SparkFun MicroMod Asset Tracker Carrier Board

Jargon buster

Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.

1PPS

One Pulse Per Second is a precise timing signal often provided by a satellite positioning receiver. It matters when a project needs very accurate time alignment, such as timestamping logged data.

9-Degree Of Freedom

A sensor description meaning it measures motion across nine axes: acceleration, rotation, and magnetic field in three directions each. It matters when you need more complete orientation tracking than a simple tilt or acceleration sensor can provide.

Active GNSS antenna

An active GNSS antenna has a built-in amplifier that needs power from the board. It can improve satellite signal reception, but you need to use an antenna that matches the board’s powered antenna connection.

AT command set

An AT command set is a text-based control language sent over a serial terminal to configure a device. It matters because you can change settings such as baud rate and flow control without writing custom firmware.

breakout

A breakout is a small circuit board that makes a tiny or hard-to-solder component easier to connect to with standard pins. It matters because this OLED module can be wired into a microcontroller project without needing to solder directly to the display’s fine contacts.

GNSS

GNSS stands for Global Navigation Satellite System, covering positioning systems such as GPS and similar satellite networks. It matters here because high-precision GNSS modules can output lots of serial position data that this product can send wirelessly to a computer or phone.

ICM-20948

A motion-sensing chip that combines accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer measurements. The part number matters because it tells you the board can provide 9-axis orientation and movement data, and which software libraries or drivers are likely to work.

IMU

An Inertial Measurement Unit combines motion sensors to measure movement and orientation. It matters for asset tracking because it can detect movement, tilt, vibration, or changes in direction.

IoT

Short for Internet of Things, meaning physical devices that connect to networks or the internet to send data or be controlled remotely. It matters if you want projects such as connected sensors, remote controls or classroom data-logging activities.

LED

A light-emitting diode is a small electronic component that lights up when current flows through it in the correct direction. In this kit, LEDs create the flashing effect, so polarity and correct soldering matter for the project to work.

LiPo

A lithium polymer rechargeable battery commonly used in portable electronics projects. It matters because LiPo batteries need correct charging circuitry and care, and this board includes hardware intended for that battery type.

LTE-M

A low-power cellular data standard designed for Internet of Things devices rather than phones. It matters because the board needs LTE-M coverage and a suitable SIM plan in your area to send data over the mobile network.

MAX17048

A battery fuel-gauge chip that estimates how much charge is left in a LiPo battery. It matters for portable projects because your software can monitor battery level instead of only measuring voltage.

MCP73831

A lithium battery charger chip used to safely charge a single-cell LiPo battery. It matters because it lets the board recharge a battery from USB or another input without needing a separate charger module.

MicroMod

A modular board system where a small processor board plugs into a separate carrier board that provides connectors, power, and peripherals. It matters because this carrier board needs a compatible MicroMod processor board before it can run your project code.

Nano SIM

Nano SIM is the small SIM card size used by many phones and cellular modules. It matters because this board needs a compatible cellular SIM and service plan before it can connect to a mobile network.

NB-IoT

NB-IoT is a low-power cellular network standard designed for small amounts of data from remote devices. It matters for projects where the controller may need to send sensor readings from places without Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

Qwiic

Qwiic is a plug-in connector system for I2C devices that uses small 4-pin cables, so you can connect compatible sensors without soldering. It matters because your controller or adapter also needs Qwiic, or you will need a cable or breakout to wire it up.

RTC

A Real-Time Clock keeps track of time even when the main processor is asleep or powered down, usually with a small backup battery. It matters for data logging and tracking projects that need accurate timestamps.

SMA

A threaded coaxial connector commonly used for antennas. It matters because you need antennas with matching SMA connectors, or suitable adapters, for the LTE and GNSS antenna ports.

SPH0641

A digital microphone chip used to capture sound level or audio data. The part number matters because it affects how the microphone connects to the processor and what software support is needed.

SPI

A fast serial communication bus often used for displays, memory cards, and sensors. It matters because SPI devices need specific pins for clock and data, plus a separate chip-select line for each device.

USB-C

A modern reversible USB connector used for power and data connections. On this product it matters because it can connect directly to a computer as well as to a microcontroller project.

Wake On Motion

Wake On Motion is a low-power feature where the motion sensor can wake the system when movement is detected. It matters for asset trackers because the device can save battery while still reacting when the object starts moving.