--- title: Notecarrier Datasheet - Notecarrier F v1.5 description: Technical description and full datasheets for all Blues Notecarrier SKUs, which are carrier boards used to connect Notecards to various peripherals, host microcontrollers, and single-board computers for building IoT applications. source_url: https://dev.blues.io/datasheets/notecarrier-datasheet/notecarrier-f-v1-5/ canonical_url: https://dev.blues.io/datasheets/notecarrier-datasheet/notecarrier-f-v1-5/ markdown_url: https://dev.blues.io/datasheets/notecarrier-datasheet/notecarrier-f-v1-5.md --- [Download as PDF](https://dev.blues.io/pdfs/datasheets/notecarrier-datasheet/notecarrier-f-v1-5.pdf) # Blues Notecarrier® Datasheet: Notecarrier F v1.5 ![notecarrier-f-v1-5](https://dev.blues.io/images/hardware/notecarrier/CARR_F_15_front-nospace.png?v=106b70ca) ## Functional Description Notecarriers are available in multiple form factors to support rapid development across a range of use cases. Depending on the variant, a Notecarrier may prioritize direct host integration, compact size, integrated cellular/WiFi and GNSS antennas, or the ability to be soldered directly into a low-volume production design. Notecarriers are explicitly designed to bridge the gap between early prototyping and a production-ready Notecard-based solution. In a final product, the Notecard is typically socketed directly onto a custom PCB via an edge connector, alongside the customer's MCU, sensors, and supporting circuitry. While this approach provides maximum flexibility and modularity, it can significantly increase the effort required during initial development and validation. To simplify this process, Notecarriers expose the Notecard's interfaces through convenient breakout connections and integrate essential supporting circuitry, including power regulation, protection, and signal conditioning. This allows developers to focus on firmware, connectivity, and system behavior without first designing a complete custom carrier board. ### 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 USB connector (requires 2A supply). - **GPS Ready.** Models are either active GPS compatible, or feature a built-in antenna to enable GNSS connectivity. * **Notecard Outboard Firmware Update.** Capable of updating host firmware without relying on the currently executing host firmware. Requires configuring the Notecard for Outboard Firmware Update before deployment. See [Notecard Outboard Firmware Update](https://dev.blues.io/notehub/host-firmware-updates/notecard-outboard-firmware-update.md) for setup instructions. ### Tested Notecard Outboard Firmware Update MCUs The following is a list of Feather-compatible MCUs that we've tested and ensured are ready for [Notecard Outboard Firmware Update](https://dev.blues.io/notehub/host-firmware-updates/notecard-outboard-firmware-update.md): - Adafruit Feather nRF52840 Express - Adafruit Feather STM32F405 Express - Blues Swan (version 3 and greater) - Blues Cygnet ### Compatible Notecards Due to differences in the physical size of Notecards, certain Notecarriers are only compatible with certain Notecards. However, the **Notecarrier F v1.5** is **compatible with all available Notecards**: - [Notecard Cell+WiFi](https://shop.blues.com/products/notecard-cell-wifi?utm_source=dev-blues\&utm_medium=web\&utm_campaign=store-link) - [Notecard Cellular](https://shop.blues.com/products/notecard-cellular?utm_source=dev-blues\&utm_medium=web\&utm_campaign=store-link) - [Notecard Cellular (Legacy)](https://shop.blues.com/products/notecard?utm_source=dev-blues\&utm_medium=web\&utm_campaign=store-link) - [Notecard WiFi](https://shop.blues.com/products/wifi-notecard?utm_source=dev-blues\&utm_medium=web\&utm_campaign=store-link) - [Notecard LoRa](https://shop.blues.com/products/notecard-lora?utm_source=dev-blues\&utm_medium=web\&utm_campaign=store-link) ## Package Configuration ### Notecarrier F (Adafruit Feather Socket) v1.5 Notecarrier F (CARR-F) is designed for drop-in development with any Adafruit Feather or compatible microcontroller. It includes two female pin headers (12-pin and 16-pin) for directly