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SD Card Module

An SD card module allows microcontrollers to interact with SD cards for data storage. It has an SD card slot and uses SPI communication. To use it, a microcontroller must initialize communication with the module, send commands to read and write data via SPI, and handle the file system and errors.

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sanju
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86 views

SD Card Module

An SD card module allows microcontrollers to interact with SD cards for data storage. It has an SD card slot and uses SPI communication. To use it, a microcontroller must initialize communication with the module, send commands to read and write data via SPI, and handle the file system and errors.

Uploaded by

sanju
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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SD Card Module

An SD card module is a hardware component designed to enable microcontrollers or


embedded systems to interact with SD (Secure Digital) cards. These cards are commonly
used for data storage in various electronic devices, such as digital cameras, smartphones, and,
in your case, embedded systems. The primary functionality of an SD card module includes an
SD card slot, voltage level shifters to ensure compatibility with the SD card's voltage
requirements, and a communication interface for connecting to a microcontroller. Most SD
card modules use the SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) protocol for communication, allowing
you to send commands and data to read from or write to the SD card.
To effectively work with an SD card module, you'll typically need a library or driver
that is compatible with your microcontroller platform. These libraries facilitate tasks like
reading, writing, and managing data on the SD card. Additionally, SD cards commonly use
file systems like FAT16 or FAT32 to organize and store data, so it's essential to format the
card correctly and work with the file system to read and write files. When using an SD card
module, it's crucial to ensure the module receives the appropriate power supply voltage, as
most modules operate at 3.3V. If your microcontroller uses a different voltage level, you
might need voltage regulation. Keep in mind that the data transfer speed can vary depending
on the SD card's class or type, so choose one that suits your project's speed requirements.
Implementing error-checking and handling mechanisms in your code is essential, as
data transfer errors can occur when working with SD cards. Furthermore, SD cards come in
various storage capacities, so selecting the right card with an appropriate capacity is vital to
meet your project's storage needs. To integrate an SD card module into your embedded
system, you'll need to connect it to your microcontroller, initialize communication, and
implement the necessary functions for reading and writing data. Be sure to consult the
datasheet or documentation for your specific SD card module and the microcontroller you're
using for detailed guidance on the setup and operation.

Fig. SD Card Module


Pin Description
VCC (Power): This pin is the power supply for the SD card module, typically connected to a
3.3V source to provide the required operating voltage.
GND (Ground): GND is the ground connection for the module, serving as the reference
voltage for the circuit.
MISO (Master In Slave Out): MISO is the data line for reading data from the SD card to
the microcontroller. It's a part of the SPI communication protocol.
MOSI (Master Out Slave In): MOSI is the data line for sending data from the
microcontroller to the SD card. It's also used in the SPI communication.
SCK (Serial Clock): SCK is the clock signal used in the SPI protocol to synchronize data
transfer between the microcontroller and the SD card.
CS (Chip Select): The Chip Select pin enables or disables communication with the SD card.
When CS is set low (usually pulled to GND), it indicates that the module is selected and
ready for data exchange.

Specifications
Specification Description

Voltage Compatibility Typically operates at 3.3V

Communication Protocol SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface)

Supported SD Card Types Compatible with SD, SDHC, SDXC cards

Data Transfer Speed Standard data rates (e.g., 100 kHz to 25 MHz)

File System Support Works with file systems like FAT16 or FAT32

Varies, but usually includes power, ground, MISO, MOSI, SCK, and CS
Pin Configuration pins

Size and Form Factor Varies, with options for compact designs

Write Protection Optional feature for data write protection

Card Detection Optional card detect feature for presence detection

Dimensions 4 x 2.5 x 0.5 cm; 20 Grams

Mounting Options Consider surface mounting, through-hole, or other options

Working
Power Supply: The SD card module requires a stable power supply, typically 3.3V, to
operate. This voltage level is essential to ensure that the SD card and the module work
correctly. It's important to provide a clean and regulated power source.
Initialization: Before any communication can occur, the SD card needs to be initialized. This
initialization process involves several steps, including:
 Powering up the module.
 Setting the SPI communication mode and configuring the microcontroller's SPI interface.
 Sending initialization commands to the SD card. The most crucial command is the
"CMD0" command, which resets the card and prepares it for communication.
SPI Communication: The module communicates with the SD card using the Serial
Peripheral Interface (SPI) protocol. SPI uses four key lines:
 MISO (Master In Slave Out): Data flows from the card to the microcontroller.
 MOSI (Master Out Slave In): Data flows from the microcontroller to the card.
 SCK (Serial Clock): Provides the clock signal for synchronizing data transfer.
 CS (Chip Select): This pin enables or disables communication with the SD card. It is
pulled low to select the card and initiate data transfer.
Command Structure: To read or write data, specific commands are sent to the SD card.
These commands are 6 bytes long and include the command index, arguments, and a
checksum. For example, the "CMD17" command is used to read a single block of data.
Data Transfer: When reading from the SD card, the microcontroller sends a read command
(e.g., CMD17), and the data is transferred from the card to the microcontroller via the MISO
line. When writing to the SD card, a write command (e.g., CMD24) is issued, and data is
transmitted from the microcontroller to the card via the MOSI line. Data is sent in blocks,
typically 512 bytes at a time.
File System Access: SD cards typically use file systems like FAT16 or FAT32 to organize
data. The microcontroller and associated software must work with these file systems to
create, read, write, and delete files on the card. Libraries or drivers handle these file system
operations, abstracting the complexity for the developer.
Error Handling: Robust error handling is crucial when working with SD cards. Errors can
occur during data transfer, such as timeouts, CRC errors, or voltage issues. It's essential to
implement error-checking mechanisms in your code to handle these situations gracefully.
Chip Select (CS): The Chip Select pin is a vital part of the SPI communication. It is pulled
low to select the SD card, indicating that it is ready to receive commands and data. After data
transfer is complete, CS is released.
Card Detection (CD): Some modules include a card detect (CD) feature. This pin can be
connected to the microcontroller to check if an SD card is inserted into the module's slot. It's
particularly useful to prevent data access when no card is present.
Write Protection (WP): If your module has a write protect (WP) feature, you can use this
pin to enable or disable write protection for the SD card. When WP is enabled, it prevents
data from being overwritten or modified on the card.
In summary, the working of an SD card module is a complex process that involves
power supply management, SPI communication, sending commands, transferring data,
interacting with the file system, error handling, and using pins like Chip Select (CS), Card
Detect (CD), and Write Protect (WP) where applicable. The specific details of how this is
implemented may vary based on the microcontroller, library, and SD card module you are
using. Careful consideration of each step is essential for successful integration into your
embedded system or project.

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