Qwiic Carrier Board Hookup Guide

2024-09-24 | By SparkFun Electronics

License: See Original Project Arduino MicroMod Qwiic

https://youtu.be/9snKiVXC5Vc?si=X3megRUwrmDEuuSO

Guide by santaimpersonator, MAKIN-STUFF

Introduction

The MicroMod Qwiic Carrier Board can be used to rapidly prototype with other Qwiic devices; it is ‎available in either a single or double mounting configuration. Just like other MicroMod Carrier ‎Boards, users are free to develop with MicroMod Processor Board of their choice.‎

For a quick overview, check out our product video showcasing the MicroMod Qwiic carrier boards:‎

Required Materials

To get started, users will need a few of items listed below. (You may already have a some of these ‎items; read through the guide and modify your cart accordingly.)‎

MicroMod Processor Board

Like other MicroMod Carrier Boards, a Processor Board is required for the product to operate. ‎Users will need a Processor Board (of their choice) to attach to the MicroMod M.2 connector; since, ‎one is not included with this product. Below, are few options:‎

Required Hardware

A Phillips screwdriver is necessary to attach the Processor board to the Carrier Board. Additionally, ‎a USB-C cable is needed to connect the Carrier Board to a computer.‎

Optional Hardware

To connect Qwiic breakout boards for your MicroMod project, Qwiic cables are required. Users can ‎also attach the Qwiic devices with 4-40 screws or stacked them with standoffs.‎

A single-cell Lithium-ion battery can be connected to the Qwiic Carrier Board for portability.‎

To modify the jumpers, users will need soldering equipment and/or a knife.‎

Suggested Reading

The MicroMod ecosystem is a unique way to allow users to customize their project to their needs. ‎The Qwiic connect system is a simple method for interfacing with I²C devices. Click on the banners ‎below for more information on each system.

micro_1 ‎

https://youtu.be/4QUJWeSrzD0?si=7_2__8sdZGSZ8EEV

qwiic_2

https://youtu.be/x0RDEHqFIF8?si=32SW23mDR1zil4_T‎ ‎

For users who aren't familiar with the following concepts, we also recommend reading the following ‎tutorials before continuing.‎

Serial Communication: Asynchronous serial communication concepts: packets, signal levels, ‎baud rates, UARTs and more!‎
I2C: An introduction to I2C, one of the main embedded communications protocols in use today.‎
Getting Started with MicroMod: Dive into the world of MicroMod - a compact interface to ‎connect a microcontroller to various peripherals via the M.2 Connector!‎
Designing with MicroMod: 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!‎
Installing an Arduino Library: How do I install a custom Arduino library? It's easy! This ‎tutorial will go over how to install an Arduino library using the Arduino Library Manager. For libraries ‎not linked with the Arduino IDE, we will also go over manually installing an Arduino library.‎
Installing Arduino IDE: A step-by-step guide to installing and testing the Arduino software on ‎Windows, Mac, and Linux.‎
Installing Board Definitions in the Arduino IDE: How do I install a custom Arduino ‎board/core? It's easy! This tutorial will go over how to install an Arduino board definition using the ‎Arduino Board Manager. We will also go over manually installing third-party cores, such as the ‎board definitions required for many of the SparkFun development boards.‎

Hardware Overview

This section will cover the various hardware components and solder jumpers on the MicroMod ‎Qwiic Carrier Board. It will also review the connections of the M.2 connector and how it interfaces ‎with a MicroMod Processor.‎

Board Dimensions

The Qwiic Carrier Board dimensions are:‎

Single: 3.15" x 1.40" (80.00mm x 35.56mm)
Double: 4.10" x 1.40" (109.22mm x 35.56mm)‎

dimensions_1

dimensions_2

Dimensions of the MicroMod Qwiic Carrier Board.‎

The boards also include mounting holes and inserts for a standard 4-40 screw. The inserts are ‎arranged to mount, attach, and/or stack compatible (1" x 1") Qwiic boards.‎

mounting_3

mounting_4

Mounting areas on the MicroMod Qwiic Carrier Board to attach Qwiic devices.‎

Common Components

Most SparkFun MicroMod Carrier Boards will have some common components and all MicroMod ‎Carrier Boards will have the keyed M.2 MicroMod connector for a Processor board. The photo and ‎list below outline the common components between the Qwiic carrier board and other MicroMod ‎Carrier Boards.‎