plugging in a Feather compatible board. It also includes Qwiic/Stemma QT I2C ports for attaching external peripherals to your project. This Notecarrier is also capable of supporting the Notecard's Outboard Firmware Update functionality, which allows you to update the firmware running on your host, without any cooperation of the host firmware. [View in Store](https://shop.blues.com/products/notecarrier-f?utm_source=dev-blues\&utm_medium=web\&utm_campaign=store-link) | Front | Back | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | ![Notecarrier F v1.5 (front)](https://dev.blues.io/images/hardware/notecarrier/CARR_F_15_front.webp?v=7796828e) | ![Notecarrier F v1.5 (back)](https://dev.blues.io/images/hardware/notecarrier/CARR_F_15_back.webp?v=608db0bc) | - Adafruit Feather compatible header socket. - [Notecard edge connector socket](https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/amphenol-icc-fci/MDT420E01001/5810336) and [mounting screw receptacle](https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/w-rth-elektronik/9774025151R/5320683). * USB-C port to power Notecarrier and provide a USB Serial command interface to Notecard. - Requires an external [LTE antenna](https://shop.blues.com/collections/accessories/products/flexible-cellular-or-wi-fi-antenna?utm_source=dev-blues\&utm_medium=web\&utm_campaign=store-link) or [LTE + GPS antenna](https://shop.blues.com/collections/accessories/products/dual-flexible-antenna-cell-wi-fi?utm_source=dev-blues\&utm_medium=web\&utm_campaign=store-link). - External [Nano-SIM](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SIM_card#4FF) slot for additional carrier connectivity. - JST PH connector for a LiPo battery. - JST PH connector for a solar panel. - JST PH connector for Primary Cell Battery or DC input on V+ - 2x JST SH 3.3V I2C port (Adafruit STEMMA QT and Sparkfun Qwiic compatible). - I2C Level shifter isolating Notecard power draw from Feather. - Active/Passive GPS toggle switch - Ultra low power `ATTN`/`F_EN` enable switch * Automatic routing of the Feather's `F_RX`, `F_TX`, `F_B0`, and `F_NRST` pins to Notecard during a Notecard Outboard Firmware Update. - LiPo charging circuit. - PCB Dimensions: 103mm x 51mm - Center of Mounting Holes (Notecarrier): 99mm x 47mm (measured from the edge of the PCB to the center of the furthest mounting hole) - Center of Mounting Holes (Feather): 11mm x 49mm and 29mm x 49mm (measured from the edge of the PCB to the center of both sets of mounting holes) ### Differences from Previous Version Notecarrier F v1.5 differs from [Notecarrier F v1.3](https://dev.blues.io/datasheets/notecarrier-datasheet/notecarrier-f-v1-3.md) in the following ways: - The Micro-USB port is replaced by a USB-C port. - Power applied to the Feather's own USB port now also feeds the Notecarrier's `VUSB` rail, so it powers Notecard and charges an attached LiPo battery exactly as the Notecarrier's USB-C port does. - The `AUX` DIP switch is removed. The Feather's `F_RX`, `F_TX`, `F_B0`, and `F_NRST` pins are connected to the Notecarrier headers, and are switched over to Notecard automatically for the duration of a Notecard Outboard Firmware Update. See [DIP Switches](#dip-switches). - The `VSOLAR` header pin is now wired directly to the `SOLAR` JST connector, so USB power no longer appears on `VSOLAR`. - The Feather's `SDA` and `SCL` lines have 10kΩ pull-ups to the Feather I/O voltage rail. - The copper beneath the antenna end of the Notecard socket is removed on all layers to improve RF performance of Notecards with onboard antennas. #### Pins Shared Between Feather and Notecarrier | Feather | Notecarrier | Dedicated | Reason | | -------- | ----------- | --------- | ----------------------------------------- | | `F_EN` | `ATTN` | Y | Ultra low power | | `F_SDA` | `N_SDA` | N | Notecard communication | | `F_SCL` | `N_SCL` | N | Notecard communication | | `F_B0` | `AUX3` | Y/N\* | Notecard Outboard Firmware Update (boot) | | `F_NRST` | `AUX4` | Y/N\* | Notecard Outboard Firmware Update (reset) | | `F_RX` | `AUX_TX` | Y/N\* | Notecard Outboard Firmware Update (data) | | `F_TX` | `AUX_RX` | Y/N\* | Notecard Outboard Firmware Update (data) | \*These Feather pins are connected to the `F_B0`, `F_NRST`, `F_RX`, and `F_TX` pins of the Notecarrier F headers, and are switched over to Notecard automatically while a Notecard Outboard Firmware Update is in progress. During that time they are isolated from the headers. ## Power Information All Notecarriers can be powered by connecting directly to the USB port. However, most installations will not have USB power available, so several alternate power options are provided by the various Notecarrier models: - Attaching a LiPo battery. The LiPo battery must be a single-cell 3.7V battery with a 2-pin JST PH connector. * Attaching a solar cell (must be accompanied by a LiPo). The solar charging circuit accepts a 3.5-7V solar panel (the `SOLAR` connector is marked `3.5V - 7V` on the board). * Attaching USB power to the Feather's own USB port. On Notecarrier F v1.5, USB power applied to the Feather's USB port also feeds the Notecarrier's `VUSB` rail, so it powers Notecard and charges an attached LiPo battery exactly as the Notecarrier's USB-C port does. - Applying 2.5-5.5VDC to the `V+` pin. Commonly provided via DC power supply or non-rechargeable battery. > **Warning:** > > Typical 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. ## Header Descriptions ### Notecarrier F Dual 24-Pin Headers | Pin Name | Direction | Usage | | Usage | Direction | Pin Name | | -------- | --------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | - | ----------------------------------------------------- | --------- | -------- | | F\_3V3 | OUT | 3.3V Feather Regulator | | Active-high reset | IN | F\_NRST | | VUSB | IN/OUT | Direct connect to VBUS pin of the USB-C connector | | Module enable | IN | F\_EN | | VBAT | IN/OUT | Direct connect to the + pin of the battery connector | | I2C data request interface | IN/OUT | F\_SDA | | VMAIN | OUT | Diode union of VUSB, VBAT, and V+ sources | | I2C clock request interface | IN/OUT | F\_SCL | | N\_VIO | OUT | Digital I/O voltage source with 100mA available | | Digital I/O pin 5 | IN/OUT | F\_D5 | | VSOLAR | IN | 3.5-7V solar panel input to the LiPo charging circuit | | Digital I/O pin 6 | IN/OUT | F\_D6 | | V+ | IN | 2.5-5.5V, < 8µA\@5V idle, < 500mA typical, 2A surge max (GPRS) | | Digital I/O pin 9 | IN/OUT | F\_D9 | | GND | IN | Ground | | Digital I/O pin 10 | IN/OUT | F\_D10 | | N\_EN | IN | For On/Off switching of customer product. Leave NC or connect to a physical switch or Open Drain output. Notecard will be OFF if pulled to GND. Never apply positive voltage to this pin. | | Digital I/O pin 11 | IN/OUT | F\_D11 | | N\_NRST | IN | For development use only: MUST normally be NC or High Impedance and must never be pulled to GND. A VIO-level pulse of >250ms will reset the Notecard. | | Digital I/O pin 12 | IN/OUT | F\_D12 | | N\_BOOT | IN | Access to Notecard boot pin | | Digital I/O pin 13 | IN/OUT | F\_D13 | | N\_SCL | IN/OUT | I2C clock request interface (Notecard has onboard 10K pull-up resistors) | | ST `BOOT0` button (Notecard Outboard Firmware Update) | IN | F\_B0 | | N\_SDA | IN/OUT | I2C data request interface (Notecard has onboard 10K pull-up resistors) | | UART serial transmit request interface | OUT | F\_TX | | N\_ATTN | OUT | Configurable interrupt signal | | UART serial receive request interface | IN | F\_RX | | AUX\_EN | IN/OUT | API-selectable [modes of operation](https://dev.blues.io/api-reference/notecard-api/card-requests.md#card-aux) | | SPI Main In Secondary Out | IN | F\_MISO | | AUX\_RX | IN/OUT | API-selectable [modes of operation](https://dev.blues.io/api-reference/notecard-api/card-requests.md#card-aux) | | SPI Main Out Secondary In | OUT | F\_MOSI | | AUX\_TX | IN/OUT | API-selectable [modes of operation](https://dev.blues.io/api-reference/notecard-api/card-requests.md#card-aux) | | SPI clock | OUT | F\_SCK | | AUX1 | IN/OUT | API-selectable [modes of operation](https://dev.blues.io/api-reference/notecard-api/card-requests.md#card-aux) | | Analog input pin 5 | IN | F\_A5 | | AUX2 | IN/OUT | API-selectable [modes of