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SparkFun MicroMod – Everything You Need to Know
SparkFun MicroMod is a modular microcontroller system from SparkFun Electronics. It is aimed at beginners and experienced developers alike who want to implement electronic projects in a flexible and structured way. The system clearly separates computing power and peripherals, allowing for a targeted selection of the required hardware.
Typical applications range from IoT projects, automation, and robotics to data logging, edge computing, and machine learning. Thanks to standardization, projects can be easily expanded or adapted to new requirements.
Getting started is supported by a large international community, extensive documentation, many example projects available online, and practical guides in the BerryBase Blog.
How Does SparkFun MicroMod Work?
The MicroMod ecosystem consists of two core components: a Processor Board and a Carrier Board. The Processor Board contains the actual microcontroller, while the Carrier Board is responsible for power supply, interfaces, and expansions.
Both components are connected via a standardized M.2 Key E connector. This allows different processors to be combined with various carrier boards. Expansions are implemented via additional extension boards and function boards.
Programming is carried out depending on the processor using the Arduino IDE, PlatformIO, or manufacturer-specific toolchains. Many boards feature USB-C connectors and bootloaders, meaning no additional hardware is required.
SparkFun MicroMod Carrier Boards at a Glance
| Image | Model | Flash | Pin Types | Connectivity | Special Features | Suitable For | Typical Applications | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qwiic Carrier Board | Depends on processor | I2C, GPIO | USB-C, Qwiic | Stackable Qwiic modules | Artemis, SAMD51 | Prototyping, sensors | View product | |
| Data Logging Carrier Board | MicroSD | I2C, SPI, UART | USB-C, Qwiic | RTC backup, power management | Artemis, SAMD51 | Environmental data acquisition, long-term projects | View product | |
| GNSS Carrier Board | Internal + backup battery | I2C, UART, SPI | USB-C, Qwiic, SMA | RTK, ZED-F9P GNSS | Artemis, Teensy | High-precision GPS positioning, rovers, drones | View product | |
| Machine Learning Carrier Board | MicroSD | I2C, audio, camera | USB-C, Qwiic | 2 microphones, camera port | Artemis | Machine learning, speech recognition, edge AI | View product |
SparkFun MicroMod Processor & Function Boards
| Image | Model | Flash | Interfaces | Function | Special Features | Typical Applications | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artemis Processor | 1 MB | I2C, SPI, UART, BLE | Low-power MCU | Very low power consumption, integrated BLE | Wearables, machine learning, IoT | View product | |
| Teensy Processor | 16 MB | UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, USB | High-speed MCU | 600 MHz Cortex-M7, USB host & device | Multimedia, robotics, high-speed data processing | View product | |
| SAMD51 Processor | 1 MB | USB, UART, SPI, I2C, CAN | Flexible MCU | 120 MHz Cortex-M4F, UF2 bootloader | Control systems, prototyping, education | View product | |
| WiFi Function Board (ESP32) | 16 MB | UART, USB, I2C | WiFi & Bluetooth expansion | ESP32 WROOM module, AT firmware | IoT connectivity, wireless expansion | View product |
Additional Components & Extensions for SparkFun MicroMod
The MicroMod system is modular and expandable, supporting numerous components for measurement, display, and communication. Sensors such as temperature sensors, motion and distance sensors, as well as humidity, pressure, and gas sensors can be easily integrated via I2C or SPI. For interactive projects, displays such as OLED, LCD, or e-paper are ideal for outputting measured values or status information.
Additional functionality is provided by specialized expansion boards—for example for GNSS, audio processing, or wireless communication via WiFi and Bluetooth. These so-called function boards extend the microcontroller in a targeted way and are usually ready for immediate use.
For individual requirements, the SparkFun MicroMod DIY Carrier Kit provides all the necessary components to develop custom carrier boards. Included are M.2 connectors, standoffs, and screws—perfect for customized projects and professional applications.