M.2 MicroMod Connector - This special keyed M.2 connector lets you install your MicroMod ‎Processor of choice to the Qwiic Carrier Board.‎
USB-C Connector - Connect to your computer to program your processor and provide power ‎to the board.
‎3.3V Regulator - Provides a regulated 3.3V and sources up to 1A.‎
Qwiic Connectors - The standard Qwiic connectors to connect other Qwiic devices for your ‎MicroMod project.
Boot/Reset Buttons - Push buttons to enter boot mode on processors and to reset your ‎MicroMod circuit.‎

components_5

Common MicroMod components featured on the MicroMod Qwiic Carrier Board.‎

Battery Charger

The board also has a MCP73831 Single-Cell Lithium-Ion/Lithium-Polymer Charge IC so you can ‎charge an attached single-cell LiPo battery. The charge IC receives power from the USB ‎connection and can source up to 450mA to charge an attached battery.‎

battery_6

Battery charger for the MicroMod Qwiic Carrier Board.‎

Status LEDs

The carrier board has two status LEDs:‎

PWR - This LED indicates when 3.3V power is available top the board.
CHG - This LED indicates the status of the charging circuit operation.‎

status_7

Status LEDs on the MicroMod Qwiic Carrier Board.‎

Solder Jumpers

Users who have never worked with soldering jumpers and cutting PCB traces before (or for a quick ‎refresher), check out our How to Work with Solder Jumpers and PCB Traces tutorial for detailed ‎instructions and tips.‎

There are four adjustable solder jumpers on the MicroMod Qwiic Carrier Board ‎labeled MEAS, BYP, 3.3V_VE and 3.3V. The table below briefly outlines their functionalities:‎

table_8

How to Use a Multimeter

jumpers_9

Jumpers on the MicroMod Qwiic carrier board.

MicroMod Pinout

Since this Carrier Board is designed to work with all of the MicroMod Processors we've included ‎the table below to outline which pins are used so, if you would like, you can compare them to the ‎pinout tables in their respective Hookup Guides.‎

QWIIC CARRIER BOARD PINOUT TABLE

table_10

MICROMOD GENERAL PINOUT TABLE

table_11

MICROMOD GENERAL PIN DESCRIPTIONS

table_12

Breakout Pins

The Qwiic Carrier Board features a 3.3V, a ground, seven I/O breakout pins. The functionality of ‎these pins are detailed in the table above.‎

breakout_13

Breakout pins on the MicroMod Qwiic Carrier Board.‎

Hardware Assembly

For those unfamiliar with the MicroMod ecosystem, be sure to review the Getting Started with ‎MicroMod guide.‎

file_Loop_4

Getting Started with MicroMod

‎Dive into the world of MicroMod - a compact interface to connect a microcontroller to various ‎peripherals via the M.2 Connector!‎

Processor Board

To get started with the Qwiic Carrier Board, users will need a compatible Processor. Insert the ‎MicroMod Processor board into the M.2 socket at an angle, with its edge connector aligned to the ‎matching slots.‎

Note: The dimensions of the Processor board's edge connector prevent it from mating with the ‎slots of the M.2 socket in reverse. As an extra safeguard, the screw insert is spaced to only match ‎the screw key of MicroMod Processor boards.‎

When inserted properly, the Processor board will rest at an angle:‎

insert_14

Inserting a processor board into the M.2 socket on the MicroMod Qwiic Carrier Board.‎

