SD card module wiring in Arduino - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the purpose of the CS (Chip Select) pin in SD card module wiring?

The CS pin tells the microcontroller which device it is talking to on the SPI bus. For the SD card module, it selects the SD card to communicate with.

beginner

Which Arduino pins are commonly used for SPI communication with an SD card module?

The common SPI pins are: MOSI (Master Out Slave In), MISO (Master In Slave Out), SCK (Serial Clock), and CS (Chip Select). On an Arduino Uno, these are pins 11 (MOSI), 12 (MISO), 13 (SCK), and a digital pin for CS (often pin 10).

intermediate

Why do some SD card modules have a voltage regulator and level shifter?

Because SD cards work at 3.3V logic, but many Arduino boards use 5V logic. The voltage regulator powers the SD card safely, and the level shifter converts 5V signals to 3.3V to protect the SD card.

beginner

How should the SD card module's GND and VCC pins be connected?

The GND pin should connect to the Arduino's ground (GND), and the VCC pin should connect to 3.3V or 5V depending on the module's requirements. Check your module's specs to avoid damage.

beginner

What is the role of the SPI clock (SCK) pin in SD card communication?

The SCK pin provides the clock signal that synchronizes data transfer between the Arduino and the SD card. It controls when bits are sent and received.

Which Arduino pin is typically used as the Chip Select (CS) for an SD card module on an Arduino Uno?

A Pin 13

B Pin 11

C Pin 12

D Pin 10

Pin 10 is commonly used as the CS pin to select the SD card on Arduino Uno.

Why is a level shifter needed when wiring an SD card module to a 5V Arduino?

A To convert 3.3V signals to 5V

B To convert 5V signals to 3.3V

C To increase the clock speed

D To power the Arduino

SD cards use 3.3V logic, so a level shifter converts 5V signals from Arduino to 3.3V to protect the SD card.

Which pin on the Arduino Uno is used for SPI Master Out Slave In (MOSI)?

A Pin 12

B Pin 13

C Pin 11

D Pin 10

Pin 11 is the MOSI pin on Arduino Uno for SPI communication.

What voltage should the VCC pin of an SD card module be connected to if it has a built-in voltage regulator?

A 5V

B 3.3V

C 12V

D GND

If the module has a voltage regulator, you can supply 5V to VCC; the regulator will provide 3.3V to the SD card.

What is the function of the SCK pin in SD card wiring?

A Clock signal for synchronization

B Data input to SD card

C Data output from SD card

D Power supply

SCK provides the clock signal to synchronize data transfer between Arduino and SD card.

Explain how to wire an SD card module to an Arduino Uno using SPI pins.

Think about the SPI pins and power pins on the Arduino Uno.

Describe why voltage level shifting is important when connecting an SD card module to a 5V Arduino.

Consider the difference between 3.3V and 5V logic signals.