How to Use GLYPHMOD-MICRO-SD: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The GLYPHMOD-MICRO-SD (Manufacturer Part ID: GM-003) is a micro SD card module developed by PCBCUPID. This module is designed to provide a simple and efficient way to add data storage and retrieval capabilities to a wide range of electronic projects. Its compact size and ease of integration make it an ideal choice for applications requiring portable data logging, file storage, or multimedia playback.

• Data logging for IoT devices (e.g., temperature, humidity, or GPS data)
• File storage for embedded systems
• Multimedia storage for audio or video playback
• Bootable storage for microcontroller-based systems
• Portable data transfer between devices

The GLYPHMOD-MICRO-SD module is built to interface seamlessly with microcontrollers and development boards such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and ESP32. Below are its key technical details:

The GLYPHMOD-MICRO-SD module has a standard 6-pin interface for easy connection to microcontrollers. Below is the pinout:

The GLYPHMOD-MICRO-SD module is straightforward to use in a circuit. Follow the steps below to integrate it into your project:

1. Power Supply: Connect the VCC pin to a 3.3V or 5V power source and the GND pin to ground.
2. SPI Interface: Connect the MISO, MOSI, SCK, and CS pins to the corresponding SPI pins on your microcontroller.
3. Pull-Up Resistors: Ensure that the SPI lines have appropriate pull-up resistors if required by your microcontroller.

Below is an example of how to use the GLYPHMOD-MICRO-SD module with an Arduino UNO to read and write data to a microSD card.

• Connect the module's VCC to the Arduino's 5V pin.
• Connect the module's GND to the Arduino's GND pin.
• Connect the module's MISO, MOSI, SCK, and CS pins to the Arduino's 12, 11, 13, and 10 pins, respectively.

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

// Define the chip select pin for the SD card module
const int chipSelect = 10;

void setup() {
  // Initialize serial communication for debugging
  Serial.begin(9600);
  while (!Serial) {
    ; // Wait for the serial port to connect (for native USB boards)
  }

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

  // Check if the SD card is available
  if (!SD.begin(chipSelect)) {
    Serial.println("SD card initialization failed!");
    return;
  }
  Serial.println("SD card initialized successfully.");

  // Create and write to a file
  File dataFile = SD.open("example.txt", FILE_WRITE);
  if (dataFile) {
    dataFile.println("Hello, GLYPHMOD-MICRO-SD!");
    dataFile.close();
    Serial.println("Data written to example.txt.");
  } else {
    Serial.println("Error opening example.txt for writing.");
  }
}

void loop() {
  // Nothing to do here
}

• SD Card Format: Ensure the microSD card is formatted as FAT16 or FAT32 for compatibility.
• Voltage Levels: If using a 5V microcontroller, ensure the module has onboard level shifters to protect the SD card.
• Chip Select Pin: Use a dedicated CS pin for the module to avoid conflicts with other SPI devices.
• Data Integrity: Always close files after writing to ensure data is saved properly.

1. SD Card Initialization Fails

   • Cause: Incorrect wiring or incompatible SD card format.
   • Solution: Double-check the connections and ensure the SD card is formatted as FAT16 or FAT32.

2. File Not Found or Cannot Be Opened

   • Cause: Incorrect file path or file permissions.
   • Solution: Verify the file name and ensure it matches the case sensitivity of the SD card's file system.

3. Data Corruption

   • Cause: Power loss during file operations.
   • Solution: Use a capacitor near the power pins to stabilize the voltage supply.

4. High Current Consumption

   • Cause: SD card in active mode for extended periods.
   • Solution: Use sleep modes or reduce the frequency of file operations.

Q: Can I use this module with a 3.3V microcontroller?
A: Yes, the module supports both 3.3V and 5V logic levels.

Q: What is the maximum SD card size supported?
A: The module supports microSD and microSDHC cards up to 32GB.

Q: Can I use multiple SD card modules on the same SPI bus?
A: Yes, but each module must have a unique CS pin to avoid conflicts.

Q: Does the module support SDXC cards?
A: No, the module only supports microSD and microSDHC cards formatted as FAT16 or FAT32.