To secure the processor board, gently hold down on the board and attach the M.2 screw with a ‎Phillip's head (PH0 or PH1) screwdriver. Below, is an example of an assembled MicroMod system:‎

processor_15

A processor board attached to the MicroMod Qwiic Carrier Board.‎

Qwiic Devices

Screw inserts are available in either a single or double configuration to attach/mount 1" x 1" Qwiic ‎devices to the Qwiic carrier board. The inserts are compatible with 4-40 screws; additionally, 4-40 ‎‎3/8" standoffs can also be used to stack boards vertically.‎

To electronically connect the Qwiic devices to the Carrier Board, users will need Qwiic cables. For ‎more information, check out our Qwiic ecosystem page.‎

devices_16

devices_17

Mounting and connecting Qwiic devices to the MicroMod Qwiic Carrier Board.‎

Programming

To program the processor board utilized on the Qwiic Carrier Board; connect the board to a ‎computer with a USB-C cable. Depending on the Processor board, user may need to install ‎drivers (if they have not done so already).‎

Note: Make sure that the correct board definitions are installed in the Arduino IDE, for the selected ‎Processor board. For help installing board definitions, use the MicroMod processor boards landing ‎page and review the associated hookup guide for that hardware.‎

install_18

Installing Board Definitions in the Arduino IDE

How do I install a custom Arduino board/core? It's easy! This tutorial will go over how to install an ‎Arduino board definition using the Arduino Board Manager. We will also go over manually installing ‎third-party cores, such as the board definitions required for many of the SparkFun development ‎boards.‎

usb_19

USB connection to the MicroMod Qwiic carrier board for programming the attached processor ‎board.‎

Example

Below is a simple demonstration of using the MicroMod Qwiic Carrier Board to create a bubble level, ‎using an accelerometer and OLED display. Users will also need other parts and accessories; all ‎parts besides the Qwiic carrier board are listed below:‎

Note: We have chosen the MicroMod ESP32 for the processor board for this demonstration; ‎however, users are free to utilize the processor board of their choice.‎

Please note, that the sample code below is intended to program processor boards that are ‎compatible with the Arduino IDE. Therefore, processor boards like the RP2040 are going to need ‎extra effort to adapt the code (technical assistance for which, is not available).‎

Assembly

The assemble process is relatively straight forward. The primary thing that users need to pay ‎attention to is the orientation of the OLED display relative to the axes of the accelerometer. The x-‎axis should point to the right of the OLED display and the y-axis should point to the top of the ‎display (see images below).‎

assembly_20

assembly_21

Mounting and connecting the Qwiic devices to the MicroMod Qwiic Carrier Board.‎

Some users may find it the movement of the bubble in the example code to be more intuitive if the ‎OLED display is stacked above the accelerometer.‎

boards22

Don't forget to daisy-chain the boards together with Qwiic cables.‎

Example Code

Users can download the example code here or by clicking the button below. Besides the RP2040 ‎processor board, users only need to select the proper port and board from the board manager in ‎the Arduino IDE before uploading the code.‎

DOWNLOAD EXAMPLE CODE

The following sections break down the example code execution for users who might want to modify ‎the code. Please note, as defined in our terms of service, that we do not provide technical ‎assistance for any code modifications.‎

Dependencies

Below are the dependencies for the code including the libraries, pin definitions, and variable ‎instantiations. The example code requires both the Micro OLED and LIS2DH12 Arduino libraries to ‎be installed in the Arduino IDE.‎

Tip: While in the Arduino IDE, users can click the links in the code (i.e., //Click here to get the ‎library: http://librarymanager/All#SparkFun_LIS2DH12) to pull up the required library in the ‎library manager.‎ ‎

library_small

Clicking the link to pull up the required library in the Arduino IDE.‎

installing_23

Installing an Arduino Library

JANUARY 11, 2013‎

How do I install a custom Arduino library? It's easy! This tutorial will go over how to install an ‎Arduino library using the Arduino Library Manager. For libraries not linked with the Arduino IDE, we ‎will also go over manually installing an Arduino library.‎

Libraries and Pin Definitions

This section of the code contains the required libraries and pin definitions for the code.‎

