The Official BBC Micro:bit User Guide

Chapter 11

Extending the BBC micro:bit

In this chapter

Extending the BBC micro:bit with breakout boards

The BBC micro:bit and robotics: off-the-shelf solutions to building a BBC micro:bit-powered robot

Other notable BBC micro:bit add-ons

THE BBC MICRO:BIT is a powerful device in its own right, but it really comes into its own when it’s paired with hardware that expands its capabilities. From simple breakout boards which provide easy access to the 20 small pins spaced along its edge connector to kits for building your own autonomous robots, this chapter introduces some of the accessories available for building more complex projects.

WARNING

Only use add-on boards and devices which are sold as being compatible with the BBC micro:bit. Microcontrollers use a range of different voltages, and hardware made for a microcontroller running at 5V will at best fail to work properly with the 3V BBC micro:bit or at worst could damage your BBC micro:bit.

Extending via Breakout Boards

The large pins on the BBC micro:bit's edge connector are enough to build small projects, but eventually you'll find yourself needing more. A breakout board provides easy access to the smaller pins on the edge ...