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 00000000..f7e1add7 --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/tutorials/building-a-micromod-carrier-board.mdx @@ -0,0 +1,197 @@ +--- +title: Building a MicroMod Carrier Board +description: Learn how to model a SparkFun MicroMod carrier board in tscircuit using an M.2-style connector, power regulation, and simple breakout headers. +--- + +## Overview + +MicroMod uses an M.2-style connector to let you swap processor boards while +keeping the carrier board fixed. SparkFun's own docs describe the processor +board as approximately 22x22 mm and the carrier board as the place where the +M.2 connector and the rest of the application circuitry live. + +This tutorial shows the basic carrier-board pattern in tscircuit: + +1. Place the MicroMod socket with `standard="m2"` +2. Add the power input and 3.3V rail +3. Break out the interfaces you need +4. Keep the layout compact and leave edge clearance for the connector + +import CircuitPreview from "@site/src/components/CircuitPreview" + +## 1. Start with the carrier layout + +The important part of a MicroMod design is the connector socket. In tscircuit, +the `connector` element supports an `m2` standard hint, which is a good fit for +the MicroMod interface on the carrier side. + + ( + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +) +`} /> + +## 2. Why the M.2 connector matters + +SparkFun's MicroMod ecosystem uses the M.2 connector as the mechanical and +electrical interface between a processor board and a carrier board. In practical +terms, that means your tscircuit model should start with the socket, not with +the processor module itself. + +That model lets you treat the processor board as a swappable part while the +carrier board owns the user-facing features: power, sensor headers, LEDs, and +any other peripherals. + +## 3. Add power regulation first + +Carrier boards usually need to turn an incoming supply into a stable 3.3V rail +for the module and for any low-voltage peripherals. + +The example above uses a small LDO regulator footprint and two decoupling +capacitors. That is enough to show the pattern: + +- keep the regulator close to the socket +- place the larger bulk capacitor near the input +- place the smaller bypass capacitor near the output + +## 4. Break out only the signals you need + +MicroMod exposes a lot of functionality through the connector, but most carrier +boards only need a few buses. + +Common breakouts include: + +- I2C for sensors and displays +- UART for debug output +- SPI for high-speed peripherals +- GPIO for simple control signals + +Use headers, test pads, or dedicated connectors to make those signals easy to +access. In the example, the four-pin header is a simple stand-in for the kind of +small expansion block you would normally add to a carrier board. + +## 5. Keep the physical layout gentle + +SparkFun's design notes for MicroMod call out the M.2 connector keepout and +placement behavior. That means the socket should be the layout anchor of the +carrier board, with the rest of the circuit arranged around it. + +Good habits: + +- leave room at the connector edge for insertion +- keep high-current power parts close to the regulator +- keep fast or noisy signals away from the antenna side of the module +- label breakout headers clearly on silkscreen + +## 6. Example wiring strategy + +The exact MicroMod pinout is defined by SparkFun's pinout PDFs, so the carrier +board should be wired according to the bus plan you need rather than by copying +random signals across the page. + +For a simple carrier board, a safe starting plan is: + +1. Route the module's 3.3V and ground rails first +2. Add one I2C bus for a sensor or display +3. Add one UART or SPI bus if you need debugging or storage +4. Leave the rest of the socket unused until you have a real use for it + +## 7. Where MicroMod fits in the docs + +This tutorial is a good starting point when you want to: + +- design a carrier board around a MicroMod processor module +- add a few peripherals without hard-wiring the whole board +- document a reusable carrier layout in tscircuit + +## References + +- [SparkFun - Designing with MicroMod](https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/designing-with-micromod/all) +- [SparkFun - Getting Started with MicroMod](https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/getting-started-with-micromod/all) +- [SparkFun - MicroMod Interface Pinout PDF](https://cdn.sparkfun.com/assets/learn_tutorials/1/2/0/6/SparkFun_MicroMod_Interface_v1.0_-_Pin_Descriptions.pdf)