Emodul

Emodul is a modular hardware and software platform designed for constructing electronic systems from interoperable units. It emphasizes plug-and-play interoperability and a shared interface standard that allows different modules to be combined without custom wiring.

The architecture centers on a core controller module, a standardized backplane or bus, and a family of sensor, actuator, I/O, and communication modules. Modules connect via a multi-pin connector carrying power, data, and control signals; higher-end variants support hot-swapping and fault isolation. The bus supports a common protocol for addressing, enumeration, and messaging, enabling dynamic discovery of connected modules.

The software stack includes a device description language, an open firmware SDK, and a runtime that handles module loading, inter-module communication, and event handling. Developers can program modules in languages such as C or Python and use the same abstraction for sensors and actuators regardless of the hardware.

Emodul is used in education, rapid prototyping, and product development, providing reusable building blocks that reduce time to proof-of-concept. The ecosystem includes reference designs, documentation, and an online marketplace for modules and backplanes. Licensing is commonly open hardware designs and permissive software licenses to encourage experimentation and collaboration.

History: The Emodul concept emerged in the early 2010s as part of open hardware movements and has evolved through several revisions to address power management, security, and scalability.

See also: modular hardware, plug-in architecture, backplane, sensor module.