Boost Your Carrier Board Capabilities with the Affordable MicroMod RP2040
SparkFun has launched a new addition to its MicroMod modular interface ecosystem with the MicroMod RP2040 for just $11.95.
With the increasing popularity of Raspberry Pi's RP2040 and its powerful features, it has persuaded many manufacturers to launch hardware of their own based on the chip. One such manufacturer is SparkFun, which has unveiled a new addition to its long list of MicroMod modular interface ecosystem with MicroMod RP2040.
Previously, we have seen several MicroMods that were powered by ESP32, SAM D51, and even the nRF52840 processor. But with the launch of Raspberry Pi Pico, I was excited to see a modular interface ecosystem built around the RP2040.
Speaking more about the hardware design, SparkFun has provided a W25Q128JVPIM on the backside of the board to add more external flash memory. The board includes an LED on GPIO25 that can be used for debugging or as a status indicator.
A M.2 MicroMod connector allows the user to connect it on any carrier board of choice. With this compact-sized board, it becomes an interchangeable processor board for your specialized carriers to aid your applications.
With a minimalistic design, the MicroMod RP2040 offers 12 GPIOs even after connecting all other interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C, PWM, ADC), which is more than enough for any application. Through the spectacular flexibility offered by the board, you can "design a MicroMod that has only a few peripherals connected (for example, just UART and I2C) and leaving the rest for GPIO".
Known for the open source nature of these MicroMods, it enables you to make your MicroMod processor board with the help of a design guide provided by SparkFun. The customizable feature doesn't stop here, you can also design your carrier for this MicroMod. More information can be found in this GitHub repository.
The MicroMod 2040 is now available on SparkFun for $11.95, making it the cheapest of all others.