Getting Started with MicroMod

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Introduction

MicroMod is a compact interface to connect a microcontroller to various peripherals. You can generally think of the MicroMod system as a ‘brain’ plugging into a ‘carrier board’.

Processor inserted into the Carrier Board M2 Slot

A MicroMod processor board is approximately 22x22mm and can insert into any MicroMod carrier board. A small screw holds the processor board in place. Whereas the original M.2 standard was designed for swapping out peripherals (user could change one solid state hard drive to a larger one) the MicroMod standard is designed for swapping out controllers (user can start with a powerful processor and then change to a low power controller to extend battery life).

Suggested Reading

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

MicroMod Logo
MicroMod Ecosystem

If you aren’t familiar with the following concepts, we recommend checking out these tutorials before continuing.

Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI)

SPI is commonly used to connect microcontrollers to peripherals such as sensors, shift registers, and SD cards.

Pulse Width Modulation

An introduction to the concept of Pulse Width Modulation.

Logic Levels

Learn the difference between 3.3V and 5V devices and logic levels.

I2C

An introduction to I2C, one of the main embedded communications protocols in use today.

How Does It Work?

The MicroMod standard leverages the M.2 connector and specification to increase the availability of parts and reduce the cost of the connector. All MicroMod ‘brains’ share a common pinout. For example, the I2C pins for the MicroMod ESP32 are in the same position as the I2C pins on the MicroMod Artemis.

A variety of MicroMod carrier boards give the user access to different technologies. Because the MicroMod connector is standardized, the controller can be easily and quickly swapped out as processing power, power consumption, and wireless connectivity. For example, a user may start with the MicroMod Artemis and a RFID carrier board. They then might decide they need WiFi for their project. Swapping to the MicroMod ESP32 allows the user to instantly add WiFi capabilities without changing the underlying hardware.

The MicroMod interface is defined as follows:

Hardware Overview

What Connector and Key Does MicroMod Use?

MicroMod uses the common M.2 connector. This is the same connector found on modern motherboards and laptops. We recommend the connector with 4.2mm height.

M.2 Connector Socket View M.2 Connector View from Back
M.2 Connector Socket View M.2 Connector View from Back

TE makes the 2199230-4 that is widely available and for reasonable cost (1k budgetary pricing is $0.56). You can also order the MicroMod DIY Carrier Kit that includes 5 of the connector, screw, and reflow-able standoff.

There are various locations for the plastic ‘key’ on the M.2 connector to prevent a user from inserting an incompatible device. The MicroMod standard uses the ‘E’ key but diverges from the M.2 standard by moving the mounting screw 4mm to the side. The ‘E’ key is fairly common so a user could insert a M.2 compatible Wifi module but because the screw mount doesn’t align, the user would not be able to secure an incompatible device into a MicroMod carrier board.

What is a Processor Board?

SparkFun MicroMod Processor Board Outline

Each processor board follows the M.2 standard of '2222' or 22x22mm overall size.

Each processor board is approximately 22x22mm and has a microcontroller or processor on it. The pins on the processor are brought to the card edge to match the MicroMod pinout specification.

Every processor board is expected to need only USB D+/- to be programmed. This means that a processor that does not have built-in USB Support must have it added. For example: the Artemis Processor board has the CH340E added to provide serial programming support.

Every processor board is expected to have one on-board status LED that is not routed to the board edge.

Note: The MicroMod spec moves the screw position from the board's center line to 4mm right-of-center. This is meant to prevent incorrect mixing of a growing number of devices that use the M.2 connector (such as WiFi cards, SSDs, cellular modems, etc) and MicroMod devices. While a user could insert a WiFi card into a SparkFun data logging carrier board the screw holes would not line up making it obvious the devices don't work together.

The MicroMod spec may incorporate larger sizes in the future, and users are welcome to create their own processor boards, but note that the standoff hole on most carrier boards will be located to fit the 2222 MicroMod key.

What is the MicroMod Pinout?

