HDKs

HDKs is the plural form of the acronym HDK, a term used in various domains to label a package of tools and resources that support development and prototyping. The most common interpretation is Hardware Development Kit, a collection designed to help engineers evaluate hardware platforms and develop the accompanying software.

A typical HDK comprises hardware resources such as evaluation or reference boards, and may include schematics or design files. It usually provides firmware and software samples, device drivers, and application programming interfaces. A software development toolchain, documentation, and test suites are commonly included to facilitate integration, debugging, and validation. Some kits also offer simulators or emulators, reference designs, bill of materials, and production-ready files to streamline transition from prototype to production.

HDKs are used to accelerate product development by giving developers a repeatable environment for testing hardware-software interactions, benchmarking performance, and ensuring compatibility with peripherals and ecosystems. They are often tailored to a specific platform or family of devices, such as microcontrollers or system-on-chips, and may be provided by manufacturers, ecosystem partners, or open hardware initiatives. While hardware development is the most prevalent interpretation, the exact scope and naming of an HDK can vary by organization and project context.

See also: Hardware Development Kit, Software Development Kit.