This repository contains the KiCad project files and documentation for a versatile Carrier Board designed to expand the functionality of several compatible Feather System-on-Modules (SoMs). The board provides a flexible platform for rapid prototyping and integration of advanced modules, with comprehensive support for a variety of Zalmotek Feather SoMs.
The Carrier Board is compatible with the following Feather SoMs:
- RA0E1 Feather SoM
- RA2E1 Feather SoM
- RA4M1 Feather SoM
- RA6M1 Feather SoM
- RA8M1 Feather SoM
- RZ/A3UL Feather SoM
- RZ/A3M Feather SoM
The board features four modular ports, enabling connectivity with a range of expansion modules, including:
- Dynamixel Motor Driver Module
- Particle M-SoM Breakout Module
- Ethernet Module
- CAN Module
Each of the four module ports provides a consistent pinout, with power rails selectable via jumpers for maximum flexibility. The pinout for each port is as follows:
| Pin | Function | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | GND | |
| 2 | VCC (3V3, 5V, or VIN 5–24V) | Selectable via jumper (J5/J6/J11/J12) |
| 3 | SCK | |
| 4 | 3V3 (from Feather SoM) | |
| 5 | MOSI | |
| 6 | SDA | |
| 7 | MISO | |
| 8 | SCL | |
| 9 | See per-port assignment below | |
| 10 | See per-port assignment below | |
| 11 | See per-port assignment below | |
| 12 | See per-port assignment below |
Port-specific GPIO mapping:
| Port | Pin 9 | Pin 10 | Pin 11 | Pin 12 | VCC Jumper |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PORT1 | RX | A4/D24 | TX | A5/D25 | J5 |
| PORT2 | A0 | A2/D22 | A1 | A3/D23 | J6 |
| PORT3 | D9 | D12 | D6 | D14 | J11 |
| PORT4 | D10 | D13 | D5 | D11 | J12 |
- Rotary Encoder with Push-Button
- Neopixel RGB LED
- SD Card Connector: Compatible with native SDHI pins on RZ/A3UL, RZ/A3M, and RA8M1 Feather SoMs.
- 2 x Qwiic Connectors: For easy I²C expansion.
- Display Connector: Supports 4D Systems gen4-uLCD-24D display.
Certain onboard features and port assignments share GPIOs. Their function can be selected via jumpers as described below:
| Jumper | Default (1–2) | Alternate (2–3) |
|---|---|---|
| JP1 | TX to display connector | TX to PORT1 |
| JP2 | D5 to Neopixel | D5 to PORT4 |
| JP3 | RX to display connector | RX to PORT1 |
| JP4 | D11 to encoder | D11 to PORT4 |
| JP5 | D12 to encoder | D12 to PORT3 |
| JP6 | D13 to encoder | D13 to PORT10 |
| JP7 | D14 to display connector | D14 to PORT3 |
Refer to the schematic for detailed signal routing and jumper positions.
- Input Voltage: 5–24V DC
- Connector: AMASS XT30PW-M
- M3 mounting holes
- Carrier Board Dimensions: 100 x 130 mm
For detailed schematics, board layout, and further documentation, please refer to the project files included in this repository.
Last updated: June 30, 2025