The MicroMod interface is defined as follows:

Below is the general MicroMod interface pinout for v1.0 processor and carrier boards.

Not all of the pins are guaranteed to be connected when using the MicroMod form factor. Please see the documentation specific to your processor board for more information.

AUDIO UART GPIO/BUS I2C SDIO SPI Dedicated
Function Bottom
Pin
   Top   
Pin
Function
(Not Connected) 75 GND
3.3V 74 73 G5 / BUS5
RTC_3V_BATT 72 71 G6 / BUS6
SPI_CS1# SDIO_DATA3 (I/O) 70 69 G7 / BUS7
SDIO_DATA2 (I/O) 68 67 G8
SDIO_DATA1 (I/O) 66 65 G9 ADC_D- CAM_HSYNC
SPI_CIPO1 SDIO_DATA0 (I/O) 64 63 G10 ADC_D+ CAM_VSYNC
SPI COPI1 SDIO_CMD (I/O) 62 61 SPI_CIPO (I)
SPI SCK1 SDIO_SCK (O) 60 59 SPI_COPI (O) LED_DAT
AUD_MCLK (O) 58 57 SPI_SCK (O) LED_CLK
CAM_MCLK PCM_OUT I2S_OUT AUD_OUT 56 55 SPI_CS#
CAM_PCLK PCM_IN I2S_IN AUD_IN 54 53 I2C_SCL1 (I/O)
PDM_DATA PCM_SYNC I2S_WS AUD_LRCLK 52 51 I2C_SDA1 (I/O)
PDM_CLK PCM_CLK I2S_SCK AUD_BCLK 50 49 BATT_VIN / 3 (I - ADC) (0 to 3.3V)
G4 / BUS4 48 47 PWM1
G3 / BUS3 46 45 GND
G2 / BUS2 44 43 CAN_TX
G1 / BUS1 42 41 CAN_RX
G0 / BUS0 40 39 GND
A1 38 37 USBHOST_D-
GND 36 35 USBHOST_D+
A0 34 33 GND
PWM0 32 31 Module Key
Module Key 30 29 Module Key
Module Key 28 27 Module Key
Module Key 26 25 Module Key
Module Key 24 23 SWDIO
UART_TX2 (O) 22 21 SWDCK
UART_RX2 (I) 20 19 UART_RX1 (I)
CAM_TRIG D1 18 17 UART_TX1 (0)
I2C_INT# 16 15 UART_CTS1 (I)
I2C_SCL (I/0) 14 13 UART_RTS1 (O)
I2C_SDA (I/0) 12 11 BOOT (I - Open Drain)
D0 10 9 USB_VIN
SWO G11 8 7 GND
RESET# (I - Open Drain) 6 5 USB_D-
3.3V_EN 4 3 USB_D+
3.3V 2 1 GND
Signal Group Signal I/O Description Voltage
Power 3.3V I 3.3V Source 3.3V
GND Return current path 0V
USB_VIN I USB VIN compliant to USB 2.0 specification. Connect to pins on processor board that require 5V for USB functionality 4.8-5.2V
RTC_3V_BATT I 3V provided by external coin cell or mini battery. Max draw=100μA. Connect to pins maintaining an RTC during power loss. Can be left NC. 3V
3.3V_EN O Controls the carrier board's main voltage regulator. Voltage above 1V will enable 3.3V power path. 3.3V
BATT_VIN/3 I Carrier board raw voltage over 3. 1/3 resistor divider is implemented on carrier board. Amplify the analog signal as needed for full 0-3.3V range 3.3V
Reset Reset I Input to processor. Open drain with pullup on processor board. Pulling low resets processor. 3.3V
Boot I Input to processor. Open drain with pullup on processor board. Pulling low puts processor into special boot mode. Can be left NC. 3.3V
USB USB_D± I/O USB Data ±. Differential serial data interface compliant to USB 2.0 specification. If UART is required for programming, USB± must be routed to a USB-to-serial conversion IC on the processor board.
USB Host USBHOST_D± I/O For processors that support USB Host Mode. USB Data±. Differential serial data interface compliant to USB 2.0 specification. Can be left NC.
CAN CAN_RX I CAN Bus receive data. 3.3V
CAN_TX O CAN Bus transmit data. 3.3V
UART UART_RX1 I UART receive data. 3.3V
UART_TX1 O UART transmit data. 3.3V
UART_RTS1 O UART ready to send. 3.3V
UART_CTS1 I UART clear to send. 3.3V
UART_RX2 I 2nd UART receive data. 3.3V
