SparkFun OpenLog Artemis (without IMU)

Jargon buster

Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.

ADC

An analogue-to-digital converter reads a changing voltage and turns it into a number the microcontroller can use. It matters when connecting analogue sensors such as light, sound, or variable-resistor sensors.

ADS122C04

The ADS122C04 is a Texas Instruments analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) chip that measures small analogue voltages and reports them digitally over I2C. When a board is built around it, the exact part sets the resolution, input options, conversion speed and software support you can expect.

deep sleep

Deep sleep is a low-power mode where the microcontroller turns off most functions while keeping just enough circuitry active to wake up later. It is important for battery-powered projects because it can greatly extend how long the device runs between charges.

GNSS

GNSS stands for Global Navigation Satellite System, an umbrella term for satellite positioning networks such as GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou. Receivers use these satellites to determine position, and high-precision units can output a steady stream of serial position data.

I2C

I2C is a two-wire communication bus used by many sensors and small modules. It matters because several I2C devices can share the same two wires, but each device needs a compatible address and your controller must support I2C.

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.

IDE

Short for Integrated Development Environment, a program used to write, run and manage code. It matters because some learners prefer a traditional coding workspace instead of a guided notebook-style lesson.

IMU

An IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) combines motion sensors, typically an accelerometer and gyroscope and sometimes a magnetometer, to measure movement and orientation. It can sense motion, tilt, vibration, rotation, and changes in direction, which is useful for tasks such as navigation, stabilisation, gesture detection, and asset tracking.

LiPo

A LiPo (lithium polymer) battery is a rechargeable lithium battery widely used in portable projects because it is light and compact. LiPo cells need correct charging circuitry and careful handling to stay safe, so equipment that supports LiPo generally includes charging or protection hardware suited to that battery type.

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.

microcontroller

A microcontroller is a small computer on a single chip that runs a stored program and controls connected inputs and outputs such as buttons, sensors, displays and communication interfaces. In a device built around one, it is the part that executes the code and coordinates the device's behaviour.

microSD card

A microSD card is a small removable flash memory card used to store data such as audio, images, logs or program files. Its capacity and formatting (often FAT32 or exFAT) affect how much can be stored and whether the card needs preparing before use.

NEO-M8P-2

A u-blox GNSS receiver module that supports high-precision RTK positioning. The exact module matters because it determines the board’s accuracy, update rates, supported interfaces, and whether it can work as a rover or base station.

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.

SWD

Serial Wire Debug (SWD) is a two-wire programming and debugging interface used with many ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers. It provides low-level access to program, recover or debug the microcontroller.

TMP117

The TMP117 is a Texas Instruments high-accuracy digital temperature sensor with an I2C interface, closely related to the TMP119. Software and example code written for the TMP117 will often work, though programs may still need to read the chip identifier to confirm the exact part.

USB-C

USB-C is a small, reversible USB connector that can carry power, data and, on some devices, video over a single cable. The same connector can range from charging only to high-speed data, so the functions a given port actually supports vary.

ZED-F9P

A u-blox GNSS receiver module designed for high-precision positioning, including RTK rover and base-station use. The exact module matters because it determines the supported satellite bands, update rates, correction formats and achievable accuracy.