SparkFun Auto pHAT Robotics Board for Raspberry Pi

The SparkFun Auto pHAT Robotics Board for Raspberry Pi is a robotics board for the Raspberry Pi that provides 1.2A drive per channel, designed for robot and buggy projects.

Overview

The Auto pHAT Robotics Board from SparkFun Electronics is an all-in-one robotics solution designed specifically for the Raspberry Pi. It integrates the components needed for motor control and motion sensing into a single compact board, making it suitable for powering robot or buggy projects.

Motor Control

At its core, the board features a 4245 PSOC and a 2-channel motor port system. It can drive two DC motors, with or without encoders, and provides PWM control for up to four servo motors via an I2C connection. Each channel delivers 1.2A drive with a 1.5A peak, and 127 levels of DC drive strength allow motor output to be adjusted precisely. Feedback from up to two encoders is handled by an onboard ATTINY84A.

Motion Sensing

An onboard ICM-20948 9DoF IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) provides a 3-axis gyroscope, a 3-axis accelerometer and a 3-axis magnetometer. The IMU is accessible via the Qwiic connector and library, supplying motion data that helps a robot determine its orientation and movement in space.

Connectivity and Expansion

Control is available through standard I2C or the Qwiic connection. The full 40-pin header support allows additional Raspberry Pi HAT boards to be stacked on top without obstruction. The board also provides access to the Raspberry Pi camera and display connectors for multimedia applications.

Power

The board features 5V passthrough from the Raspberry Pi 5V rail. A dedicated USB-C connection powers the motors and servos and can also backpower the Raspberry Pi itself.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 36.5 mm x 26 mm x 13.5 mm
• Weight: 26.1 g