From a799e7aa561b0bc1b72421f71e8b4d22191074ac Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: kebanks2 <109536664+kebanks2@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Wed, 20 May 2026 06:27:14 +0300 Subject: [PATCH 1/2] Add tutorial for building a MicroMod carrier board This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide on how to model a SparkFun MicroMod-style carrier board, including details on the M.2 connector, power rails, I2C pull-ups, and breakout headers. --- .../building-a-micromod-carrier-board.mdx | 330 ++++++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 330 insertions(+) create mode 100644 docs/tutorials/building-a-micromod-carrier-board.mdx diff --git a/docs/tutorials/building-a-micromod-carrier-board.mdx b/docs/tutorials/building-a-micromod-carrier-board.mdx new file mode 100644 index 0000000..9a17095 --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/tutorials/building-a-micromod-carrier-board.mdx @@ -0,0 +1,330 @@ +--- +title: Building a MicroMod Carrier Board +description: Learn how to model a SparkFun MicroMod-style carrier board with an M.2 connector, shared power rails, I2C pull-ups, and common breakout headers. +--- + +import CircuitPreview from "@site/src/components/CircuitPreview" + +## Overview + +SparkFun MicroMod processor boards use a 75-pin M.2 edge connector so that the +processor module can plug into different carrier boards. A carrier board usually +provides the regulated 3.3 V rail, ground return, reset and boot controls, and +breakouts for buses such as I2C, SPI, UART, SWD, PWM, and analog inputs. + +This tutorial shows a reusable tscircuit pattern for documenting a MicroMod +carrier schematic. It intentionally focuses on the connector and signal mapping; +before fabricating a real board, confirm the exact connector footprint, keepout, +and mechanical dimensions against the MicroMod processor board and connector +datasheets. + +## Start with the MicroMod M.2 socket + +Use `` with `standard="m2"` and add explicit labels for the pins +you plan to route. The example below labels the most common carrier-board +signals from the MicroMod v1.0 pinout and leaves unused keyed or secondary +signals unconnected. + + ( + + + +) +`} +/> + +## Add carrier-board power + +MicroMod signals are 3.3 V compatible. Do not connect processor GPIO or bus +signals directly to 5 V logic. The carrier board should provide a clean 3.3 V +rail, local bulk capacitance, and small decoupling capacitors close to the +connector power pins. If your carrier accepts USB or battery input, model that +power path separately and feed the connector from the regulated rail. + + ( + + + + + + + + + +) +`} +/> + +## Break out common buses + +Carrier boards usually expose a small set of MicroMod signals rather than every +pin. I2C is a good default because MicroMod defines `I2C_SDA` and `I2C_SCL` as +open-drain signals that need pull-up resistors on the carrier board. UART, SPI, +SWD, reset, and boot are common debugging and expansion connections. + + ( + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +) +`} +/> + +## Layout checklist + +- Use the MicroMod connector drawing for pad geometry, key position, insertion + direction, and board-edge keepout. +- Keep local 100 nF decoupling close to the 3.3 V and ground connector pins, and + add enough bulk capacitance for the processor board and any carrier peripherals. +- Treat all exposed bus pins as 3.3 V logic unless a processor-board datasheet + explicitly says otherwise. +- Put I2C pull-ups on the carrier board. Start with 4.7 kOhm for short traces + and adjust for bus capacitance and target speed. +- Route USB and high-speed interfaces as controlled, short, matched differential + paths when you use them. +- Mark intentionally unused MicroMod pins as no-connects in your design notes so + future carrier-board revisions do not route them by accident. + +## References + +- [SparkFun MicroMod Interface pin descriptions](https://cdn.sparkfun.com/assets/learn_tutorials/1/2/0/6/SparkFun_MicroMod_Interface_v1.0_-_Pin_Descriptions.pdf) +- [SparkFun MicroMod Interface pinout](https://cdn.sparkfun.com/assets/learn_tutorials/1/2/0/6/SparkFun_MicroMod_Interface_v1.0_-_Pinout.pdf) +- [SparkFun Getting Started with MicroMod](https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/getting-started-with-micromod) +- [SparkFun MicroMod product page](https://www.sparkfun.com/micromod) From 426a551e6aef74e51ae2a7ad7651890eb594457f Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: kebanks2 Date: Thu, 21 May 2026 14:46:47 -0500 Subject: [PATCH 2/2] Add MicroMod graphical datasheet reference --- docs/tutorials/building-a-micromod-carrier-board.mdx | 1 + 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+) diff --git a/docs/tutorials/building-a-micromod-carrier-board.mdx b/docs/tutorials/building-a-micromod-carrier-board.mdx index 9a17095..35ada1f 100644 --- a/docs/tutorials/building-a-micromod-carrier-board.mdx +++ b/docs/tutorials/building-a-micromod-carrier-board.mdx @@ -326,5 +326,6 @@ export default () => ( - [SparkFun MicroMod Interface pin descriptions](https://cdn.sparkfun.com/assets/learn_tutorials/1/2/0/6/SparkFun_MicroMod_Interface_v1.0_-_Pin_Descriptions.pdf) - [SparkFun MicroMod Interface pinout](https://cdn.sparkfun.com/assets/learn_tutorials/1/2/0/6/SparkFun_MicroMod_Interface_v1.0_-_Pinout.pdf) +- [SparkFun MicroMod General Pinout graphical datasheet](https://cdn.sparkfun.com/assets/learn_tutorials/1/1/8/9/MicroMod_General_Pinout_v10_Graphical_Datasheet.pdf) - [SparkFun Getting Started with MicroMod](https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/getting-started-with-micromod) - [SparkFun MicroMod product page](https://www.sparkfun.com/micromod)