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MicroMod Data Logging Carrier Board Hookup Guide

2024-08-20 | By SparkFun Electronics

License: See Original Project

Courtesy of SparkFun

Guide by El Duderino, Nate

Introduction

The MicroMod Data Logging Carrier Board is similar the SparkFun Logomatic to offer users a ‎dedicated data logging board but adds the ability for you to pick a MicroMod Processor to ‎customize it for your next data logger project. The Data Logging Carrier board was designed ‎specifically for low power control and sensor data harvesting with the MicroMod ecosystem.‎

 

The Data Logging Carrier Board allows you to control power to both the Qwiic connector on the ‎board as well as a dedicated power pin for non-Qwiic peripherals such as serial UART or SPI ‎devices so you can pick and choose when to power the peripherals you are monitoring the data ‎from. It also features a charging circuit for single-cell Lithium-ion batteries along with an RTC ‎battery-backup circuit to maintain power for a real-time clock circuit on your Processor Board.‎

Required Materials

Like all of our MicroMod Carrier Boards, there is no processor included but instead you can plug in ‎a Processor of your choice to the MicroMod M.2 connector on the carrier. Below are a few options ‎to choose for your processor:‎

You'll also need a USB-C cable to connect the Carrier Board to your computer to program your ‎Processor and for serial USB communication. If you want to add some Qwiic breakouts to your ‎MicroMod project, you'll want at least one Qwiic cable to connect it all together. Below are some ‎options for both of those cables:‎

Along with a Processor, the pertinent cables and sensors or other items you intend to log the data ‎from, you'll need a microSD card. Lastly, if you would like to have your MicroMod Data Logging ‎project be battery powered, you'll want a single-cell Lithium-ion battery. Below are a few options for ‎both of those accessories:‎

Suggested Reading

The SparkFun MicroMod ecosystem is designed to allow users to customize their project to their ‎needs. Do you want to send your logged data via a wireless signal (e.g., Bluetooth or WiFi)? ‎There's a MicroMod processor for that. Looking to instead maximize efficiency and processing ‎power? You guessed it, there's a MicroMod processor for that. If you are not familiar with the ‎SparkFun MicroMod system, take a look here:‎

If you aren't familiar with the MicroMod ecosystem, we recommend reading here for an overview:‎

micromod_1

MicroMod Ecosystem

We also recommend reading through the following tutorials if you are not familiar with the concepts ‎covered in them:‎

  • Serial Communication: Asynchronous serial communication concepts: packets, signal levels, ‎baud rates, UARTs and more!‎
  • Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI): SPI is commonly used to connect microcontrollers to ‎peripherals such as sensors, shift registers, and SD cards.‎
  • SD Cards and Writing Images: How to upload images to an SD card for Raspberry Pi, ‎PCDuino, or your favorite SBC.‎
  • Getting Started with MicroMod: Dive into the world of MicroMod - a compact interface to ‎connect a microcontroller to various peripherals via the M.2 Connector!‎

Hardware Overview

In this section we'll cover the components on the MicroMod Data Logging Carrier Board, how a ‎specific MicroMod Processor Board interacts with it and highlight a few unique features on the ‎board.‎

Common Components

Most SparkFun MicroMod Carrier Boards will have some common components and all MicroMod ‎Carrier Boards will have the keyed M.2 MicroMod Connector to plug your processor into. The ‎photo and list below outline some of the components included on most SparkFun MicroMod Carrier ‎Boards.‎

  • M.2 MicroMod Connector - This special keyed M.2 connector lets you install your MicroMod ‎Processor Board of choice on your Carrier Board
  • USB-C Connector - Connect to your computer to program your Processor Board and also ‎can provide power to your MicroMod system
  • 3.3V Regulator - Provides a regulated 3.3V and sources up to 1A
  • Qwiic Connector - The standard Qwiic connector so you can add Qwiic devices to your ‎MicroMod system
  • Boot/Reset Buttons - Push buttons to enter boot mode on Processor Boards and to reset ‎your MicroMod circuit
  • RTC Backup Battery & Charge Circuit - 1mAh backup battery for the RTC for certain ‎MicroMod Processor Boards . Receives charge voltage from 3.3V
  • microSD Slot - Insert a µSD card formatted to FAT32 here to log your data.‎