UART_TX2 O 2nd UART transmit data. 3.3V
I2C I2C_SCL I/O I2C clock. Open drain with pullup on carrier board. 3.3V
I2C_SDA I/O I2C data. Open drain with pullup on carrier board 3.3V
I2C_INT# I Interrupt notification from carrier board to processor. Open drain with pullup on carrier board. Active LOW 3.3V
I2C_SCL1 I/O 2nd I2C clock. Open drain with pullup on carrier board. 3.3V
I2C_SDA1 I/O 2nd I2C data. Open drain with pullup on carrier board. 3.3V
SPI SPI_COPI O SPI Controller Output/Peripheral Input. 3.3V
SPI_CIPO I SPI Controller Input/Peripheral Output. 3.3V
SPI_SCK O SPI Clock. 3.3V
SPI_CS# O SPI Chip Select. Active LOW. Can be routed to GPIO if hardware CS is unused. 3.3V
SPI/SDIO SPI_SCK1/SDIO_CLK O 2nd SPI Clock. Secondary use is SDIO Clock. 3.3V
SPI_COPI1/SDIO_CMD I/O 2nd SPI Controller Output/Peripheral Input. Secondary use is SDIO command interface. 3.3V
SPI_CIPO1/SDIO_DATA0 I/O 2nd SPI Peripheral Input/Controller Output. Secondary use is SDIO data exchange bit 0. 3.3V
SDIO_DATA1 I/O SDIO data exchange bit 1. 3.3V
SDIO_DATA2 I/O SDIO data exchange bit 2. 3.3V
SPI_CS1/SDIO_DATA3 I/O 2nd SPI Chip Select. Secondary use is SDIO data exchange bit 3. 3.3V
Audio AUD_MCLK O Audio master clock. 3.3V
AUD_OUT/PCM_OUT/I2S_OUT/CAM_MCLK O Audio data output. PCM synchronous data output. I2S serial data out. Camera master clock. 3.3V
AUD_IN/PCM_IN/I2S_IN/CAM_PCLK I Audio data input. PCM syncrhonous data input. I2S serial data in. Camera periphperal clock. 3.3V
AUD_LRCLK/PCM_SYNC/I2S_WS/PDM_DATA I/O Audio left/right clock. PCM syncrhonous data SYNC. I2S word select. PDM data. 3.3V
AUD_BCLK/PCM_CLK/I2S_CLK/PDM_CLK O Audio bit clock. PCM clock. I2S continuous serial clock. PDM clock. 3.3V
SWD SWDIO I/O Serial Wire Debug I/O. Connect if processor board supports SWD. Can be left NC. 3.3V
SWDCK I Serial Wire Debug clock. Connect if processor board supports SWD. Can be left NC. 3.3V
ADC A0 I Analog to digital converter 0. Amplify the analog signal as needed to enable full 0-3.3V range. 3.3V
A1 I Analog to digital converter 1. Amplify the analog signal as needed to enable full 0-3.3V range. 3.3V
PWM PWM0 O Pulse width modulated output 0. 3.3V
PWM1 O Pulse width modulated output 1. 3.3V
Digital D0 I/O General digital input/output pin. 3.3V
D1/CAM_TRIG I/O General digital input/output pin. Camera trigger. 3.3V
General/Bus G0/BUS0 I/O General purpose pins. Any unused processor pins should be assigned to Gx with ADC + PWM capable pins given priority (0, 1, 2, etc.) positions. The intent is to guarantee PWM, ADC and Digital Pin functionality on respective ADC/PWM/Digital pins. Gx pins do not guarantee ADC/PWM function. Alternative use is pins can support a fast read/write 8-bit or 4-bit wide bus. 3.3V
G1/BUS1 I/O 3.3V
G2/BUS2 I/O 3.3V
G3/BUS3 I/O 3.3V
G4/BUS4 I/O 3.3V
G5/BUS5 I/O 3.3V
G6/BUS6 I/O 3.3V
G7/BUS7 I/O 3.3V
G8 I/O General purpose pin 3.3V
G9/ADC_D-/CAM_HSYNC I/O Differential ADC input if available. Camera horizontal sync. 3.3V
G10/ADC_D+/CAM_VSYNC I/O Differential ADC input if available. Camera vertical sync. 3.3V
G11/SWO I/O General purpose pin. Serial Wire Output 3.3V

