Microsoft .NET Micro Framework for Embedded Systems

.NET Micro Framework (.NET MF) is a Microsoft’s .NET platform for
resource-constrained devices (currently supported on ARM processors and
on Analog Devices’ Blackfin processors. .NET Micro Framework brings
C#, .NET, and a Visual Studio-based development to the
embedded development world. The .NET MF helps to make embedded development
faster and easier by enabling access to the tools and technologies used by
desktop (PC) application developers. .NET Micro Framework SDK is freely
available for download. Microsoft does not charge fees for developing
applications, but distributing devices that use the .NET Micro Framework does
require a license.

Microsoft .NET Micro Framework

Microsoft .NET Micro Framework  includes a small version of the .NET
Common Language Runtime (CLR) virtual machine component and supports
development in C# language and debugging (in an emulator or on hardware) using
Microsoft Visual Studio. .NET MF also features a small version of the .NET base
class libraries, a Graphical User Interface (GUI) framework (based on Windows
Presentation Foundation), and additional libraries for embedded development.

Unique features of Microsoft .NET Micro Framework: (source:
wikipedia.org)

• Only about 300 KB  memory footprint
• Can run without an operating system (OS)
• Supports embedded peripherals and interconnects such as EEPROM, I2C, SPI,
  GPIO,, USB, flash memory.
• Multithreading support (even on single-threaded OS)
• Require no MMU (Memory Management Unit)
• A Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) allows porting to additional
  architectures
• A managed device driver model allows drivers for many devices to be
  written in C#
• Execution constraints to catch device lockups and crashes
• Transparent support for storing objects in non-volatile memory
• Optimized for battery-powered devices

.NET Micro Framework have some limitations, for example, it does not
support symmetric multiprocessing, machine-dependent types, or multi-dimensional
arrays. The CLR is an interpreter that uses a simpler mark-and-sweep garbage
collector rather than a generational approach. Interoperation between managed
and native code currently has a number of limitations. The .NET Micro Framework
currently only support C# language.

The .NET Micro Framework SDK Version 2.5 is available at Mircosoft
MSDN site (http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/embedded/bb267253.aspx). The SDK
includes following features:

• Microsoft Visual Studio Integration
  The .NET Micro Framework SDK integrates into the Visual Studio environment,
  supporting C# development with productivity-boosting features such as
  on-device debugging, object browsing, IntelliSense®, and integrated build and
  deployment.
• Managed Libraries and Drivers
  An on-device implementation of a subset of the .NET Common Language Runtime (CLR)
  brings the advantages of .NET development to small devices. Write device
  drivers and interrupt routines in C# for hardware connected through standard
  interfaces, such as SPI, I2C, GPIO, and USART.
• Extensible Emulator
  Extend the core emulator included in the SDK to reflect your target hardware
  capabilities. Add simulated peripheral devices, such as sensors, displays,
  buttons, and servo controls. Then deploy to your customized emulator and test
  your code on the virtual hardware.
• Flash Management tool
  MFDeploy, included as part of the SDK, has been enhanced to provide device key
  management and application signing features.
• Font Generation tool
  The TFConvert tool allows you to convert .TTF fonts to run on your device.
• Flash Protection
  To prevent unauthorized code from being uploaded to your device, Service Pack
  1 adds the ability to sign applications and to store keys on your device

System requirements of The .NET Micro Framework SDK Version 2.5:

• Supported Operating Systems: Windows Vista; Windows Vista Home Premium;
  Windows XP Service Pack 2
• Supported Development Environments: Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 with
  Service Pack 1, Standard Edition or greater (Note: Micro Framework SDK is not
  compatible with Express Editions of Visual Studio)

The next version of .NET Micro Framework, the version 3.0 is scheduled
to be launched on October 28, 2008 at PDC Los Angeles and ESC Boston. The
Release Candidate 0 (RC0) of .NET Micro Framework 3.0 SDK has released and
available at Microsoft Connect (https://connect.microsoft.com/netmf/Downloads/DownloadDetails.aspx?DownloadID=14195).
This version is designed to integrate with Visual Studio 2008 SP1 or Visual C#
Express Edition 2008 SP1. .NET MF v 3.0 bring new capabilities including support
for touch screen, inking and USB devices, along with a file system and native
code interoperability.

Microsoft .NET Micro Framework team are currently running a competition
called the Dare to Dream Different Challenge. Participants can submit
their idea from October 8th - December 15th 2008. The jury then will select 100
semi-finalists who will receive free developer kits to build their prototype.
From April 15, 2009 to May 31, 2009, ten finalists will demonstrate their dream
devices to win the grand prize. Dare to Dream Different Challenge will share
prizes: $50,000; .NET Micro Framework licenses;  NET Micro Framework
Porting Kits, free consulting time with the Microsoft team; and .NET Micro
Framework preferred partner privileges.

Resources:

• .NET Micro Framework (http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/embedded/bb267253.aspx)
• .NET Micro Framework (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.NET_Micro_Framework)
• Introducing the .NET Micro Framework(via_http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/embedded/bb267253.aspx)
• Dare to Dream Different Challenge (http://dreamdifferentcontest.com/rules.aspx)