operation](https://dev.blues.io/api-reference/notecard-api/card-requests.md#card-aux) | | Analog input pin 4 | IN | F\_A4 | | AUX3 | IN/OUT | API-selectable [modes of operation](https://dev.blues.io/api-reference/notecard-api/card-requests.md#card-aux) | | Analog input pin 3 | IN | F\_A3 | | AUX4 | IN/OUT | API-selectable [modes of operation](https://dev.blues.io/api-reference/notecard-api/card-requests.md#card-aux) | | Analog input pin 2 | IN | F\_A2 | | N\_RX | IN | UART serial receive request interface (Notecard has onboard 10K pull-up resistors) | | Analog input pin 1 | IN | F\_A1 | | N\_TX | OUT | UART serial transmit request interface | | Analog input pin 0 | IN | F\_A0 | | GND | IN | Ground | | Analog REFerence voltage (max input voltage) | IN | F\_AREF | > **Note:** > > On Notecarrier F v1.5 the `F_NRST`, `F_B0`, `F_TX`, and `F_RX` header pins are connected to the corresponding Feather pins except while a Notecard Outboard Firmware Update is in progress. During an update, Notecard drives its `ALT_DFU_ACTIVE` signal low, and an onboard analog switch isolates these four Feather pins from the headers and connects them to Notecard's `AUX4`, `AUX3`, `AUX_RX`, and `AUX_TX` pins instead. #### DIP Switches There are two DIP switches located on the back of the board. ![Notecarrier F v1.5 DIP switches](https://dev.blues.io/images/hardware/notecarrier/f-1-5-dips.png?v=8a3deabd) 1. `GPS ANT` - When switched `ACTIVE`, applies 3.9VDC to the center conductor of the Notecard GPS antenna connector to power the low-noise amplifier (LNA) of an active GPS antenna. This switch must be `PASSIVE` (default) if Notecard is used with a closed-loop, passive GPS antenna! An active antenna is recommended for best performance. 2. `FEATHER_EN` - When switched `ON` (default), connects the `EN` pin of the 3.6V regulator to `N_VIO` to keep power all the time. When in the `N_ATTN` position connects the `EN` pin of the 3.6V regulator to the `ATTN` pin on the notecard for low power scenarios. > **Note:** > > Unlike Notecarrier F v1.3, there is no `AUX` (DFU) switch on Notecarrier F v1.5. Notecard Outboard Firmware Update is always enabled: the Feather's `F_RX`, `F_TX`, `F_B0`, and `F_NRST` pins are routed to Notecard automatically for the duration of an update, and are otherwise connected to the Notecarrier F headers. ## 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 | > **Note:** > > Actual values may vary based on local conditions such as atmospheric conditions and distance to the cell tower. ## Ordering Information - [Notecarriers](https://shop.blues.com/collections/notecarrier?utm_source=dev-blues\&utm_medium=web\&utm_campaign=store-link) - [Development Kits](https://shop.blues.com/collections/development-kits?utm_source=dev-blues\&utm_medium=web\&utm_campaign=store-link) ## Design Files Open source hardware designs for all Notecarriers are maintained in the [note-hardware](https://github.com/blues/note-hardware) GitHub repository. Here are the design files available for the **Notecarrier F v1.5**: - [Schematic (`.pdf`)](https://github.com/blues/note-hardware/blob/master/Notecarrier-F/v1.5/100275_NOTECARRIER-F_Rev-13.PDF) — the full circuit schematic. Use it to understand how the Notecard, Feather host, power, and I/O are wired together. - [Bill of materials (`.xlsx`)](https://github.com/blues/note-hardware/blob/master/Notecarrier-F/v1.5/BOM-3001-069-001.xlsx) — the fitted components with their reference designators and manufacturer part numbers. Note that this released spreadsheet omits the two outer 24-pin header sockets (`J9` and `J10`, 4UCON 12736), which are fitted on the board and present in the schematic and KiCad project. Use it to source parts or build your own board. - [Assembly drawing (`.pdf`)](https://github.com/blues/note-hardware/blob/master/Notecarrier-F/v1.5/3001-069-001_Assembly-drawing.PDF) — shows component placement and reference designators. Use it to locate parts during assembly or rework. - [Dimensional drawing (`.pdf`)](https://github.com/blues/note-hardware/blob/master/Notecarrier-F/v1.5/2201-139_Dimensions.PDF) — board outline, mounting-hole