Each pin on the M.2 connector is specified to have a given function. There are additional rules to the MicroMod specification to ensure cross platform compatibility. At the extreme case, a maximum of 49x GPIOs are supported. In general, MicroMod focuses on interface types and locations. For example, if a carrier board requires PWM capabilities then the carrier board should leverage pins 32 (aka PWM0) and 47 (aka PWM1) as these are most likely to support PWM.

Supported Interfaces:

  • USB for programming and serial debug
  • 2x Analog Dedicated
  • 2x PWM Dedicated
  • 2x Digital I/O Dedicated
  • 12x GPIO
  • 2x I2C
  • 2x SPI
  • 2x UART
  • SDIO
  • USB-HOST
  • CAN
  • SWD
  • PDM / PCM / I2S
  • Differential ADC

12x GPIOs may not sound like much but once all the other interfaces have been connected (UART, SPI, I2C, PWM, ADC) 12x GPIOs should cover most remaining applications.

Hardware Hookup

Below are the steps to connect your MicroMod boards together!

Connecting a Processor to a Carrier Board

To get started with MicroMod, you'll need a processor board as well as a carrier board. Here we are using the Artemis MicroMod Processor Board with the Machine Learning Carrier Board. Align the top key of the MicroMod Artemis Processor Board to the screw terminal of the Machine Learning Carrier Board and angle the board into the socket. Insert the board at an angle into the M.2 connector.

Note: There is no way to insert the processor backward since the key prevents it from mating with the M.2 connector and as an extra safeguard to prevent inserting a processor that matches the key, the mounting screw is offset so you will not be able to secure an improperly connected processor board.

Processor inserted into the Carrier Board M2 Slot

The Processor Board will stick up at an angle (at around 25°), as seen here:

MicroMod Processor Board inserted into the carrier board

Once the board in the socket, gently hold the MicroMod Processor Board down and tighten the screw with a Phillip's head. We recommend the classic SparkFun reversible mini-screw driver, MicroMod Screwdriver, or the fancier pocket screw driver set but any #00, #0, or #1 Phillip's head driver will work.

screwing in the machine screw

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

Top down image of Machine Learning Carrier Board with Artemis Processor board inserted correctly

Note: If you've never connected an CH340 device to your computer before, you may need to install drivers for the USB-to-serial converter. Check out our section on How to Install CH340 Drivers" for help with the installation.

Connecting a Function Board to a Main Board

For those going the modular route with a Main Board, you will need a Processor and Function Board. The steps are similar to connecting a processor to a regular carrier board as explained above. Insert a Processor Board into the M.2 connector labeled as "Processor" at an angle of around 25°. Then secure the board using a Phillip's Head. Again, we recommend the classic SparkFun reversible mini-screw driver or the fancier pocket screw driver set but any #00, #0, or #1 Phillip's head driver will work.

Processor Board Inserted at Angle Processor Board Being Secured
Processor Board Inserted at Angle Processor Board Being Secured

Then insert the Function Board at an angle (at around 25°) to the M.2 Connector labeled as "Function Zero" just like a Processor Board.

