SparkFun
SparkFun microSD Shield
The SparkFun microSD Shield gives your Arduino mass-storage capability via a microSD card slot, making it ideal for data-logging and projects that need to re...
The SparkFun microSD Shield gives your Arduino mass-storage capability via a microSD card slot, making it ideal for data-logging and projects that need to read or write files.
Communication with the microSD card uses the SPI interface. The SCK, DI, and DO pins connect to the ATmega168/328's standard SPI pins (digital 11–13), while the chip select (CS) pin is routed to digital pin D8. A large 13×12 prototyping area with 0.1″ pitch plated through-holes provides plenty of space for additional circuitry.
Key Features
- microSD Card Slot – Add removable mass storage to any Arduino project
- SPI Interface – Uses digital pins 11–13 for SPI, D8 for chip select
- Prototyping Area – 13×12 grid of 0.1″ pitch PTHs for custom circuitry
- Power LED – Red indicator confirms the shield is powered
- Reset Button – Convenient on-board reset access
setup() function.
Ideal For
- Data logging (sensor readings, GPS tracks, environmental monitoring)
- File storage and retrieval on Arduino projects
- Prototyping with the built-in PTH grid
Package Contents
- 1× SparkFun microSD Shield (headers not included — see the Arduino Stackable Header Kit)
Resources
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- CS
- CS stands for chip select, a control pin used by SPI devices to tell which connected device should listen. It matters when you connect more than one SPI module to the same microcontroller, because each device usually needs its own CS pin.
- GPS
- The US satellite navigation system used by GNSS receivers to calculate position and time. Support for GPS is important because it is widely available and often used together with other constellations for more reliable positioning.
- Headers
- Rows of metal pins used to plug a module into a breadboard or connect it with jumper wires. Pre-soldered headers make the module easier to use straight away without needing to solder the pins yourself.
- 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.
- microSD card
- A microSD card is a small removable memory card used to store files such as audio tracks. For this product, the card is where the sound files live, so its capacity and formatting can affect how many sounds you can use.
- PTH
- Plated through-hole means the pin holes are metal-lined so solder connects the pad on both sides of the board. It is useful for connectors and headers that need a strong mechanical and electrical connection.
- Shield
- An add-on board that plugs into a main controller board to give it extra features such as sensing, motor control or communication. Knowing a product supports shields helps you judge whether it can connect neatly into an existing maker-board setup.
- 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.
Find this product in
Brands
Prototyping & Wiring
SparkFun microSD Shield Schematic
Schematic · 100.7 KB · Click any page to view full size
Supplier page — sparkfun.com
Supplier Description · 677.8 KB · Click any page to view full size
Resources & Downloads
Guides, code examples, and more
Related Tutorials
Free guides on learn.littlebird.com.au