locations, and connector positions for enclosure and mechanical fit. - [Gerber fabrication files (`.zip`)](https://github.com/blues/note-hardware/blob/master/Notecarrier-F/v1.5/2201-139__2026-01-27.zip) — the Gerber and drill set, plus the fabrication specification. Send this package to a PCB manufacturer to have bare boards produced. - [Pick-and-place, top side (`.pnp`)](https://github.com/blues/note-hardware/blob/master/Notecarrier-F/v1.5/3001-069-001_PnP-file_TOP.pnp) and [bottom side (`.pnp`)](https://github.com/blues/note-hardware/blob/master/Notecarrier-F/v1.5/3001-069-001_PnP-file_BOT.pnp) — component centroid (X/Y/rotation) data used to program automated SMT assembly. - [3D model (`.step`)](https://github.com/blues/note-hardware/blob/master/Notecarrier-F/v1.5/Notecarier-F.step) — a STEP 3D model. Import it into mechanical CAD to check fit and design enclosures. - [3D view (`.pdf`)](https://github.com/blues/note-hardware/blob/master/Notecarrier-F/v1.5/Notecarier-F.pdf) — an interactive 3D view you can rotate and inspect in Adobe Acrobat, no CAD software required. - [Altium project (folder)](https://github.com/blues/note-hardware/tree/master/Notecarrier-F/v1.5/Altium) — the complete, editable Altium Designer design (schematic sheets and PCB layout). Open it in Altium to modify the design or generate your own outputs. - [KiCad project (folder)](https://github.com/blues/note-hardware/tree/master/Notecarrier-F/v1.5/KiCad_format) — the complete, editable KiCad design (schematic sheets, PCB layout, and libraries), converted from the Altium project and validated against the released fabrication outputs. Open it in KiCad to modify the design or generate your own outputs. ### Notecarrier Schematics The following are a set of interactive [KiCanvas](https://kicanvas.org/home/)-powered schematics of the **Notecarrier F v1.5**. > **Warning:** > > These schematics were converted to KiCad from the original design files, which were authored in Altium Designer or Cadence OrCAD/Allegro. They are published for viewing and reference, and each conversion is checked against the released fabrication outputs for that board. Even so, the schematic PDF and the manufacturer design files linked above remain the authoritative source for this hardware. Check against those before you use this data to manufacture a board, source parts, or design a compatible host. #### Notecarrier F Notecard Connection Loading... #### Notecarrier F Feather Connection Loading... #### Notecarrier F I/O Loading... #### Notecarrier F Power Input Loading... #### Notecarrier F Power Rails Loading... ## Board Errata ## Terms and Conditions Visit [Blues Hardware Terms & Conditions](https://shop.blues.com/pages/hardware-terms?utm_source=dev-blues\&utm_medium=web\&utm_campaign=store-link). ## 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 | | Rob Lauer | 07 SEP 2023 | Added Notecarrier F v1.3 information | | Rob Lauer | 16 NOV 2023 | Added Notecarrier Pi v2.0 information | | Rob Lauer | 14 MAR 2024 | Added Notecarrier B v3.1 and Notecarrier R v1.0 information | | Rob Lauer | 05 JUN 2024 | Added Notecarrier XS v1.1 information | | Rob Lauer | 10 JUN 2024 | Added KiCad schematics to A, B, F, and Pi Notecarriers | | Rob Lauer | 18 JUL 2024 | Added Notecarrier XS v1.2 information | | Rob Lauer | 22 JUL 2024 | Updated Notecarrier pin descriptions | | TJ VanToll | 19 AUG 2024 | Added Notecarrier X v1.2, XM 1.2, and XP 3.1 information | | Rob Lauer | 14 JAN 2026 | Added Notecarrier CX v1.3 information | | Rob Lauer | 11 FEB 2026 | Added Notecarrier A v2.3 information | | Rob Lauer | 22 MAY 2026 | Added Notecarrier CX v1.7 information | | Rob Lauer | 11 JUN 2026 | Added Notecarrier XI v1.4 information | | Rob Lauer | 16 JUL 2026 | Corrected Notecarrier XI DC specifications and Starnote for Iridium antenna details | | Rob Lauer | 03 AUG 2026 | Add newly updated KiCad schematics | | Rob Lauer | 19 AUG 2026 | Added Notecarrier XI v1.4 board errata | | Rob Lauer | 16 SEP 2026 | Added Notecarrier F v1.5 information | ## Contact Information Blues Inc.\ \ 50 Dunham Ridge Suite 1650\ Beverly, MA 01915\