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#include <Wire.h>

// Accelerometer
//=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
#include "SparkFun_LIS2DH12.h" //Click here to get the library: http://librarymanager/All#SparkFun_LIS2DH12
SPARKFUN_LIS2DH12 accel;
//=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

// External Display
//=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
#include <SFE_MicroOLED.h> //Click here to get the library: http://librarymanager/All#SparkFun_Micro_OLED
//#include "icons.h"

#define PIN_RESET 7
#define DC_JUMPER 1
MicroOLED oled(PIN_RESET, DC_JUMPER);
//=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Variables

This section of the code instantiates most of the variables used in the code.‎

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// Set target and dot size
int radiusLarge = 10; // Target area 2
int radiusSmall = 4;  // Target area 1
int radiusBubble = 2; // Bubble size

// Set initial roll and pitch measurement
double averagedRoll = 0.0;
double averagedPitch = 0.0;

Setup Loop

This section of the code runs the setup loop, which initializes the serial output, I²C connection, the ‎OLED display operation, and the accelerometer operation and configuration.‎

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void setup()
{
  // Initialize Output for Print Statements
  Serial.begin(115200);
  Serial.println("SparkFun Accel Example");

  // Initialize I2C Connection
  Wire.begin();
  //Wire.setClock(400000);

  beginDisplay(); //Check if an external Qwiic OLED is attached and display splash screen

  // Check for accelerometer
  if (accel.begin() == false)
  {
    Serial.println("Accelerometer not detected. Check address jumper and wiring. Freezing...");
    while (1)
      ;
  }

  // Set sample/data rate for accelerometer
  // The larger the avgAmount the faster we should read the sensor
  //accel.setDataRate(LIS2DH12_ODR_100Hz); //6 measurements a second
  accel.setDataRate(LIS2DH12_ODR_400Hz); //25 measurements a second
}

Setup Functions

These functions are executed in the setup loop, to initialize the OLED display I²C connection and ‎display the splash screen.‎

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// Ping an I2C address and see if it responds
bool isConnected(uint8_t deviceAddress)
{
  Wire.beginTransmission(deviceAddress);
  if (Wire.endTransmission() == 0)
    return true;
  return false;
}


void beginDisplay()
{
  // Connect to address display is on by pinging addresses
  // 0x3D is default on Qwiic board
  if (isConnected(0x3D) == true || isConnected(0x3C) == true)
  {
    //Init and display splash
    oled.begin();     // Initialize the OLED
    oled.display();   // Display splash screen
    delay(1200);
    oled.clear(PAGE); // Clear the display's internal memory

    oled.setCursor(15, 7); //x, y
    oled.setFontType(0); //Set font to smallest
    oled.print(F("Bubble"));
    oled.setCursor(19, 20); //x, y
    oled.print(F("Level"));

    oled.display();
    delay(1200);
  }
}

Main loop

This section of the code runs the main loop. The code retrieves roll and pitch calculation, clears the ‎display buffer, displays the bubble and target circles or areas. If the position of the bubble is within ‎the target are, the roll and pitch angles are displayed as X and Y coordinates on the screen.‎

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void loop()
{
  getAngles(); // Calculate roll and pitch angles based on the acceleromter readings
  oled.clear(PAGE); // Clear the display's internal memory

  // Set dot position
  double bubbleX = LCDWIDTH / 2 - averagedPitch; // Bubble location on x-axis
  double bubbleY = LCDHEIGHT / 2 - averagedRoll; // Bubble location on y-axis

  // Limit bubble position to edge of screen
  if (bubbleX < radiusBubble) { bubbleX = radiusBubble; }
  else if (bubbleX > LCDWIDTH - radiusBubble) { bubbleX = LCDWIDTH - radiusBubble - 1; }
  if (bubbleY < radiusBubble) { bubbleY = radiusBubble; }
  else if (bubbleY > LCDHEIGHT - radiusBubble) { bubbleY = LCDHEIGHT - radiusBubble - 1; }

