://www.electronicsweekly.com/news/home-carousele/micro-bit-reunites-bbc-arm-grand-education-initiative-2015-07/|website=Electronics Weekly|date=8 July 2015|accessdate=8 July 2015|archive-date=14 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714113705/http://www.electronicsweekly.com/news/home-carousele/micro-bit-reunites-bbc-arm-grand-education-initiative-2015-07/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Other editors for the BBC micro:bit include: * Mu, a Python editor * Espruino, a JavaScript interpreter * EduBlocks, a block editor for MicroPython

Other programming languages for the BBC micro:bit include: * Free Pascal * Simulink in Matlab * C++ * Forth * Lisp * Rust * Ada * Swift * BASIC{{Citation needed|date=July 2025|reason=I couldn't find any information about BASIC on Microbits. Needs citation.}} * Scratch

Operating systems which can be built for the BBC micro:bit: * Zephyr - the Zephyr lightweight OS comes with the required parameters file to be able to run it on this board. * RIOT - the RIOT OS includes configuration files and documentation for immediate deployment on both versions of the board.

==History==

=== Development === The micro:bit was designed to encourage children to get actively involved in writing software for computers and building new things, rather than being consumers of media.<ref name=arstech_anthony /> It was also designed to work alongside other systems (such as the Raspberry Pi<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/mar/12/bbc-micro-bit-raspberry-pi|title=BBC Micro Bit will complement Raspberry Pi not compete with it|author=Stuart Dredge|work=The Guardian|archive-date=8 November 2020|access-date=15 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108124910/http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/mar/12/bbc-micro-bit-raspberry-pi|url-status=live}}</ref>) and build on BBC's legacy with the BBC Micro for computing in education. The BBC planned to give away the computer free to every Year 7 (ages 11 and 12) child in Britain starting from October 2015 - around 1 million devices.<ref name=Independent_Sherwin>{{cite news|last1=Sherwin|first1=Adam|title=BBC micro:bit: Can a pocket-sized computer 'inspire digital creativity' in Britain's children?|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/bbc-microbit-can-a-pocketsized-computer-inspire-digital-creativity-in-britains-children-10372834.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220514/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/bbc-microbit-can-a-pocketsized-computer-inspire-digital-creativity-in-britains-children-10372834.html |archive-date=14 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|accessdate=7 July 2015|work=The Independent|date=7 July 2015}}</ref><ref name=register_anderson>{{cite web|last1=Anderson|first1=Tim|title=Why the BBC is stuffing free Micro:bit computers into schoolkids' satchels|url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/07/07/bbc_microbit_final_specification_announced_a_million_devices_to_be_flung_at_schools_in_october/|website=The Register|accessdate=8 July 2015}}</ref> In advance of the roll-out an online simulator was made available to help educators prepare and some teachers were to receive the device in September 2015.<ref name=arstech_anthony /> The device was planned to be on general sale by the end of 2015.<ref name=arstech_anthony /><ref name=Guardian_Dredge>{{cite news|last1=Dredge|first1=Stuart|title=BBC to give away 1m Micro:bit computers to schoolchildren|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/jul/07/bbc-give-away-1m-microbit-computers-schoolchildren|accessdate=8 July 2015|work=The Guardian|date=7 July 2015}}</ref> However, problems delayed the launch until 22 March 2016.<ref name="delay-response">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2015-09/18/bbc-micro-bit-delay-response|title=BBC defends delay of 'truly transformational' micro:bit|accessdate=17 November 2015|magazine=Wired|date=18 September 2015|archive-date=18 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118204813/http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2015-09/18/bbc-micro-bit-delay-response|url-status=live}}</ref>

The BBC had a difficult decision to choose which year group would be the first to receive the free micro:bits, and the BBC's head of learning said that the reason they "plumped for Year 7, rather than Year 5, is it had more impact with that age group as they were more interested in using it outside the classroom".<ref name=Guardian_Dredge />

Planning for the project began in 2012 as part of the BBC Computer Literacy Programme, and by the time of the launch in July 2015 the BBC had taken on board 29 partners to help with the manufacturing, design, and distribution of the device.<ref name=engadget_brian>{{cite news|last1=Brian|first1=Matt|title=How the BBC's Micro:bit came to be|url=https://www.engadget.com/2015/07/07/bbc-micro-bit-explained/|accessdate=8 July 2015|work=Engadget|date=7 July 2015|archive-date=20 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420130357/https://www.engadget.com/2015/07/07/bbc-micro-bit-explained/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Microsoft_Stainer>{{cite web|last1=Stainer|first1=Katie|title=Microsoft and the BBC micro:bit: a million ways to inspire a generation|url=https://news.microsoft.com/en-gb/2015/07/07/microsoft-and-the-bbc-microbit-a-million-ways-to-inspire-a-generation/|website=Microsoft|date=7 July 2015|accessdate=8 July 2015|archive-date=11 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711075212/http://news.microsoft.com/en-gb/2015/07/07/microsoft-and-the-bbc-microbit-a-million-ways-to-inspire-a-generation/|url-status=live}}</ref> The BBC has said that the majority of the development costs were borne by the project partners.

