Specifications:

The Arduino MKR Connector Carrier is an extension designed for the MKR family boards, aimed at enhancing rapid prototyping with a variety of sensors and actuators. 

• Connectivity: It includes 14 Grove-compatible connectors that support a range of analog & digital I/O, I2C, and UART interfaces, as well as connectors for external batteries.
• Power Supply: The carrier is capable of being powered by an external voltage ranging from 7V to 16V connected to its VIN screw terminal block. It incorporates a buck converter to supply power to the MKR board, which then provides 5V and 3.3V outputs accessible via screw terminal blocks. All the I/Os operate at 5V, with appropriate 5V to 3.3V level shifting in place.
• Modules and Cables: The Grove system’s modules typically use a standard four-pin connector with color-coded cables for easy identification and connection, accommodating both analog and digital signals.
• Analog and Digital Inputs: The carrier supports analog inputs (A0-A6) with the capability to handle input only (either analog or digital) up to a maximum voltage of 5V. For digital I/O (D0-D6), it offers primary and secondary digital I/O configurations, with the same voltage requirements.
• Serial and TWI – I2C Interfaces: The carrier facilitates serial communication via dedicated RX and TX lines and supports TWI/I2C with standard SCL and SDA lines, adaptable for a variety of I2C Grove sensors.

Learning Resources:

MKR Connector Carrier Documentation

MKR Connector Carrier Basics

Applications and Projects:

The Arduino MKR Connector Carrier, with its 14 Grove-compatible connectors for analog & digital I/O, I2C, and UART, alongside connectors for external batteries, opens up a wide range of applications and use cases. Here are some highlighted projects and applications that showcase its versatility:

• IoT Projects: The MKR Connector Carrier can be instrumental in developing IoT (Internet of Things) applications. By integrating with any board from the MKR family, it allows for a variety of connectivity options. It’s especially useful for home automation projects, environment monitoring stations, or any project that benefits from wireless control and data collection. These projects might include temperature, humidity, air quality, and barometric pressure monitoring, with the capability to connect additional sensors via Grove connectors.
• Robotics and Servo Control: An example from the Arduino Forum demonstrates the MKR Connector Carrier being used to control servos, specifically in a setup that includes an MKR 1010, the Connector Carrier, an MKR SD proto shield, and a Grove servo. This setup illustrates the carrier’s potential in robotics, enabling control over multiple servos and facilitating complex movements or mechanisms.
• Educational Projects and Prototyping: The simplicity and flexibility of the MKR Connector Carrier make it ideal for educational purposes and rapid prototyping. Its Grove system compatibility means that users can easily connect a wide range of sensors and actuators without soldering, making it accessible for beginners and versatile enough for advanced users to experiment with different modules.
• Display and User Interface Projects: With the ability to connect displays and create GUI interfaces, the MKR Connector Carrier can be used to develop projects that require user interaction. This includes anything from simple display outputs to more complex interfaces with buttons, sensors, and feedback mechanisms.