Blues Notecarrier® Datasheet
Companion development boards for easy prototyping and deployment.
warningWhile this product is still supported, it is no longer available for purchase from the Blues store. We recommend the Notecarrier-B v2.1 as an updated, equivalent alternative.
Notecarriers are available in several form-factors to facilitate rapid prototyping. Depending upon the variant, a Notecarrier may be designed with direct host integration, size optimization, integrated cellular/Wi-Fi and GNSS antennas, or even to be soldered directly into a solution for low-volume production.
Functional Description
Notecarriers are designed to bridge the gap between prototype and production for the Notecard. The Notecard is designed to be socketed directly onto the circuit board using an edge connector socket, along with a customer's MCU, sensors, and controls. While such a model provides a highly modular configuration for the final product, it can make prototyping unnecessarily difficult.
Notecarriers offer breakout connections for the Notecard, as well as circuitry to provide power management, protection and signal amplification.
Features
- Simple. Provides breadboard compatible pins or solderable mask for direct connections.
- Compatible. Level shifters ensure compatibility with 3.3V or 5V equipment.
- Convenient. Powered by a micro-USB connector (requires 2A supply).
- GPS Ready. Models are either active GPS compatible, or feature a built-in antenna to enable GNSS connectivity.
Package Configuration
Notecarrier-B (Basic) v1.0
Notecarrier-B (CARR-B) is designed for building highly customized hardware solutions.
Notecard edge connector socket and mounting screw receptacle.
Micro-USB port to power Notecarrier and provide a USB Serial command interface to Notecard.
Requires user provided U.FL cellular/Wi-Fi antenna and optional U.FL active GPS antenna.
PCB Dimensions: 45mm x 45mm
Center of Mounting Holes: 36mm x 36mm
Power Information
All Notecarriers can be powered by connecting directly to the Micro-USB port. However, most installations will not have USB power available, so several alternate power options are provided by the various Notecarrier models:
applying 2.5-5.5VDC to the
V+pin.Commonly provided via DC power supply or non-rechargeable battery.
warningTypical USB ports may only be capable of supplying 500 mA of current, which might not be enough to power Notecard during a cellular connection to a GSM network (which can spike to 2A). In this situation, you're advised to supplement power to your Notecarrier with an external source (e.g. a LiPo battery).
GPS (GNSS) Antenna Requirements
All Notecarrier models are designed to support active GPS, and several Notecarrier models provide built-in antennas ready to be connected to a Cellular Notecard using the included U.FL cables.
Active GPS Ready
The Notecarrier-B and Notecarrier-Pi models do not have integrated GPS antennas, but support active GPS by providing circuitry to enable bias voltage to be supplied.
The Notecarrier-B v1.0 has a 0Ω resistor connecting the two pins. The resistor can be removed, allowing you to either utilize a passive GPS antenna, or splice into the circuit and provide your own bias voltage.
Header Descriptions
Notecarrier-B Dual 9-pin Headers
| Pin Name | Direction | Usage | Usage | Direction | Pin Name | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AUX1 | IN/OUT | API-selectable modes of operation | UART serial receive request interface | IN | RX | |
| AUX2 | IN/OUT | API-selectable modes of operation | UART serial transmit request interface | OUT | TX | |
| AUX3 | IN/OUT | API-selectable modes of operation | I2C data request interface | IN/OUT | SDA | |
| AUX4 | IN/OUT | API-selectable modes of operation | I2C clock request interface | IN/OUT | SCL | |
| AUXEN | IN | Enable diagnostics | Configurable interrupt signal | OUT | ATTN | |
| AUXRX | IN | High-speed diagnostic interface | Active-high reset | IN | RST | |
| AUXTX | OUT | High-speed diagnostic interface | Module enable | IN | EN | |
| VUSB | IN/OUT | Access to VUSB pin of the USB jack | 2.5-5.5V, <8uA idle, <500mA typical, 2A surge max (GPRS) | IN | V+ | |
| VIO | OUT | Reference voltage for digital I/O | Ground | IN | GND |
Specifications
Electrical Characteristics
DC Characteristics
| Description | Minimum | Maximum | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 | 5.5 | V |
| Supply Current | 500 | 2000 | mA |
Absolute Maximum Ratings
| Description | Minimum | Maximum | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Storage temperature | -35 | 70 | °C |
noteActual values may vary based on local conditions such as atmospheric conditions and distance to the cell tower.
Ordering Information
Design Files
Open source hardware designs for all Notecarriers are maintained in the note-hardware GitHub repository.
Terms and Conditions
Visit Blues Hardware Terms & Conditions.
Revision History
| Author | Date | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Ray Ozzie | 2019-2020 | Document drafted |
| John Wiedey | 2020 | Various improvements |
| Sean Taylor | 2020 | Various improvements |
| Zachary J. Fields | 01 OCT 2020 | Updated information and translated to markdown |
| Brandon Satrom | 04 JAN 2021 | Added link to design resources |
| Greg Wolff | 13 JAN 2021 | Added BAT pin information to Notecarrier AF datasheet |
| Brandon Satrom | 07 APR 2022 | Added Notecarrier-A information |
| Zachary J. Fields | 20 JUL 2022 | Added Notecarrier-F information |
| Zachary J. Fields | 24 OCT 2022 | Added Notecarrier-B v2 information |
| Rob Lauer | 28 OCT 2022 | Added versioning for Notecarrier-B v1/v2 |
| TJ VanToll | 05 JAN 2023 | Added Notecard Outboard Firmware Update information |
| Rob Lauer | 28 FEB 2023 | Re-labeling Notecarrier-B as "Basic" |
| Rob Lauer | 01 MAR 2023 | Added PCB/Mounting Hole Dimensions |
Contact Information
Blues Inc.
https://blues.io
50 Dunham Ridge Suite 1650
Beverly, MA 01915
support@blues.io