components_2

Power Control Circuit

The Data Logging Carrier Board features two 3.3V/600mA voltage regulators that have their Enable ‎pins tied to I/O pins on an attached MicroMod Processor Board. This allows control of the ‎regulators' output with a few lines of code making it extremely simple to control and conserve ‎power in battery-powered applications. The G1-3V3 line is controlled by G1 on the MicroMod ‎Processor and the G2-3.3V circuit is (as you may suspect) is controlled by G2 on the MicroMod ‎Processor. The G1-3.3V power circuit is tied to several pins highlighted in the below photo for extra ‎flexibility powering external devices. The G2-3V3 output is tied to the 3.3V pin on the Qwiic ‎connector as well as a dedicated PTH pin labeled G2-3V3.‎

power_3

Battery Charging Circuit

The board also has a MCP73831 Single-Cell Lithium-Ion/Lithium-Polymer Charge IC so you can ‎charge an attached single-cell LiPo battery. The charge IC receives power primarily from USB and ‎can source up to 450mA to charge an attached battery.‎

battery_4

Data Logging Connections

Along with the Qwiic connector mentioned in the Common Components, the Data Logging Carrier ‎Board breaks out several other pins to connect UART, SPI and other I/O devices. The primary SPI ‎pins are netted to the µSD slot and a PTH header near the LiPo battery connector. A second Chip ‎Select pin tied to G0 is broken out to that same header.‎

Note: µSD Chip Select is tied to the SPI_CS chip select pin on the M.2 Connector. Refer to your ‎Processor Board's documentation for information on how to properly define that pin in your code.‎

A UART PTH header connects to RX1 and TX1 for serial data logging and A0, A1, PWM0, PWM1, ‎D0 and D1 are routed to dedicated PTH pins as well. Lastly, if users prefer a soldered connection ‎instead of Qwiic, the primary I2C bus is broken out to PTH pins.‎

connections_5

JTAG

An unpopulated JTAG footprint is available for more advanced users who need breakpoint level ‎debugging. We recommend checking out our JTAG section for the compatible male header and a ‎compatible JTAG programmer and debugger.‎

jtag_6

Solder Jumpers

If you have never worked with solder jumpers and PCB traces before or would like a quick ‎refresher, check out our How to Work with Solder Jumpers and PCB Traces tutorial for detailed ‎instructions and tips.‎

There are seven solder jumpers on the Data Logging Carrier Board labeled I2C, MEAS, BYP, VIN, ‎‎3V3, VE, and BATT. In this section we'll detail the functionality and default states of each jumper.‎

table_7

How to Use a Multimeter

solder_8

solder_9

Board Dimensions

The MicroMod Data Logging Carrier Board measures 2.40" x 1.60" (60.96mm x 40.64mm) and has ‎five mounting holes that fit a 4-40 screw. Take note of the mounting hole labeled "Qwiic Mount" ‎above the µSD slot as it can work as single mount for a Qwiic breakout (or other sensor) or you can ‎pair it with the outer mount in the "top-right" corner for a more secure mounting option. We ‎demonstrate using these two mounts for a Qwiic breakout in the following section, Hardware ‎Assembly.‎

dimensions_10

Now that we're familiar with the hardware on the MicroMod Data Logging Carrier Board, it's time to ‎plug your Processor Board and peripheral sensors in and start logging some data. Next up we'll ‎cover some assembly tips.‎

Hardware Assembly

Inserting the Processor Board

With the M.2 MicroMod connector, connecting your processor board is easy. Match up the key on ‎your processor's beveled edge connector to the key on the M.2 connector on your Carrier Board. ‎At a 45° angle, insert the processor board to the M.2 connector. The Processor board will stick up ‎at an angle as seen here:‎

processor_11

Once the board is in the socket, gently press the Processor board down, grab the set screw and ‎tighten it with a Phillip's head screwdriver:‎

set_12

Once the Processor is secure, your assembled MicroMod system should look similar to the image ‎below!‎

assembled_13

Note: There is technically no way to insert the processor backward since the key prevents it from ‎mating with the M.2 connector. As an extra safeguard to prevent inserting a processor improperly ‎or with a poor connection, the mounting screw will not match up if the Processor is not plugged in ‎entirely.‎

Data Logging Peripherals

As we mentioned previously, the Data Logging Carrier Board offers several ways to connect your ‎sensors or other peripherals you intend to log data from.‎

If you are using a Qwiic breakout just connect it using a Qwiic cable to the Qwiic connector on the ‎Carrier Board. If your I2C device is not Qwiic-enabled, you can either use a Qwiic adapter cable or ‎connect the peripheral to the Carrier Board using the 0.1"-spaced PTH pins for I2C. Soldering is ‎strongly recommended for this approach but if you just want a temporary connection for prototyping ‎you can use IC Hooks like these or these.‎

