freeSoC and freeSoC Mini are open-source development boards powered by Cypress Semiconductor’s PSoC 5LP microcontroller (now part of Infineon). I designed these boards to break free from the limitations of typical platforms like Arduino, offering dramatically more flexibility, power, and configurability for makers, students, and engineers.

I raised $50k on Kickstarter to fund the design and development of the first batch of freeSoC boards, and the campaign was a huge success. I learned a ton about the logistics and details of running a small online business, from inventory management, fulfillment, product support, and more.

All backers received their boards on schedule, and I managed enough profit from the campaign to continue selling freeSoC boards for a few years on my own website, up until I licensed the freeSoC name to Sparkfun electronics.

I've still got a drawerful of the freeSoC boards I keep around for my own personal projects, and they've proven to be very reliable and versatile.