AM-001 micro:bit Expansion Shield – GPIO/I2C/SPI Breakout Board

SKU: FA1082
Compatibility

micro:bit V1 and micro:bit V2
Input Voltage

DC 5V – 9V (via DC Jack)
Output Voltage

Stable 3.3V DC
Interface Type

3-Pin GVS Header (2.54mm pitch)
Onboard Buzzer

Passive (connected to P0 by default)
Dimensions

Approx. 66mm x 57mm x 12mm
PCB Construction

High-durability PCB with heat dissipation
The AM-001 micro:bit Expansion Shield is a high-performance breakout board designed to maximize the potential of the BBC micro:bit for students, makers, and professional engineers. It simplifies the connection of multiple peripherals by breaking out all of the micro:bit’s proprietary edge connector pins into standard, accessible interfaces.
Long Description
The AM-001 micro:bit Expansion Shield is a versatile I/O breakout board compatible with both micro:bit V1 and V2. Designed for seamless integration, it allows users to connect a vast range of sensors, actuators, and communication modules without the need for complex wiring or crocodile clips. 
The board features a direct-insertion slot for the micro:bit and expands all available GPIO pins into a standard G-V-S (Ground-Voltage-Signal) 3-pin header format. Each header is color-coded (Black for GND, Red for 3.3V, and Yellow for Signal) to prevent wiring errors and ensure safety during prototyping. With an integrated voltage regulator and a dedicated DC power jack, it provides a stable 3.3V power supply, making it capable of running complex projects that require more current than the micro:bit can provide on its own. 
Key Features
  • Plug-and-Play Design: Features a user-friendly 40-pin horizontal socket for the micro:bit; no tools or soldering required.
  • Comprehensive Breakout: Provides easy access to all digital and analog pins (P0-P2, P8, P12-P16, P19-P20).
  • Advanced Communication: Includes dedicated interfaces for I2C and SPI protocols, perfect for OLED displays and high-end sensors.
  • Built-in Passive Buzzer: Features an onboard buzzer connected to pin P0 for immediate audio feedback.
  • Independent Jumper Control: A jumper cap allows you to disconnect the buzzer from P0, releasing the pin for other general-purpose I/O tasks.
  • LEGO Compatibility: Includes standard mounting holes (approx. 4.8mm diameter) compatible with building block friction pins for structural projects. 
Usage Guide
  1. Installation: Insert your micro:bit into the horizontal edge connector slot with the LED matrix facing up.
  2. Powering: For simple sensor projects, the board can be powered via the micro:bit’s USB port. For projects requiring more current, connect an external 5-9V DC adapter to the yellow/black DC jack.
  3. Connecting Peripherals: Use 3-pin jumper cables to connect sensors to the colored headers. Ensure the sensor’s Signal wire connects to the Yellow pin, VCC to Red, and Ground to Black.
  4. Audio Projects: Ensure the jumper cap is placed over the buzzer pins to use the onboard speaker via Pin 0 in MakeCode or Python.
  5. I2C/SPI Devices: Connect advanced modules (like OLEDs or accelerometers) to the specific labeled pins (P19/P20 for I2C and P13-P15 for SPI).
Q: Can I use 5V sensors with this shield?

This shield is specifically designed to provide a stable 3.3V output for 3.3V sensors. Connecting 5V sensors may result in inaccurate data or potential damage if the sensor’s signal return exceeds the 3.3V logic level of the micro:bit

Q: Why isn't my buzzer making any sound?

First, ensure the jumper cap is securely placed on the buzzer pins. Second, confirm your code is targeting Pin 0 for music or sound output, as the buzzer is physically wired to that pin

Q: Does this board require a special extension in MakeCode?

No. Since it is a direct breakout board, you simply use the standard pins (P0, P1, P2, etc.) already available in the MakeCode editor

Q: Is it safe for educational/classroom use?

Yes. The color-coded pin system is designed to prevent short circuits caused by reverse wiring, making it ideal for beginners and large-scale classroom environments

Q: Can I mount this onto a LEGO robot?

Absolutely. The board features mounting holes that are spaced and sized to be compatible with standard LEGO friction pins and M3 screws

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