March 2022

March 31, 2022April 7, 2022

The Hardware Development Revolution Hasn’t Arrived (Yet)

In the world of technology, we often speak of hardware and software as two sides of the same coin. Hardware (the physical component of an electronic system) and software (the programs and applications installed on hardware) are very different, but still must work together to deliver the familiar products and services we use every day.

Since the invention of the very first computer, both hardware and software have played an integral part in technological innovation. We can’t build SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) products without powerful servers and data centers. Nor can we use our personal computers to their fullest potential without well-designed operating systems and software applications.

However, despite their symbiotic relationship, development tools for hardware and software have had very different evolutionary paths in recent years. While software development tools have become powerful, mobile, and accessible, professional hardware development tools remain largely stuck in the ’90s, with clunky GUIs, and hard-to-use interfaces.

Why is there a lack of innovation in hardware development tools, and why does that matter?

March 29, 2022March 29, 2022

SaharaCloud.io Updates: Native IDE/Coding Window Navigation

Sahara Cloud’s native IDE for programming microcontrollers

The product team at Sahara Cloud releases regular feature updates based on feedback from our beta users. This week, we are focusing on navigating Sahara Cloud’s native IDE and coding window. Sign up to join our beta here.

March 24, 2022March 24, 2022

5 Best Free Online Circuit Simulators for PCB Design

Sahara Cloud platform with circuit simulation feature

Circuit simulators are often used during the PCB design process to help verify how electrical components interact with each other.

There are several different types of softwares for designing electronic systems such as integrated circuits and printed circuit boards, and they are commonly categorized as Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools.

Digital circuits are often designed and built with software using specific programming languages. On the other hand, analog circuits needs to be designed by SPICE-type (Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis) simulator.

Depending on the complexity of features, EDA softwares can range from $0 to hundreds and thousands of dollars. We compiled a list of free online circuit builders that are great for developers who are looking for easy to use circuit simulators that won’t break the bank.

March 21, 2022March 21, 2022

SaharaCloud.io Updates: Digital Scope Testing Feature

Probing data pins from an Arduino to get the Voltage Readings from The Test Window

The product team at Sahara Cloud releases regular feature updates based on feedback from our beta users. This week, we are focusing on the digital scope testing feature on our platform. Sign up to join our beta here.

March 17, 2022March 17, 2022

Best Makerspaces for Sharing DIY Tech Projects

Just built a cool DIY tech project that you’re proud of? Want to meet like-minded hackers who enjoy working on interesting electronics projects? Join a makerspace to be involved in the maker community!

Joining a maker space is a great way to:

Share your DIY projects to get feedback
Attend themed maker events and classes
Meet and collaborate with other like-minded hackers
Learn new trends in the hardware/DIY space
Get new DIY project ideas

If you are wondering where to find a makerspace that suit your needs, we’ve compiled a list of best makerspaces ranging from local maker workshops to online hobbyist communities:

March 14, 2022March 15, 2022

SaharaCloud.io Updates: Supporting Arduino Uno & Micro, LCDs, and LEDs

Using SaharaCloud to program a simulated Arduino Uno & blinking LED

The product team at Sahara Cloud releases regular feature updates based on feedback from our beta users. This week, we are focusing on the boards and sensors we support on our platform which currently includes Arduino Uno, Arduino Micro, LCDs, and LEDs. Sign up to join our beta here.

March 2, 2022March 9, 2022

SaharaCloud.io: Virtually prototype hardware on the cloud

Use Sahara Cloud to design, code, and test hardware systems in the cloud.

What is Sahara Cloud?

Sahara Cloud is a cloud-based hardware development platform that enables users to design, code, and test their hardware systems virtually without needing any physical components or equipment. We are currently running a private beta, join the waitlist!