Communication

Connect your projects to the internet with the WiFi TinyShield! Based on the Atmel ATWINC1500 WiFi module, this module supports 802.11 b/g/n, SSL, different security modes (WEP, WPA, WPA2, and unsecured connections) and has a built-in TCP/IP Stack that offloads network processing from your TinyDuino. The easy to use Arduino/Atmel supplied software library shows numerous examples on how to scan for WiFi access points, connect to an access point, run DHCP, ping IP addresses, do DNS lookups, connect as a client to a webserver and download web pages, or even act as your own webserver and access point.

This TinyShield includes an integrated antenna on the module itself with FCC/CE approval as well as built-in LEDs that indicate connection state and active data transfer. This TinyShield also includes level shifters and a local power supply to ensure proper and safe operation over the entire TinyDuino operating voltage range up to 5V, and uses an SPI interface to allow for fast data transfers.

Note: This module can act as an access point!

To learn more about the TinyDuino Platform, click here

To see what other TinyShields this will work with or conflict with, check out the TinyShield Compatibility Matrix

Atmel ATWINC1500 WiFi Specs

• IEEE 802.11 b/g/n (2.4GHz)
• Embedded IPv4 TCP/IP stack
• Up to 72 Mbps PHY throughput
• TX power: +19.5 dBm at 11 Mbps, CCK
• RX sensitivity: –88 dBm, 11 Mbps

TinyDuino Power Requirements

• Voltage: 3.3V - 5.5V 
• Current:
• Active Mode, highest speed: 311mA TX at +18 dBm, 80.5mA RX
• Shutdown Mode: <4uA
• Due to the current requirements, this board cannot be run using the TinyDuino coin cell option

Pins Used

SPI Interface used

• A3 - RESET: This signal is an input to the WiFi module and is used to reset the module.
• 8 - SPI_CS: This signal is the SPI chip select for the WiFi module
• 2 - SPI_IRQ: This signal is the interrupt output from the WiFi module and into the TinyDuino.
• 11 - SCLK: This signal is the serial SPI clock out of the TinyDuino and into the WiFi module.
• 12 - MISO: This signal is the serial SPI data out of the WiFi module and into the TinyDuino.
• 13 - MOSI: This signal is the serial SPI data out of the TinyDuino and into the WiFi module.

Dimensions

• 20mm x 30mm (.787 inches x 1.181 inches)
• Max Height (from lower bottom TinyShield Connector to upper top TinyShield Connector): 5.11mm (0.201 inches)
• Weight: 2.39 gram (0.084 ounces)

• This board is compatible with the Arduino WiFi101 library which is available through the Arduino IDE Library manager!
• However, the pin configuration is different, which requires the following line at the beginning of your setup() function:

• Atmel ATWINC1500 product page
• ATWINC1500 Datasheet
• ATWINC1500 Module Datasheet
• Schematic
• Eagle Files
• Code Examples
• Arduino WiFi101 library

Our new Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) TinyShield combines both master and slave modes into one module! This TinyShield allows you to connect your TinyDuino system to any compatible iOS or Android device using Bluetooth Low Energy (also known as Bluetooth Smart and Bluetooth 4.1). This technology is great for low power sensors and accessories and works with most modern phones. This shield acts as a drop-in hardware and software replacement for NRF8001 (Nordic) TinyShield projects. Unlike previous BLE TinyShields, your Arduino sketch code can modify your module's connection parameters directly.

This TinyShield is based around the BlueNRG-MS chipset by STMicroelectronics, which comes in the SPBTLE-RF module. The TinyShield also includes power supply and level shifters on the board, so you can run your TinyDuino from 3.0V – 5V.

Since the SPBTLE-RF module supports both master and slave modes, you can communicate both with a Bluetooth LE device (i.e. a smartphone) and another BLE TinyShield or other BLE module with slave mode. If you have one of our previous BLE models, a BlueGiga or a Nordic, it can communicate with those as well.

To learn more about the TinyDuino Platform, click here

To see what other TinyShields this will work with or conflict with, check out the TinyShield Compatibility Matrix

ST SPBTLE-RF Specs

• Fully Bluetooth v4.1 compliant
• Supports master and slave modes
• Multiple modes supported simultaneously
• Integrated Bluetooth Smart stack
• GAP, ATT/GATT, SM, L2CAP, LL, RFPHY
• Bluetooth Smart profiles
• Radio performance
• Integrated chip antenna
• TX power: +4 dBm
• Receiver sensitivity: -88 dBm
• Range: up to 20m

TinyDuino Power Requirements

• Voltage: 3.0V - 5.5V 
• Current:
• Transmit: 10.9mA (+4 dBm)
• Receive: 7.3mA (Standard mode)
• Down to 8.7µA average for 1s connection interval
• Down to 14.5µA average for 500ms connection interval
• Down to 26.1µA average for 250ms connection interval
• Down to 119.9µA average for 50ms connection interval
• Deep Sleep Mode: 1.7 µA
• Due to the low current, this board can be run using the TinyDuino coin cell option

