Shield Shield for Spark Core

The Spark Core is an Arduino-compatible, Wi-Fi enabled, cloud-powered development platform that makes creating internet-connected hardware a breeze. 

This shield is essentially an adapter that allows the user to connect Arduino compatible shields to the Spark Core. There are two functions that this shield performs: pin mapping of the Spark Core to the Arduino pin layout and voltage translation of 3.3V to/from 5V.

We use Texas Instruments TXB0108PWR to do the voltage translation in between Spark Core’s 3.3V logic level and Arduino’s 5V logic.

Due to the limited number of pin to function combinations, we have only mapped three analog channels A0, A1 and A2. Unlike other IO pins, the analog pins are rated at only a max of 3.3V and NOT 5.0V. Please remember NOT to exceed this voltage at anytime.

The shield has an onboard voltage regulator and can be powered from 7V to 15V DC. You could also power it via the USB plug on the Spark Core alone but the current would be limited to 500mA.

The pictures shows a robot shield interfaced with the Spark Core via the Shield Shield.

Specifications

• Operating voltage: 7 to 15V DC
• Current consumption: without the core plugged in 7mA at 9V DC and 150mA with the Core. 
• Dimensions: 3.79” x 2.1”
• Weight: 40g

Pin Mapping

IMPORTANT: The Shield Shield does not map the Spark Core pins to like-numbered pins on the Arduino. In other words, D0 on the Spark Core is not the same as D0 on the Arduino. Please review the pin mapping table to the right and plan accordingly.

Resources

• Spark Devices
• Spark Core: Wi-Fi for Everything (Arduino Compatible) on Kickstarter
• Spark Core Community
• Shield Shield Hardware Files

Technical Details