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Notecard Datasheet
Notecarrier DatasheetFunctional DescriptionPackage ConfigurationPower InformationGPS (GNSS) Antenna RequirementsHeader DescriptionsSpecificationsOrdering InformationDesign FilesTerms and ConditionsRevision HistoryContact Information
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Blues Wireless Notecarrier® Datasheet

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Notecarrier-ANotecarrier-AANotecarrier-AENotecarrier-AFNotecarrier-ALNotecarrier-BNotecarrier-Pi

Companion development boards for easy prototyping and deployment.

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 GPRS connectivity.

Package Configuration

Notecarrier-B (Breadboard)

Notecarrier-B (CARR-B) is designed for building highly customized hardware solutions.

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Notecarrier-B (back) Notecarrier-B (front)

  • Pre-soldered male Notecarrier-B dual 9-pin headers for easy access to Notecard edge connector pins.
  • 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.

Power Information

  • applying 2.5-5.5VDC to the V+ pin.*
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.

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. This functionality is enabled using the VACT_GPS_OUT and VACT_GPS_IN pins.

Pin NamePin Description
VACT_GPS_INInput for active GPS antenna bias voltage
VACT_GPS_OUTNotecard supplied DC bias voltage for active GPS

The only pin required to support active GPS is VACT_GPS_IN, which allows you to provide a voltage specific to your antenna or application. VACT_GPS_OUT is unnecessary, but can be connected directly to VACT_GPS_IN to support an active GPS antenna that accepts voltages in the 3.3V-4V range*.

The Notecarrier-B 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.

*VACT_GPS_OUT is only powered when the cellular modem is active.

Header Descriptions

Notecarrier-B Dual 9-pin Headers

Pin NameDirectionUsageUsageDirectionPin Name
AUX1IN/OUTAccess to alternate modes of operationUART serial receive request interfaceINRX
AUX2IN/OUTAccess to alternate modes of operationUART serial transmit request interfaceOUTTX
AUX3IN/OUTAccess to alternate modes of operationI2C data request interface*IN/OUTSDA
AUX4IN/OUTAccess to alternate modes of operationI2C clock request interfaceIN/OUTSCL
AUXENINEnable diagnosticsConfigurable interrupt signalOUTATTN
AUXRXINDiagnostic interfaceActive-high resetINRST
AUXTXOUTDiagnostic interfaceModule enableINEN
VUSBIN/OUTAccess to VUSB pin of the USB jack2.5-5.5V, <8uA idle, <500mA typical, 2A surge max (GPRS)INV+
VIOOUTReference voltage for digital I/OGroundINGND

Specifications

Electrical Characteristics

DC Characteristics

DescriptionMinimumMaximumUnit
Supply Voltage2.55.5V
Supply Current5002000mA

Absolute Maximum Ratings

DescriptionMinimumMaximumUnit
Storage temperature-3570°C
note

Actual values may vary based on local conditions such as atmospheric conditions and distance to the cell tower.

Ordering Information

  • Notecarriers
  • Development Kits

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

AuthorDateSummary
Ray Ozzie2019-2020Document drafted
John Wiedey2020Various improvements
Sean Taylor2020Various improvements
Zachary J. Fields01 OCT 2020Updated information and translated to markdown
Brandon Satrom04 JAN 2021Added link to design resources
Greg Wolff13 JAN 2021Added BAT pin information to Notecarrier AF datasheet
Brandon Satrom07 APR 2022Added Notecarrier-A information

Contact Information

Blues Inc.
https://blues.io
50 Dunham Ridge Suite 1650
Beverly, MA 01915
support@blues.io

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Having trouble connecting?

Try changing your Micro USB cable as some cables do not support transferring data. If that does not solve your problem, contact us at support@blues.com and we will get you set up with another tool to communicate with the Notecard.

Advanced Usage

The help command gives more info.

Connect a NotecardClick 'Connect' and select a USB-connected Notecard to start issuing requests from the browser.