For alternate data inputs using SPI, Serial UART or other inputs (analog, digital, etc.), you will need ‎to connect them to the 0.1"-spaced PTH pins broken out on either side of the Data Logging Carrier ‎Board using one of the methods covered above. Take note of which 3.3V rail you are connecting ‎them to for easy reference when controlling power to your devices after everything is soldered ‎together.‎

peripherals_14

Before powering everything up, insert your microSD card into the card slot and press it in to lock it ‎into place.‎

Connecting Everything Up

With your processor inserted and secured it's time to connect your MicroMod Data Logging Carrier ‎Board to your computer using the USB-C connector. Depending on which Processor you choose ‎and which drivers you already have installed, you may need to install drivers for your processor ‎board. Refer to your Processor Board's Hookup Guide for detailed instructions on how to install ‎them. At this point you can also connect your battery for charging or to power the circuit once USB ‎power is removed.‎

everything_15

This demo circuit uses the SparkFun GPS Breakout - ZOE-M8Q (Qwiic) and GPS/GNSS Magnetic ‎Mount Antenna.‎

Note: Make sure that for whichever processor you choose, you have the correct board definitions ‎installed. ‎

For this particular tutorial, we are using the Artemis MicroMod Processor. Board definitions for this ‎processor board can be found in the Software Setup and Programming section of the Artemis ‎MicroMod Processor Board Hookup Guide. ‎

If you are using a different processor board, go to our MicroMod Processor Boards landing page, ‎find your processor board, and head on over to that tutorial for help installing your board definition.‎

Arduino Examples

Note: This example assumes you are using the latest version of the Arduino IDE on your desktop. ‎If this is your first time using Arduino, please review our tutorial on installing the Arduino IDE. If you ‎have not previously installed an Arduino library, please check out our installation guide.

GPS Demo Circuit Example

We've written a quick example for the demo circuit from the Hardware Assembly section using ‎the SparkFun GPS Breakout - ZEO-M8Q (Qwiic) to showcase how to log data from the GPS ‎module to a µSD card. To assemble the circuit, simply plug in your GPS module to the Data Logging ‎Carrier Board via a Qwiic cable and attach the GPS Antenna to the board using a u.Fl to SMA ‎Adapter. If you've never worked with u.Fl connectors before this tutorial offers a few quick tips for ‎using them. Also, the SparkFun u-blox Arduino library works with all of our u-blox modules so you ‎can swap in a different u-blox GPS if you prefer.‎

In order to run this example, you will need to have the SparkFun U-blox Arduino library installed. ‎You can install it with the Arduino Library Manager by searching 'SparkFun u-blox GNSS' or you ‎can download the zip here from the GitHub repository:‎

SPARKFUN U-BLOX ARDUINO LIBRARY (ZIP)

Copy the code below into a blank Arduino sketch, select your Processor Board (for the demo circuit ‎we select, "SparkFun Artemis MicroMod") and the Port your board has enumerated on. If you are ‎not using the MicroMod Artemis Processor, you'll need to adjust the define for Chip Select:‎

Copy Code
/*
MicroMod Data Logging Carrier Board - ZOE-M8Q GPS Example
This example code is in the public domain.
*/

#include <SPI.h>
#include <SD.h>
#include <Wire.h>
#include <SparkFun_u-blox_GNSS_Arduino_Library.h>

const int chipSelect = 23; // The CS pin is DATA3 or 23 for the MicroMod Artemis Processor. Adjust for your processor if necessary.
SFE_UBLOX_GNSS myGNSS;

long lastTime = 0; //Simple local timer. Limits amount if I2C traffic to Ublox module.
File myFile;

void setup() {
// Open serial communications and wait for port to open:
Serial.begin(115200);
while (!Serial) {
; // wait for serial port to connect. Needed for native USB port only
}
Wire.begin();
if (myGNSS.begin() == false) //Connect to the Ublox module using Wire port
{
Serial.println(F("Ublox GPS not detected at default I2C address. Please check wiring. Freezing."));
while (1);
}

myGNSS.setI2COutput(COM_TYPE_UBX); //Set the I2C port to output UBX only (turn off NMEA noise)
myGNSS.saveConfiguration(); //Save the current settings to flash and BBR

Serial.print("Initializing SD card...");