Function Board at an Angle

Once the board is in the socket, gently push down the MicroMod Function Board against the Main Board. Hold the Function board against the M.2 connector in place with your index finger and thumb. Then tighten one screw with a Phillip's head just enough to hold it in place. You'll want to avoid tightening the screw fully.

Add First Screw on Function Board to Hold in Place

While still holding the Function Board in place, tighten the second screw on the other side to hold it in place. Go back and tighten both screws fully to ensure that the board is evenly held down.

Securing MicroMod Main, Processor, and Function Board

Once the boards are secure, your assembled MicroMod system should look similar to the image below!

MicroMod Main Board- Single  Assembled

If you have a MicroMod Main Board - Double, the steps are the same as the Main Board - Single. The steps are similar to connecting a Processor and Function Board as explained above. Insert both Function Boards at an angle of around 25°.

Function Boards at an Angle

Gently push down one of the Function Boards against the Main Board - Double. Hold the Function Board against the M.2 connector in place with your index finger and thumb. Then tighten one of the screws (avoid the middle screw between the two Function Boards) with a Phillip's head just enough to hold it in place. You'll want to avoid tightening the screw fully.

Hold Down One of the Function Boards and Screw It In

Gently push down the other Function Board against the Main Board - Double. Hold the Function Board in place while ensuring both boards are flush. Then tighten one of the screws (avoid the middle screw between the two Function Boards) with a Phillip's head just enough to hold it in place. You'll want to avoid tightening the screw fully

Hold Down the Other Function Board and Screw It In

Tighten the middle screw while holding both Function Boards down. Go back and tighten all three screws fully to ensure that the boards is evenly held down.

Add Middle Screw

Once the boards are secure, your assembled MicroMod system should look similar to the image below!

Assembled MicroMod Main Board - Double

Note: Misplaced a MicroMod screw? Have no fear! You can order replacement screws in packs of 5.

MicroMod Machine Screw - M2.5x3mm, Phillips Head (5 Pack)

MicroMod Machine Screw - M2.5x3mm, Phillips Head (5 Pack)

PRT-19296
$0.25

Designing with MicroMod

Can I Make My Own MicroMod Processor Board?

Absolutely. SparkFun is an open source hardware company and is not patenting this interface. All we ask is that you don’t fork the spec, follow the rules, and try not to muddy the community by introducing competing or partially compatible similar interfaces.

We recommend starting from one of our open source processor board designs. Currently all these files are EAGLE PCB format. If you have a different PCB package and you'd like to add your design to the list as a reference design please let us know!

Additionally, we've written Designing with MicroMod that goes into depth about how to create a good processor and carrier board.

Can I Make My Own MicroMod Carrier Board?

Absolutely! This where things get really exciting. We’ve got a variety of resources including a connector footprint and symbol for Eagle PCB. We had multiple carrier boards already designed and open source so you can use them as a reference design and starting point. We can’t wait to see what you make.

MicroMod Carrier Board connector and schematic symbol

We recommend starting from one of our open source carrier board designs. Currently all these files are EAGLE PCB format. If you have a different PCB package and you'd like to add your design to the list as a reference design please let us know!

Additionally, we've written Designing with MicroMod that goes into depth about how to create a good processor and carrier board.

When designing your own carrier board keep these rules of thumb in mind:

  • All carrier boards must provide a regulated 3.3V supply capable of 1A.
  • All carrier boards must provide a USB D+/- connection for programming.
  • Not all processor boards have connections to every pin.
  • The A0/1, PWM0/1, and D0/1 should be supported by every processor board so you can trust that those pins will be available.
  • UART1, SPI, and I2C ports are super common and on nearly every processor board, but peripherals beyond those varies between processor boards. For example: support for a 2nd I2C port varies a lot so if your carrier board requires the 2nd I2C port be aware of what processor boards will be supported.

