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Grove Ecosystem Introduction

What is the Grove System?โ€‹

Grove is a modular, standardized connector prototyping system. Grove takes a building block approach to assembling electronics. Compared to the jumper or solder based system, it is easier to connect, experiment and build and simplifies the learning system, but not to the point where it becomes dumbed down. Some of the other prototype systems out there takes the level down to building blocks. Good stuff to be learned that way, but the Grove system allows you to build real systems. It requires some learning and expertise to hook things up.

The Grove system consists of a base unit (stem) and various modules (twigs) with standardized connectors. The people originating the Grove system (Seeedstudio) have tried to use "stems"and "twigs" as part of the Grove lexicon. After a short period of consideration, we are dropping those names. They just aren't needed and just confuse the issue.

The Base unit, generally a microprocessor, allows for easy connection of any input or output from the Grove modules. And every Grove module typically addresses a single function, such as a simple button or a more complex heart rate sensor.

You don't need a Base unit to connect up to Grove modules. You can use a cable (Grove to Pin Header Converter) to run from the pins on the Raspberry Pi or Arduino to the Grove connectors.

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Grove Selection Guidesโ€‹

Grove Projectsโ€‹

Here are some project made with Grove for your reference, more projects please refer to Recipe or Instructables.

Automated WateringIoT Jar NotifierMagic Mirror
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Crazy CaterpillarVoice-Control IR Remote ControllerPlant Watering Device
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Wi-Fi SpeakerDIY a toy carTemperature-controlled USB Fan
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Pokemon Go SAFETY BADGELED Clay OrnamentQuality of Life Meter
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Grove Minimal ThermometerMore Humane Moisture SensorPI Game Box
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Size of Groveโ€‹

There're 5 size of Grove.

1X11X21X32X22X3
20x20mm20x40mm20x60mm40x40mm40x60mm
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Here are the dimensions.

  • Grove 20X20 DIP:

  • Grove 20X20 SMD Horizontal:

  • Grove 20X20 SMD Vertical:

  • Grove 20X40 DIP:

  • Grove 20X40 SMD Horizontal:

  • Grove 20X40 SMD Vertical:

For the detail mechnical drawing, please refer to Grove Mechnical Drawing.

How to connect Grove to your boardโ€‹

If there's no Grove connector on your board, you need a Grove Expansion Board which to attach the Grove modules. The Grove Expansion Board provides the processing power, and the modules offer the input sensors and output actuators of your system. There are many Grove Expansion Boards for different platforms already, they include Arduino UNO, Particle Phone, BeagleBone board etc.

Arduino Base ShieldBase Hat for Raspberry Pi ZeroArduino Mega
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Base Hat for Raspberry PiNodeMCUXIAO
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!!!Note Arduino Base Shield works for:

* Arduino UNO/Leonardo
* Seeeduino V3/4/4.1/Lite/Clio/Lotus/Stalker

Interface of Grove modulesโ€‹

You may notice that there're 4 color of the Grove cable.

  • pin 1 - Yellow (for example, SCL on I2C Grove Connectors)
  • pin 2 - White (for example, SDA on I2C Grove Connectors)
  • pin 3 - Red - VCC on all Grove Connectors
  • pin 4 - Black - GND on all Grove Connectors

There're mainly 4 type of Interface of Grove modules.

Digitalโ€‹

A digital Grove connector consists of the standard four lines coming into the Grove plug. The two signal lines are generically called D0 and D1. Most modules only use D0, but some do (like the LED Bar Grove display) use both. Often base units will have the first connector called D0 and the second called D1 and they will be wired D0/D1 and then D1/D2, etc.

Examples of Grove Digital modules are: Switch Modules, the Fan Module, and the LED Module. In Figure 8, you can see what the Grove connector looks like on the schematic for the LED Grove module. They range from the simple to the very complex.

pinFunctionNote
pin1DnPrimary Digital Input/Output
pin2Dn+1Secondary Digital Input/Output
pin3VCCPower for Grove Module, 5V/3.3V
pin4GNDGround

Grove Analogโ€‹

An Grove Analog connector consists of the standard four lines coming into the Grove plug. The two signal lines are generically called A0 and A1. Most modules only use A0. Often base units will have the first connector called A0 and the second called A1 and they will be wired A0/A1 and then A1/A2, etc.

pinFunctionNote
pin1AnPrimary Analog Input
pin2An+1Secondary Analog Input
pin3VCCPower for Grove Module, 5V/3.3V
pin4GNDGround

Grove UARTโ€‹

The Grove UART module is a specialized version of a Grove Digital Module. It uses both Pin 1 and Pin 2 for the serial input and transmit. The Grove UART plug is labeled from the base unit point of view. In other words, Pin 1 is the RX line (which the base unit uses to receive data, so it is an input) where Pin 2 is the TX line (which the base unit uses to transmit data to the Grove module).

pinFunctionNote
pin1RXSerial Receive
pin2TXSerial Transmit
pin3VCCPower for Grove Module, 5V/3.3V
pin4GNDGround

Grove I2Cโ€‹

Those long term readers of this blog know that our favourite devices are I2C sensors. There are many types of I2C Grove sensors available. Most are 5V/3.3V devices, but there are a few that are only 3.3V or 5.0V. You need to check the specifications.