// see if the card is present and can be initialized:
if (!SD.begin(chipSelect)) {
Serial.println("Card failed, or not present");
// don't do anything more:
while (1);
}
Serial.println("card initialized.");

myFile = SD.open("data.txt", FILE_WRITE); // Create or open a file called "data.txt" on the SD card
if(myFile)
{
if(myFile.size() == 0) // Only create the header if there isn't any data in the file yet
{
myFile.println("Date\t\tTime\t\tLatitude\tLongitude\tAlt");
myFile.println("MM/DD/YYYY\tHH/MM/SS\tdeg\t\tdeg\t\tmm");
myFile.println("-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------");
}
myFile.close(); // Close the file to properly save the data
}
else {
// if the file didn't open, print an error:
Serial.println("error opening data.txt");
}

}

void loop()
{
char gpsDate[10], gpsTime[10];
//Query module only every 10 seconds. Adjust this value for more/less frequent GPS logs.
if (millis() - lastTime > 10000)
{
lastTime = millis(); //Update the timer
long latitude = myGNSS.getLatitude();
long longitude = myGNSS.getLongitude();
long altitude = myGNSS.getAltitude();
uint8_t fixType = myGNSS.getFixType();
if(fixType != 0){
myFile = SD.open("data.txt", FILE_WRITE); // Open file "data.txt"
if(myFile)
{
// Get date and time
sprintf(gpsDate,"%d/%d/%d", myGNSS.getMonth(),myGNSS.getDay(),myGNSS.getYear());
if(myGNSS.getSecond() < 10){
sprintf(gpsTime,"%d/%d/0%d", myGNSS.getHour(),myGNSS.getMinute(),myGNSS.getSecond());
}
else
{
sprintf(gpsTime,"%d/%d/0%d", myGNSS.getHour(),myGNSS.getMinute(),myGNSS.getSecond());
}
// Save data to SD card
myFile.print(gpsDate);
myFile.print('\t');
myFile.print(gpsTime);
myFile.print('\t');
myFile.print(latitude);
myFile.print('\t');
myFile.print(longitude);
myFile.print('\t');
myFile.println(altitude);
}

Serial.print(gpsDate);
Serial.print('\t');
Serial.print(gpsTime);
Serial.print('\t');
Serial.print(latitude);
Serial.print('\t');
Serial.print(longitude);
Serial.print('\t');
Serial.println(altitude);

myFile.close();

}
else // GPS is looking for satellites, waiting on fix
{
uint8_t SIV = myGNSS.getSIV();
Serial.print("Satellites in view: ");
Serial.println(SIV);
}
}
}

With the code adjusted, click the Upload button. For debugging, open your serial monitor and set ‎the baud 115200. The code will print out if the SD card or GPS do not initialize properly. If the SD ‎initialization fails, check that the card is inserted and locked and that it is formatted to FAT32. If the ‎GPS initialization fails, check the connection to your GPS board or verify it is at the default I2C ‎address.‎

If everything initializes properly, the code will open the "data.txt" file and begin logging data once ‎the GPS has a fix and will also print the same data over serial. If the GPS does not have a lock, the ‎code will print out the number of satellites in view over serial.‎

Power Control Examples

In addition to this GPS example, we've written two example sketches specifically for the Data ‎Logging Carrier Board demonstrating how to control the 3.3V regulators powering the Qwiic ‎connector/G2-3V3 pin and G1-3V3 rail. They can be found in the MicroMod Data Logging Carrier ‎Board GitHub Repo or you can download the Zip of the repository by clicking the button below.‎

DATA LOGGING CARRIER BOARD TEST SKETCHES (ZIP)‎

Take note both Qwiic and 3V3 peripheral power are controlled via the enable pin on dedicated ‎voltage regulators. An external pull-up turns both regulators on by default but can be controlled with ‎standard logic. Power ON = HIGH and Power OFF = LOW.‎

Troubleshooting

Not working as expected and need help? ‎

If you need technical assistance and more information on a product that is not working as you ‎expected, we recommend heading on over to the SparkFun Technical Assistance page for some ‎initial troubleshooting.

SPARKFUN TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PAGE

If you don't find what you need there, the SparkFun Forums: MicroMod are a great place to find ‎and ask for help. If this is your first visit, you'll need to create a Forum Account to search product ‎forums and post questions.

SPARKFUN FORUMS: MICROMOD

Resources and Going Further

Hopefully this guide has got you all set to get started with your own MicroMod logging project using ‎the SparkFun MicroMod Data Logging Carrier Board. For more information about the Carrier Board, ‎check out the resources below:‎

For more information on the MicroMod ecosystem, check out these resources:‎

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MEM CARD MICROSD 32GB CLASS 10
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制造商零件编号 CAB-00501
MINI HOOK TO MINI HOOK 14"
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制造商零件编号 CAB-09741
TEST LEAD HOOK TO TIP PLUG 2.5"
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