Pins Used

SPI Interface used

• 2 - SPI_IRQ: This signal is the interrupt output from the SPBTLE-RF to the TinyDuino.
• 9 - BT_RESET: This signal is the reset signal to the SPBTLE-RF.
• 10 - SPI_CS: This signal is the SPI chip select for the SPBTLE-RF.
• 11 - MOSI: This signal is the serial SPI data out of the TinyDuino and into the radio transceiver.
• 12 - MISO: This signal is the serial SPI data out of the radio transceiver and into the TinyDuino.
• 13 - SPI_CLK: This signal is the serial SPI clock out of the TinyDuino and into the radio transceiver.

Dimensions

• 20mm x 20mm (.787 inches x .787 inches)
• Max Height (from lower bottom TinyShield Connector to upper top TinyShield Connector): 5.11mm (0.201 inches)
• Weight: 1.49 grams (0.053 ounces)

• This product is for advanced users, and typically requires that the user develops their own iOS or Android BLE app in order to use this.
• The interrupt signal can be changed from pin 2 to pin 3 by removing resistor R2 and soldering it to position R3.

• BlueNRG-MS product page
• Datasheet (BlueNRG-MS)
• SPBTLE-RF product page
• Datasheet (SPBTLE-RF)
• Schematic
• Eagle Files
• Arduino Library and Example Code

This radio TinyShield is based around the very popular Nordic NRF24L01+ radio transceiver. The TinyShield is set to operate at 2.4GHz, can transmit at up to 2Mbps, and is very easy to use. This transceiver allows for long range communication between radios and is designed for an open field range of up to 100 meters, which makes this great for outdoor sensors or RC control of drones and vehicles.

An U.FL antenna connection is included on the board, along with a 2.4GHz whip antenna. The TinyShield incorporates a voltage regulator to ensure proper and safe operation over the entire TinyDuino operating voltage range up to 5V.

To learn more about the TinyDuino Platform, click here

To see what other TinyShields this will work with or conflict with, check out the TinyShield Compatibility Matrix

nRF24 Transceiver Specs

• Frequency: 2.4GHz
• Sensitivity: –82 dBm at 2Mbps, -95 dBm at 250kbps
• Data Rate: 250kbps, 1Mbps, 2 Mbps
• Ultra low power operation

TinyDuino Power Requirements

• Voltage: 3.0V - 5.5V 
• Receive current: 13.5mA
• Transmit current (0 dBm): 11.3mA
• Transmit current (-18 dBm): 7.0mA
• Standby current: 22uA

Pins Used

SPI Interface used:

• 2 - SPI_IRQ: This signal is the interrupt output from the radio transceiver and into the TinyDuino.
• 7 - SPI_CS: This signal is the SPI chip select for the radio transceiver.
• 9 - CE: This is the chip enable signal
• 11 - MOSI: This signal is the serial SPI data out of the TinyDuino and into the radio transceiver.
• 12 - MISO: This signal is the serial SPI data out of the radio transceiver and into the TinyDuino.
• 13 - SCLK: This signal is the serial SPI clock out of the TinyDuino and into the radio transceiver.

Dimensions

• Board: 20mm x 20mm (.787 inches x .787 inches)
• Board: Max Height (from lower bottom TinyShield Connector to upper top TinyShield Connector): 5.11mm (0.201 inches)
• Antenna Length: 150mm (5.9 inches)
• Board Weight: 1.03 grams (.04 ounces)
• Antenna Weight: 0.47 grams (0.02 ounces)

• For best range, the antenna should not be close to metal or coiled up. Lower data rates and smaller packets will increase range! 
• You can use different antennas with this board! They must be 2.4Ghz with a U.FL connector on them.

• nRF24L01+ Product Page
• Datasheet
• Schematic
• Eagle Files
• Sample Arduino code

The 433MHz long-range radio TinyShield is based around the very popular Silicon Labs SI4432 radio transceiver - the same transceiver as used by the HopeRF RFM22B module.  The TinyShield is set to operate at 433MHz and can transmit at up to +20dBm and is very easy to use. This transceiver allows for long-range communication between radios and is designed for an open field range of up to 500 meters, which makes this great for long-range sensors of RC control (like drones and vehicles).  

A U.FL antenna connection is included on the board, along with a 433MHz whip antenna.  The TinyShield incorporates level shifters and a local power supply to ensure proper and safe operation over the entire TinyDuino operating voltage range up to 5V.

Learn more about the TinyDuino Platform.

