SparkFun
SparkFun MicroMod Update Tool
The SparkFun MicroMod Update Tool is built to interface with the MicroMod Asset Tracker Carrier Board and also makes it simple to communicate directly with t...
The SparkFun MicroMod Update Tool is built to interface with the MicroMod Asset Tracker Carrier Board and also makes it simple to communicate directly with the u-blox SARA-R510M8S module using u-blox’s sophisticated m-center cellular evaluation software. If you’re familiar with u-center, u-blox’s GNSS evaluation software, you’ll know how excellent their software is. m-center is every bit as good. Attach a USB-C cable and away you go!
The Update Tool is not a full MicroMod Processor Board, it is much simpler than that. It has a CH340C USB-Serial converter on it which gives you full access to all eight pins of the SARA-R5’s UART interface via the Asset Tracker’s USB-C connector. Think of it as a bridge from USB to serial.
The Update Tool features eight pairs of Plated Through Hole connections for the UART signals. You can use these to connect directly to the SARA UART using 3.3V signals if you want to. The split pads on the rear of the Tool can be opened to isolate the CH340C completely; the pins nearest the M.2 will link straight to the SARA UART.
Get Started with the MicroMod Update Tool Hookup Guide
Features:
- CH340C USB-Serial converter
- Eight pairs of Plated Through Hole connections with split pad jumper links for:
- Serial Transmit (TX)
- Serial Receive (RX)
- Request To Send (RTS)
- Clear To Send (CTS)
- Data Terminal Ready (DTR)
- Data Set Ready (DSR)
- Ring Indicator (RI)
- Data Carrier Detect (DCD)
- LED indicator for:
- Power (3.3V)
Documents:
MicroMod Update Tool Documentation:
- Schematic
- Eagle Files
- Hookup Guide
- Board Dimensions
- GitHub Hardware Repo
u-blox Documentation and Software:
- u-blox m-center
- u-blox EasyFlash v12.08 Download
- Firmware Update App Note
MicroMod Documentation:
- Getting Started with MicroMod
- Designing with MicroMod
- MicroMod Info Page
- MicroMod Forums
Videos
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- CTS
- CTS stands for Clear To Send, a serial flow-control signal that tells the other device it may transmit. It matters for reliable high-speed serial communication where buffers could otherwise overflow.
- 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.
- 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.
- M.2
- A compact edge-connector format commonly used to plug small modules into a carrier board without soldering. On this product it is the physical connector used by the MicroMod system, so compatibility with the matching processor board is important.
- 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.
- RTS
- RTS stands for Request To Send, a serial flow-control signal used to manage when a device is ready to receive data. It matters when moving fast serial streams because flow control can help prevent lost data.
- UART
- UART is a simple serial connection that sends data over separate transmit and receive wires, often labelled TX and RX. It matters because this module is designed to replace a wired UART cable with a wireless link while keeping the same serial data format.
- 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.
Find this product in
Brands
MicroMod Update Tool Schematic
Schematic · 47.4 KB · Click any page to view full size
SARA-R5 Firmware Update Application Note
Document · 518.9 KB · Click any page to view full size
Supplier page — sparkfun.com
Supplier Description · 605.1 KB · Click any page to view full size
Resources & Downloads
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