--- title: Notecarrier Datasheet - Notecarrier XM v1.2 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-xm-v1-2/ canonical_url: https://dev.blues.io/datasheets/notecarrier-datasheet/notecarrier-xm-v1-2/ markdown_url: https://dev.blues.io/datasheets/notecarrier-datasheet/notecarrier-xm-v1-2.md --- [Download as PDF](https://dev.blues.io/pdfs/datasheets/notecarrier-datasheet/notecarrier-xm-v1-2.pdf) # Blues Notecarrier® Datasheet: Notecarrier XM v1.2 ![notecarrier-xm-v1-2](https://dev.blues.io/images/hardware/notecarrier/CARR_XM_12_front-nospace.png?v=daeb3e98) ## 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. ### Compatible Notecards Due to differences in the physical size of Notecards, certain Notecarriers are only compatible with certain Notecards. However, the **Notecarrier XM v1.2** 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 XM v1.2 Notecarrier XM is a small form-factor Notecarrier, only slightly larger than the Notecard itself. The Notecarrier XM is our most minimal Notecard, containing essential circuitry for the Notecard and a USB port for USB Serial access to the Notecard. The Notecarrier XM was designed as a low-cost companion to the Notecard LoRa and Notecard WiFi, though it can be used with any Notecard. Unlike other Notecarriers, the Notecarrier XM does not include an external SIM slot. [View in Store](https://shop.blues.com/products/notecarrier-xm?utm_source=dev-blues\&utm_medium=web\&utm_campaign=store-link) | Front | Back | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | ![Notecarrier XM v1.2 (front)](https://dev.blues.io/images/hardware/notecarrier/CARR_XM_12_front.png?v=2b31b93c) | ![Notecarrier XM v1.2 (back)](https://dev.blues.io/images/hardware/notecarrier/CARR_XM_12_back.png?v=3a6043f1) | - [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 user provided U.FL cellular/WiFi antenna and optional U.FL active GPS antenna. - PCB Dimensions: 57mm x 38mm - Center of Mounting Holes: 53mm x 34mm (measured from the edge of the PCB to the center of the furthest mounting hole) ## 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: - applying 2.5-5.5VDC to the `VBAT` or `VMAIN` pins. 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. ## 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. ### Enabling Active GPS If using Notecarrier XM v1.2 with an active GPS antenna, add a 0-Ohm 0603 jumper to the unpopulated spot between `VGPS_OUT` and `VGPS_IN`. This will power an active GPS LNA with a 3.8VDC bias voltage on the center conductor of its GPS u.FL connector. ![enabling active gps](https://dev.blues.io/images/hardware/notecarrier/xs-vgps.png?v=9c289fd2) ## Header Descriptions ### Notecarrier XM v1.2 Dual 16-pin Headers | Pin Name | Direction | Usage | | Usage | Direction | Pin Name | | -------- | --------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | - | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------- | --------- | | GND | IN | Ground | | Direct connect to the + pin of the battery connector | IN/OUT | VBAT | | AUX\_TX | OUT | High-speed diagnostic interface | | Direct connect to VUSB pin of the USB connector | IN/OUT | VUSB | | AUX\_RX | IN | High-speed diagnostic interface | | Diode union of VUSB and VBAT sources | OUT | VMAIN | | AUX\_EN | IN | Enable diagnostics | | Digital I/O voltage source with 100mA available | OUT | VIO | | AUX4 | IN/OUT | API-selectable [modes of operation](https://dev.blues.io/api-reference/notecard-api/card-requests.md#card-aux) | | Access to Notecard boot pin | IN | BOOT | | AUX3 | IN/OUT | API-selectable [modes of operation](https://dev.blues.io/api-reference/notecard-api/card-requests.md#card-aux) | | 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 | IN | NRST | | AUX2 | IN/OUT | API-selectable [modes of operation](https://dev.blues.io/api-reference/notecard-api/card-requests.md#card-aux) | | Active LOW when charging attached LiPo | OUT | NCHG | | AUX1 | IN/OUT | API-selectable [modes of operation](https://dev.blues.io/api-reference/notecard-api/card-requests.md#card-aux) | | 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. | IN | EN | | ATTN | OUT | Configurable interrupt signal | | Active antenna GPS 3.8V from Notecard | OUT | VGPS\_OUT | | CTX | IN | Clear to transmit | | Active antenna GPS bias voltage | IN | VGPS\_IN | | RTX | OUT | Request to transmit | | Active LOW when [ALTDFU](https://dev.blues.io/api-reference/notecard-api/card-requests.md#card-aux) is active | OUT | IDLE | | TX | OUT | UART serial transmit request interface | | Allows Notecard to toggle host active LOW reset pin [ALTDFU](https://dev.blues.io/api-reference/notecard-api/card-requests.md#card-aux) | IN | NRST | | RX | IN | UART serial receive request interface (Notecard has onboard 10K pull-up resistors) | | Allows Notecard to toggle host `BOOT` pin [ALTDFU](https://dev.blues.io/api-reference/notecard-api/card-requests.md#card-aux) | IN | BOOT | | SCL | IN/OUT | I2C clock request interface (Notecard has onboard 10K pull-up resistors) | | UART serial transmit request interface, specifically used to program the host MCU. [ALTDFU](https://dev.blues.io/api-reference/notecard-api/card-requests.md#card-aux) | OUT | TX | | SDA | IN/OUT | I2C data request interface (Notecard has onboard 10K pull-up resistors) | | UART serial receive request interface, specifically used to program the host MCU. [ALTDFU](https://dev.blues.io/api-reference/notecard-api/card-requests.md#card-aux) | IN | RX | | GND | IN | Ground | | 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 | > **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 XM v1.2**: - [Schematic (`.pdf`)](https://github.com/blues/note-hardware/blob/master/Notecarrier-XM/v1.2/100378_notecarrier-xm_Rev-11.PDF) — the full circuit schematic. Use it to understand how the Notecard, power, and I/O are wired together when designing a host or debugging a connection. - [Bill of materials (`.xlsx`)](https://github.com/blues/note-hardware/blob/master/Notecarrier-XM/v1.2/BOM-3000-793-001.xlsx) — every component with its reference designator and manufacturer part number. Use it to source parts or build your own board. - [Assembly drawing (`.pdf`)](https://github.com/blues/note-hardware/blob/master/Notecarrier-XM/v1.2/3000-793-001_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-XM/v1.2/2200-917_Dimensions.PDF) — board outline, mounting-hole locations, and connector positions for enclosure and mechanical fit. - [Fabrication package (`.zip`)](https://github.com/blues/note-hardware/blob/master/Notecarrier-XM/v1.2/2200-917__2024-06-12.zip) — the Gerber/ODB++ and drill set. Send this package to a PCB manufacturer to have bare boards produced. - [Pick-and-place (`.pnp`)](https://github.com/blues/note-hardware/blob/master/Notecarrier-XM/v1.2/3000-793-001_PnP-file.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-XM/v1.2/Notecarrier-XM.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-XM/v1.2/Notecarrier-XM-3D.pdf) — an interactive 3D view you can rotate and inspect in Adobe Acrobat, no CAD software required. - [KiCad project (folder)](https://github.com/blues/note-hardware/tree/master/Notecarrier-XM/v1.2/KiCad_format) — the complete, editable KiCad design (schematic sheets, PCB layout, and libraries). 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 XM v1.2**. > **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 XM I/O Connection Loading... #### Notecarrier XM Notecard Connection Loading... #### Notecarrier XM Power 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 | ## Contact Information Blues Inc.\ \ 50 Dunham Ridge Suite 1650\ Beverly, MA 01915\