How to Use LC Studio SD Card Module: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The LC Studio SD Card Module is an electronic component designed to facilitate easy interfacing between a microcontroller, such as an Arduino UNO, and an SD card. This module is commonly used in data logging applications, multimedia projects, and any scenario where large amounts of data need to be stored and accessed by a microcontroller.

• Data logging (temperature, humidity, etc.)
• Storing configuration files
• Multimedia storage (audio, images)
• Data transfer between devices

• Operating Voltage: 3.3V to 5V (with onboard level shifter)
• Communication Interface: SPI
• Supported SD Card Types: SD, SDHC (up to 32GB)

1. Connect the VCC pin to the 5V output on the Arduino UNO.
2. Connect the GND pin to one of the GND pins on the Arduino UNO.
3. Connect the CS, MOSI, MISO, and SCK pins to the corresponding SPI pins on the Arduino UNO.
4. Insert an SD card into the module's card slot.

• Ensure that the SD card is formatted correctly, typically as FAT16 or FAT32.
• Use a level shifter if the microcontroller operates at a voltage different from the SD card.
• Keep the SPI bus lines as short as possible to reduce noise and improve reliability.
• Always power down the module before inserting or removing the SD card.

#include <SPI.h>
#include <SD.h>

// Pin configuration
const int chipSelect = 4; // Change as per your CS pin connection

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
  while (!Serial) {
    ; // Wait for serial port to connect.
  }

  Serial.print("Initializing SD card...");

  // On the Ethernet Shield, CS is pin 4. Set the CS pin
  // to be an output and to be HIGH:
  pinMode(chipSelect, OUTPUT);

  if (!SD.begin(chipSelect)) {
    Serial.println("Card failed, or not present");
    // Don't do anything more:
    return;
  }
  Serial.println("Card initialized.");
}

void loop() {
  // Nothing here for now.
}

• Card Initialization Failure: Ensure the card is inserted correctly, formatted, and the wiring is correct.
• Read/Write Errors: Check for loose connections and ensure the correct chip select pin is used in the code.
• Corrupted Data: Use proper power supply and avoid removing the card while operations are in progress.

• Double-check the wiring against the pin configuration table.
• Use the SD.h library's built-in functions to check for errors and get more information.
• Ensure the Arduino is communicating over SPI at a supported speed for the SD card.

Q: Can I use this module with a 3.3V microcontroller? A: Yes, the module includes a level shifter, making it compatible with both 3.3V and 5V systems.

Q: What is the maximum size of SD card supported by this module? A: The module supports SD cards up to 32GB in size.

Q: How do I format the SD card for use with the module? A: The SD card should be formatted as FAT16 or FAT32. This can typically be done on a computer using standard disk formatting tools.