===Partnerships=== The development of the Micro Bit is a product of a number of partners working with the BBC: * Microsoft – contributed its software expertise and customised the TouchDevelop platform to work with the device. It hosts the projects and code for users of the device.<ref name=engadget_brian /> It has also developed the teacher training materials for the device.<ref name=arstech_anthony /> * Lancaster University – developing the device runtime.<ref name=Inq_Bell /> * Farnell element14 – official manufacturer and global distributor overseeing the manufacture of the device.<ref name=arstech_anthony /> * Nordic Semiconductor – supplied the CPU for the device.<ref name=arstech_anthony /> * NXP Semiconductors – supplied the sensors and USB controller.<ref name=arstech_anthony /> * ARM Holdings – provided mbed hardware, development kits and compiler services.<ref name=Inq_Bell>{{cite web|last1=Bell|first1=Lee|title=BBC teams with ARM, Microsoft and Samsung to launch Micro:bit and get kids coding|url=http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2416670/bbc-teams-with-arm-microsoft-and-samsung-to-launch-micro-bit-and-get-kids-coding|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709171203/http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2416670/bbc-teams-with-arm-microsoft-and-samsung-to-launch-micro-bit-and-get-kids-coding|url-status=unfit|archive-date=9 July 2015|website=The Inquirer|accessdate=8 July 2015}}</ref> * Technology Will Save Us – designing the physical appearance of the device.<ref name=BBCmediapack /> * Barclays – supported product delivery and outreach activities.<ref name=Inq_Bell /> * Samsung – developed an Android app and helped connect the device to phones and tablets.<ref name=Inq_Bell /> * The Wellcome Trust – provided learning opportunities for teachers and schools.<ref name=Inq_Bell /> * ScienceScope – developing an iOS app and distributing the device to schools.<ref name=Inq_Bell /> * Python Software Foundation – worked to bring MicroPython to the device, created native and web-based beginner-friendly Python code editors, produced numerous educational resources and organised developer-led workshops for teachers.<ref>{{cite web|title=A Million Children|url=https://pyfound.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/a-million-children.html|website=Python Software Foundation News|date=22 March 2016|accessdate=24 April 2016|archive-date=30 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180330144009/https://pyfound.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/a-million-children.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=BBC launches MicroBit|url=http://pyfound.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/bbc-launches-microbit.html|website=Python Software Foundation News|date=12 March 2015|accessdate=13 November 2015|archive-date=30 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180330144014/http://pyfound.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/bbc-launches-microbit.html|url-status=live}}</ref> * Bluetooth SIG – Developed the custom Bluetooth LE profile.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.electronicsweekly.com/news/bluetooth-sig-creates-stack-for-bbc-microbit-2016-03/|title=Bluetooth SIG creates profile for BBC micro:bit|first=Steve|last=Bush|date=4 March 2016}}</ref> * Creative Digital Solutions – developed teaching materials, workshops and outreach activities.<ref name="BBC micro:bit Partners">{{Cite web|url=https://microbit.org/about/|title=The Micro:bit Educational Foundation|website=microbit.org|access-date=25 August 2020|archive-date=19 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319225240/https://www.microbit.org/about/|url-status=live}}</ref> * Cisco – provided staff and resources to STEMNET to aid with the national rollout.<ref name="BBC micro:bit Partners" /> * Code Club – Created a series of coding resources aimed at children ages 9 to 11 and delivered via volunteer-run coding clubs.<ref name="BBC micro:bit Partners" /> * STEMNET – Provided STEM ambassadors to support schools and teachers and to liaise with third parties such as Bloodhound SSC and Cisco.<ref name="BBC micro:bit Partners" /> * Kitronik – Produced and gave away 5,500 e-textile {{clarify|date=December 2019}} kits for the BBC micro:bit to D&T (Design & Technology) {{clarify|date=December 2019}} teachers across the UK. Designed hardware such as a Motor Driver board to allow the BBC micro:bit to control devices such as motors and servos.<ref name="BBC micro:bit Partners" /> * Tangent Design – Created the brand identity for the BBC micro:bit and developed the website.<ref name="BBC micro:bit Partners" />

A prototype device and software stack created by BBC R&D, demonstrated in the initial announcement,<ref name=BBCNewsMarch>{{cite web|last1=Wakefield|first1=Jane|title=BBC gives children mini-computers in Make it Digital scheme|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-31834927|date=12 March 2015|website=BBC News|accessdate=6 August 2015}}</ref> was used to test the proposition in schools, and to provide a reference specification for the partnership to build upon.<ref name=BBD_RDBlog>{{cite web|last1=Sparks|first1=Michael|title=Prototyping the BBC micro:bit|date=7 July 2015|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/blog/2015/07/prototyping-the-bbc-microbit|website=BBC|access-date=6 August 2015|archive-date=15 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150815030618/http://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/blog/2015/07/prototyping-the-bbc-microbit|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Microbit Educational Foundation === After a successful roll-out of the micro:bit across the UK, the BBC handed over the future of the BBC micro:bit, and adoption in other parts of the world, to the newly formed, not-for-profit Microbit Education Foundation.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://microbit.org/news/2016/10/18/news-microbit-foundation.html |title=Micro:bit Educational Foundation is here! | micro:bit |access-date=8 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161108195350/http://microbit.org/news/2016/10/18/news-microbit-foundation.html |archive-date=8 November 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-37682405|title=Micro Bit mini-computer heads overseas|first=Leo|last=Kelion|work=BBC News|date=19 October 2016}}</ref> The announcement was made on 18 October 2016 to a small group of journalists and educators at Savoy Place in London,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://kitronik.co.uk/blogs/resources/microbit-educational-foundation-launch|title=micro:bit Educational Foundation Launch|website=Kitronik Ltd|access-date=25 August 2020|archive-date=30 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930163913/https://kitronik.co.uk/blogs/resources/microbit-educational-foundation-launch|url-status=live}}</ref> that included a review of the past year and their plans for the future.