  // Draw circle relative to dot
  oled.circle(LCDWIDTH / 2, LCDHEIGHT / 2, radiusLarge);
  oled.circle(LCDWIDTH / 2, LCDHEIGHT / 2, radiusSmall);
  oled.circleFill(bubbleX, bubbleY, radiusBubble);

  // Display angle/position once bubble is inside larger target area
  if ( sqrt(averagedPitch * averagedPitch + averagedRoll * averagedRoll) < (radiusLarge - radiusBubble))
  {
    oled.setFontType(0); //Set font to smallest

    oled.setCursor(LCDWIDTH/2 - 21, 0); //x, y
    oled.print("X:");
    oled.print(-averagedPitch);
    oled.setCursor(LCDWIDTH/2 - 21, LCDHEIGHT - 8); //x, y
    oled.print("Y:");
    oled.print(averagedRoll);


//    oled.setCursor(LCDWIDTH/2 - 11, 0); //x, y
//    oled.print(averagedRoll);
//    if (-averagedPitch < 0) { oled.setCursor(LCDWIDTH - 29, LCDHEIGHT/2 - 3); }
//    else { oled.setCursor(LCDWIDTH - 23, LCDHEIGHT/2 - 3); }
//    oled.print(-averagedPitch);
  }

  oled.display();
}

getAngles() Function

This function is executed in the main loop. The code retrieves accelerometer readings, translates ‎the readings into roll and pitch angles, and calculates an average based on a sample set size ‎‎(avgAmount = 16).‎

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void getAngles()
{
  averagedRoll = 0.0;
  averagedPitch = 0.0;
  const int avgAmount = 16;

  // Average readings after 'avgAmount' samples
  for (int reading = 0 ; reading < avgAmount ; reading++)
  {
    while (accel.available() == false) delay(1); // Wait for accelerometer connection

    // Retrieve data from accelerometer
    float accelX = accel.getX();
    float accelY = accel.getY();
    float accelZ = accel.getZ();

    // Optional modification: https://www.nxp.com/docs/en/application-note/AN3461.pdf
    //int signZ = constrain(accelZ, -1, 1);
    //double roll = atan2(accelY , signZ * sqrt( accelZ * accelZ + .001 *  abs(accelX) ) ) * 57.3;

    // Calculate roll and pitch angles
    double roll = atan2(accelY , accelZ) * 57.3;
    double pitch = atan2((-accelX) , sqrt(accelY * accelY + accelZ * accelZ)) * 57.3;
    if (constrain(accelZ, -1, 1) == -1) { roll = atan2(accelY, -accelZ) * 57.3; } // Invert if upside down

    averagedRoll += roll;
    averagedPitch += pitch;

    // Debug Print Statements
    //Serial.print(roll, 6);
    //Serial.print(", ");
    //Serial.print(pitch, 6);
    //Serial.print(", ");
    //
    //Serial.print(accelX);
    //Serial.print(", ");
    //Serial.print(accelY);
    //Serial.print(", ");
    //Serial.print(accelZ);
    //Serial.println("");
  }

  averagedRoll /= (float)avgAmount;
  averagedPitch /= (float)avgAmount;

  // Debug Print Statements
  //Serial.print(averagedRoll, 6);
  //Serial.print(", ");
  //Serial.print(averagedPitch, 6);
  //Serial.println(", ");

}

Demo Operation

Below is a demonstration of the example code in action. Enjoy!‎

demo_small

Demonstration of the bubble level code operating.‎

Troubleshooting

Not working as expected and need help?

‎For technical assistance and more information on a product that is not working as you expected, ‎please review the SparkFun Technical Assistance page for some initial troubleshooting.‎

SPARKFUN TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PAGE‎

For additional assistance, the SparkFun Forums: MicroMod are a great place to find and ask for ‎help. First-time users will need to create a Forum Account to search product forums and post ‎questions.‎

SPARKFUN FORUMS: MICROMOD

Resources and Going Further

Want more information on the SparkFun Qwiic Carrier Board? Check out these links!‎