To see what other TinyShields this will work with or conflict with, check out the TinyShield Compatibility Matrix

Si4432 Transceiver Specs

• Frequency: 433MHz
• Sensitivity: –121 dBm
• Output power range: +20 dBm Max
• Data Rate: 0.123 to 256 kbps
• FSK, GFSK, and OOK modulation
• Ultra-low-power shutdown mode
• Wake-up timer
• Auto-frequency calibration (AFC)
• Configurable packet handler
• Preamble detector
• TX and RX 64 byte FIFOs

TinyDuino Power Requirements

• Voltage: 3.0V - 5.5V 
• Current:
• Receive: 18.5mA
• Transmit (+13 dBm): 30mA
• Receive (+20 dBm): 85mA
• Sleep: 1uA
• Due to the current, this board cannot be run using the TinyDuino coin cell option

Pins Used

SPI Interface used

• 3 - SPI_IRQ: This signal is the interrupt output from the radio transceiver and into the TinyDuino.
• 7 - SPI_CS: This signal is the SPI chip select for the radio transceiver.
• 11 - MOSI: This signal is the serial SPI data out of the TinyDuino and into the radio transceiver.
• 12 - MISO: This signal is the serial SPI data out of the radio transceiver and into the TinyDuino.
• 13 - SCLK: This signal is the serial SPI clock out of the TinyDuino and into the radio transceiver.

Dimensions

• Board: 20mm x 20mm (.787 inches x .787 inches)
• Board: Max Height (from lower bottom TinyShield Connector to upper top TinyShield Connector): 5.11mm (0.201 inches)
• Board Weight: 1.15 gram (.04 ounces)
• Antenna Length: 177mm  (7.0 inches)
• Antenna Weight: 0.26 grams (0.009 ounces)

• For the best range, the antenna should not be close to metal or coiled up.  
• You can use different antennas with this board, they need to be 433Mhz with a U.FL connector on them.
• We've tested these at low data rates up to ~500 meters/1640 feet on the ground with the included antenna! However, range will vary greatly depending on local 433MHz noise, obstructions, height above ground, and other factors.

• SI SI4432 product page
• Datasheet
• Schematic
• Eagle Files
• Sample Arduino code

The USB TinyShield lets you connect your TinyDuino via a micro-USB connector. It uses the very popular FTDI FT231X USB to Serial converter IC (as used on most standard Arduino models). Using this board allows you to download new sketches via the Arduino IDE to your TinyDuino, and also allows you to add USB communication capabilities to your projects. This board supports RX and TX status LEDs so you can visualize the serial traffic to and from your TinyDuino.

The USB TinyShield is available in two variations on where the USB cable can plug in. Most TinyShields are square, which makes plugging in the USB cable simple to do at any angle. However, there are some TinyShields that are not square, so depending on their dimensions this can make plugging in the USB cable difficult.  For example: the WiFi TinyShield is long, so a side mount version of the USB connector works best for this. The TinyScreen is wide, which works best with the top mount version of the USB connector.  

• Side USB Connector - The micro USB connector will come out the left side of the TinyDuino stack.  This works well for all TinyShields, except the TinyScreen and the Proto Terminal Block TinyShield.
• Top USB Connector - The micro USB connector will come out the top side of the TinyDuino stack.

To learn more about the TinyDuino Platform, click here

• USB 2.0 Full Speed Compatibility
• Micro-USB Receptacle
• Entire USB protocol handled on the chip - No USB-specific firmware programming required.
• Transmit and receive LEDs
• 300 baud to 115200 baud supported

TinyDuino Power Requirements

• Voltage: Supplies +5.0V to the TinyDuino stack
• Current: 300mA max.  

Pins Used

• 0 - USB_RX: The signal is the UART receive on the TinyDuino from the USB
• 1 - USB_TX: The signal is the UART transmit from the TinyDuino to the USB 

Dimensions

• 20mm x 20mm (.787 inches x .787 inches)
• Max Height (from lower bottom TinyShield Connector to upper top TinyShield Connector): 5.11mm (0.201 inches)
• Weight: 1.2 grams (.04 ounces)

• If you are brand new to the TinyDuino, buying a kit is the best way to go since it will have all the parts needed.  Check out the TinyDuino Kits here.
• By default this board will supply +5V to the TinyDuino stack.  It is possible to change this to only output 3.3V instead (with a max current of 50mA), by removing moving the 0 ohm resistor from the R4 position to the R5 position (requires advanced soldering skills).
• Revisions of this board before Rev 6 had a breakout for an Atmel ICSP connector to allow for In-circuit programming using a ICSP programmer.  These connections are no longer present on this board but can be accessed using a Proto TinyShield
• This board also uses the DTR line from the FTDI IC to support the auto-reset function when a new sketch is downloaded to the processor – eliminating the need for you to hit the reset button to reprogram your TinyDuino.

• FTDI USB Drivers
• Datasheet
• Schematic
• Eagle Files