The BBC licensed the hardware technology as open source and allows it to be manufactured around the world for use in education. The foundation oversees this.<ref name="Guardian_Dredge" /><ref name="engadget_brian" />

On 2 January 2018, it was announced that Gareth Stockdale from BBC Learning would succeed Zach Shelby as CEO of the Microbit Educational Foundation.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://microbit.org/en/2018-01-02-welcome-gareth/|title=Welcome Gareth Stockdale|access-date=2018-03-11|language=en|archive-date=12 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312083034/https://microbit.org/en/2018-01-02-welcome-gareth/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==== Microbit Reference Design ====

The foundation is also providing a fully documented reference design of a device different from the marketed, but software compatible, with the intention of easing the independent development and manufacturing of micro:bit derived devices and products.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tech.microbit.org/hardware/reference-design/|title=micro:bit Reference Design|access-date=2018-07-25}}</ref> The reference design is open source hardware, but unlike the marketed device employing a CC BY 4.0 license it is distributed under the terms of the Solderpad Hardware Licence, Version 0.51.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://github.com/microbit-foundation/microbit-reference-design/blob/master/LICENSE|title=License file of the reference design repository|website=GitHub|access-date=2018-07-25}}</ref> The available design documentation for the reference design includes both schematic and circuit board layout in several EDA suite formats.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tech.microbit.org/hardware/reference-design/#design-software|title=micro:bit Reference Design|access-date=13 September 2018}}</ref>

=== micro:bit v2 ===

On 13 October 2020, the Micro:bit Educational Foundation announced a revised version of micro:bit. Available for the same price as the original micro:bit and sharing its general design, micro:bit v2 includes Nordic nRF52833 CPU (ARM Cortex-M4, 64 MHz, 128 KB RAM, 512 KB flash), and additionally a microphone, a speaker, a touch sensor, and power saving mode.<ref name="v2">{{Cite web|url=https://blog.adafruit.com/2020/10/13/the-new-bbc-microbit-v2-announced-microbit-microbit_edu/|title=The new BBC micro:bit V2 announced #microbit @microbit_edu|work=Adafruit Industries - Makers, hackers, artists, designers and engineers! |date=13 October 2020}}</ref>

== Simulation ==

* Tinkercad Circuits - an analog and digital simulator supporting micro:bit Simulation, which is commonly used to create circuit diagrams.

== References == {{reflist}}

== Further reading == * "Beginning Data Science, IoT, and AI on Single Board Computers: Core Skills and Real-World Application with the BBC micro:bit and XinaBox 1st ed. Edition" Authors: Pradeeka Seneviratne, Philip Meitiner (2020) * "BBC micro:bit Recipes: Learn Programming with Microsoft MakeCode Blocks" Author: Pradeeka Seneviratne (2019) *"Beginning BBC micro:bit:A Practical Introduction to micro:bit Development" Author: Pradeeka Seneviratne (2018); Chinese translation by Jason Liu (2019) *"Robótica Educativa - 50 Proyectos con micro:bit" Author: Ernesto Martínez de Carvajal Hedrich (2018). * "The Official BBC micro:bit User Guide" Author: Gareth Halfacree (2017) * "micro: bit in Wonderland: Coding & Craft with the BBC micro:bit" Authors: Tracy Gardner and Elbrie de Kock (2018). * "Getting Started with the BBC Micro:Bit" Author: Mike Tooley (2017) * "Micro:Bit – A Quick Start Guide for Teachers" Author: Ray Chambers (2015)

== External links == * {{Official website|https://microbit.org/}} * [https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/mediapacks/microbit/specs BBC micro:bit technical specifications] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20160919000955/https://developer.mbed.org/media/uploads/JonnyA/600xNxmicrobit_platform_image_2.png.pagespeed.ic.uXq2rT5rpA.png BBC micro:bit edge pinout] * [https://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2015-03/12/bbc-micro-bit-hands-on hands-on with BBC's Micro Bit (original prototype)]  * [http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/projects/microbit/ BBC micro:bit] at Microsoft Research * {{GitHub|bbcmicrobit|BBC micro:bit repositories}}

Category:BBC computer literacy projects Category:Educational hardware Category:Single-board computers Category:Products introduced in 2016