SPIDER Automation SparkFun Qwiic Micro | ATSAMD21E18 Development Board
Description
The SPIDER Automation SparkFun Qwiic Micro is centered around the powerful and versatile ATSAMD21E18, a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0+ microcontroller capable of running at up to 48 MHz with 256KB of flash memory. Despite its ultra-compact 25.4 x 25.4 mm footprint, it packs 12 digital pins (including 5 analog pins), SPI, I2C, an additional UART data bus, and an integrated Qwiic connector for effortless integration into modular sensor networks.
Engineered for maximum flexibility, the underside of the Qwiic Micro features open solder pads for adding an optional LiPo battery connector to make your setup completely portable, alongside pads for attaching an extra flash memory chip to expand storage capacity. Pre-programmed with a user-friendly UF2 bootloader, it ensures seamless driver installation and fast drag-and-drop programming right out of the box.
Key Features
- ATSAMD21E18 Microcontroller: 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0+ core operating at up to 48 MHz with 256 KB flash memory and 32 KB SRAM.
- Qwiic Connect System: Onboard 4-pin JST connector enables instant, solderless I2C daisy-chaining of sensors and breakout boards.
- Versatile I/O Pins: 12 digital I/O lines featuring 5 analog input pins, SPI, I2C, and dedicated UART buses.
- Portable Power & Expansion Pads: Underside breakout pads allow custom addition of a LiPo battery connector and secondary flash memory.
- UF2 Bootloader Enabled: Pre-flashed bootloader supports easy drag-and-drop firmware updates without complex driver setups.
- Ultra-Compact Form Factor: Square 25.4 × 25.4 mm layout weighing only 10 grams.
Benefits
- Solderless Prototyping: Qwiic ecosystem compatibility drastically cuts down wiring time for complex sensor arrays.
- Portable Design Ready: Easily convert the board into a mobile, battery-powered node using standard LiPo cells.
- Beginner-Friendly Workflow: UF2 bootloader flashing makes code iteration fast and intuitive for both students and pros.
- Space-Saving Footprint: Tiny physical dimensions fit neatly into wearable technology and compact enclosures.
Applications
- Wearable & Portable Electronics: Compact sensor loggers powered by lithium battery attachments.
- Smart Home Sensor Nodes: Daisy-chaining environmental, motion, and gas sensors via the Qwiic interface.
- Rapid Prototyping & R&D: Testing embedded firmware logic on a reliable 32-bit ARM architecture.
- Educational Embedded Labs: Teaching microcontroller programming, I2C communication, and sensor interfacing.
Package Includes
- 1 x SPIDER Automation SparkFun Qwiic Micro – SAMD21 Development Board
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Item Type | ARM Cortex-M0+ Development Board |
| Brand | SPIDER Automation |
| Manufacturer Series | SparkFun Qwiic Micro (ATSAMD21E18) |
| Microcontroller Core | 32-Bit ARM Cortex-M0+ (Up to 48 MHz) |
| Operating Voltage | 3.3V to 5V VDC |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB |
| SRAM | 32 KB |
| Digital & Analog Pins | 12 Digital Pins (Including 5 Analog Pins, SPI, I2C, UART) |
| Bootloader | UF2 Bootloader Pre-programmed |
| Board Dimensions | 25.4 mm × 25.4 mm × 1.25 mm (Length × Width × Height) |
| Net Product Weight | 10 g (0.01 kg) |
| Package Shipping Dimensions | 3 cm × 2 cm × 1 cm |