SparkFun Carrier Boards Present a Wide Array of Possibilities
SparkFun's RP2040 and MicroMod carrier boards transform to accommodate different prototyping setups.
Today, SparkFun announced two new carrier boards that can be configured in literally millions of hardware combinations. The RP2040 mikroBUS™ Development Board version features an RP2040 processor, while the MicroMod mikroBUS™ Carrier Board allows users to switch between MircoMod processing modules as needed.
Right now, an STM32 processing module is available for the system, but the lineup will expand to include the SAM D51 processor, nRF52840, and RP2040. Each connects via a row of conductor pads, and is held securely in place with a screw. This MicroMod carrier setup is designed in such a way that incorrect insertion is impossible.
Both boards are also equipped with a mikroBUS™ connector for add-on accessories. This means that everything from MP3 playback modules, to accelerometers, and much more can simply be pushed securely into place.
For added expansion, the dedicated RP2040 board features a single Qwiic connector port. The (even) more versatile MircoMod board has one horizontal and one vertical connector for easy I2C expansion.
Each board includes a USB-C port for power and programming, as well as JTAG connections. A battery port and charge circuit enables these boards to easily be used away from a power source. All of these aspects add up to a ready-made ecosystem that allows for a vast amount of experimentation without a soldering iron. At the same time, through-hole connections are available on the body of the board if needed.
The RP2040 board will be recognized as a UF2 USB drive by a computer for programming, and programming the MicroMod board will depend on the module used. That being said, if you're using either of these boards, there is a lot of information to digest in order to properly work with them.
The amount of information involved, along with the requisite yak shaving may be daunting, especially for those new to microcontrollers, as you're dealing with a number of separate ecosystems. Beginners may want to start off with something more approachable, like the SparkFun Inventor's Kit.
That warning aside, if you are a more advanced user, these boards could be a great way to quickly try out and optimize different hardware combinations. It's hard to imagine a more versatile carrier board setup, short of quite a bit of soldering and/or designing the circuit board yourself!