To help get you started with your own custom carrier board we've put together the MicroMod DIY Carrier Kit that includes 5 of the connector, screw, and standoff so that you can get all the ‘special’ parts you may need to make your own carrier board.

SparkFun MicroMod DIY Carrier Kit (5 pack)

SparkFun MicroMod DIY Carrier Kit (5 pack)

KIT-16549
$7.50

The M.2 connector has a 0.5mm pitch and alignment pegs. Hand stenciling and reflow-at-home is possible but we recommend using a stainless steel stencil (do not use mylar) and a higher quality reflow oven (sorry hot plate!) to help prevent jumpers.

Tell Me about Heat Sinking!

One of the benefits to the M.2 standard is the ability to put components under the module. Using this we can now add heatsinks to our microcontrollers!

For this reason we recommend the connector with 4.2mm height. TE makes the 2199230-4 that is widely available and for reasonable cost (1k budgetary pricing is $0.56).

What if I Need A LOT of GPIO?

There are applications where a user will need more than 12 GPIO. The MicroMod specification is flexible. If you would like to design a MicroMod that has only a few peripherals connected (for example, just UART and I2C) and leaving the rest for GPIO (45 available for GPIO in this example) that’s fine. Your carrier board would utilize the UART and I2C pins in the normal location and GPIOs in non-standard locations. This would prevent other MicroMods from being absolutely compatible (perhaps one or two of the MicroMod Artemis would not be able to drive your carrier board’s relays) but it’s allowed. You, the designer, just need to think about the tradeoffs.

We’ve written a guide for creating a MicroMod Processor Board but here are the guiding principles:

  • Connect dedicated hardware of the microcontroller to the available I2C, SPI, UART, USB, USB_HOST, CAN, SDIO, and JTAG pins exposed on the MicroMod connector edge.
  • Next, A0/A1 on the MicroMod connector edge should be assigned to pins on the microcontroller that are exclusively ADC (no PWM capability).
  • PWM0/PWM1 should be assigned to pins that are exclusively PWM (no ADC capability).
  • D0/D1 should be assigned to pins that are exclusively GPIO (no ADC or PWM capability)
  • Remaining pins should be assigned to Gx with ADC + PWM capable pins given priority (0, 1, 2, etc) positions
  • The intent is to guarantee PWM, ADC, and Digital Pin functionality on those specific pins. Whereas Gx pins do not guarantee ADC/PWM function.
  • If the microcontroller lacks a specific pin function, and has left over GPIO, they can be over-ruled with GPIO. For example, CTS/RTS can be overwritten with a GPIO if the microcontroller does not have flow control.

For more information, check out the Designing with MicroMod tutorial.

Designing with MicroMod

October 21, 2020

This tutorial will walk you through the specs of the MicroMod processor and carrier board as well as the basics of incorporating the MicroMod form factor into your own PCB designs!

Resources and Going Further

Valuable MicroMod documents:

Now that you are familiar with the basics of the MicroMod, check out some of related following tutorials with MicroMod!

MicroMod Update Tool Hookup Guide

Follow this guide to learn how to use the MicroMod Update Tool to interact directly with the UART on the MicroMod Asset Tracker's SARA-R5. Using this board you can talk directly to the module using u-blox's m-center software as well as update the firmware using EasyFlash.

MicroMod Asset Tracker Carrier Board Hookup Guide

Get started with the SparkFun MicroMod Asset Tracker Carrier Board following this Hookup Guide. The Asset Tracker uses the u-blox SARA-R510M8S LTE-M / NB-IoT module to provide a host of data communication options.

MicroMod Ethernet Function Board - W5500 Hookup Guide

Add Ethernet and PoE capabilities to your MicroMod project using the Ethernet Function Board - W5500.

MicroMod GNSS Function Board - ZED-F9P Hookup Guide

Add millimeter precision location data to your MicroMod project with this guide for the SparkFun MicroMod GNSS Function Board - ZED-F9P.