The Grove I2C connector has the standard layout. Pin 1 is the SCL signal and Pin 2 is the SDA signal. Power and Ground are the same as the other connectors. This is another special version of the Grove Digital Connector. In fact, often the I2C bus on a controller (like the ESP8266, Raspberry Pi and the Arduino) just uses Digital I/O pins to implement the I2C bus. The pins on the Raspberry Pi and Arduino are special with hardware support for the I2C bus.

pinFunctionNote
pin1SCLI2C Clock
pin2SDAI2C Data
pin3VCCPower for Grove Module, 5V/3.3V
pin4GNDGround

Grove Cablesโ€‹

Normal Grove Cableโ€‹

There're 4 size of Grove cables for your projects, the length is consist of 5cm, 20cm, 30cm, 40cm as well as 50 cm. As shown below.

5cm20 cm30 cm40 cm50 cm
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Grove - Branch Cableโ€‹

Grove Branch Cable is a cable used in the Grove system. It consists of three male-type latching connectors and four color-coded wires. Grove Branch Cables can be used to support daisy-chaining multiple Grove devices to a Grove shield. Typically, one end is connected to a Grove shield, and the second and third connectors are attached to two Grove devices.

As with other members of the Grove cable family, the male connectors are keyed. This means that they are shaped uniquely and will fit one and only one way into their matching connectors on shields and devices. Also, when attaching the connectors to shields or devices, be sure to press firmly to mate the male connectors on the Grove Branch Cable with the female receptacles on the Grove shield or Grove devices. Since Grove Branch Cables have latches (sometimes referred to as "buckles" or "buckled cables"), when the latch closes, you will hear a small sound and should see the latch close over its corresponding part. These latches (or buckles) improve connections, and are especially handy in high-vibration or production environments, since some force must be used when disconnecting the cable. When moving your Grove device, or changing it, you must also apply a small bit of pressure to release the latch on the Grove Branch Cable connector, and then pull to remove the it from the receptacle or socket.

Use extra care if connecting multiple devices using the Grove Branch Cable. Be aware that the analog or digital pin on the Grove Shield will be shared by both Grove devices. Such configurations may be inappropriate for two analog devices. Using a Grove Branch Cable to connect an analog and a digital Grove device may not work at all.

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Sample applications include:

  • Connecting or daisy chaining two or more I2C devices. Multiple branch cables can be used to extend I2C busses.
  • Connecting two devices that need to work at the same time. For example, a LED and a Relay could be connected to a Grove Shield using a single Grove Branch Cable. It would then be possible to turn both the LED and the Relay off or on simultaneously since the two devices would be controlled by a single digital pin.

Grove - Branch Cable for Servoโ€‹

Grove Branch Cable for Servos are another type of Grove Cable, and are primarily used to connect one or two servos to your project. They consist of three connectors: one keyed four pin male connector suitable for connecting to a Grove Shield, and two three pin male post-type connectors. In this configuration, power and ground (pins 3 and 4 from the four pin male) are carried to both three pin male connectors. Pin 1 (yellow)of the four pin connector is connected to one of the pins of the Arduino capable of PWM, and is carried out to one of the three pin male post connectors. Pin 2 (white wire) of the four pin connector is also connected to a second PWM-capable pin of the Arduino, and is carried out to the second three pin male post connector.

The four pin keyed connector of the Grove Branch Cable for Servos will usually be connected to a Grove Shield digital socket such as D2-D9. When connecting servos, make a note of the wire color of the digital PWM cable (yellow or white) to know which digital pin corresponds to the servo input.

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Grove to 4 pin Female/Male Jumperโ€‹

You can use it for:

  • Connect Grove device to the other MCUs, such as you want to connect Grove - Light Sensor to Raspberry Pi.
  • Use Base Shield to control some non-grove device

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CableLink
Branch CableBUY ONE NOW!
Branch Cable for ServoBUY ONE NOW!
Grove to 4Pin FemaleBUY ONE NOW!
Grove to 4Pin MaleBUY ONE NOW!

Grove Connectorโ€‹

There are 4 kinds of Grove connectors in our Bazaar: Universal 4 pin connector 90ยฐ, Universal 4 pin connector, Arduino mkr connector carrier (Grove compatible) and Grove Qwiic Hub Compatible with Grove/Qwiic/STEMMA QT Modules & Controllers. The universal 4 pin connector is used on Stem, Twigs and the Grove cables, the pin spacing is 2mm while Arduino mkr connector carrier is the perfect companion for Arduino MKR boards and a Grove ecosystem. Additionally, Different from our Grove system, Qwiic is an I2C interface system initiated by Sparkfun around 2017, using a 4pin JST SH 1.0mm connector. STEMMA QT initiated by Adafruit is cross-compatible with Qwiic, as they use the same connector/cable. To better support different types of interface systems, we provide Grove - Qwiic Hub, which enables you easily connect the I2C devices with Grove/Qwiic/STEMMA QT interface, get the best use of your devices/controller of different interfaces. And Grove - Qwiic Hub allows you to either use Qwiic/STEMMA QT modules on Grove controller or use Grove modules on Qwiic/STEMMA QT controller. You can cascade connect more than one Qwiic/STEMMA QT and Grove modules in one I2C bus with Grove - Qwiic Hub.

ConnectorLink
Universal 4 pin connector 90ยฐBUY ONE NOW!
Universal 4 pin connectorBUY ONE NOW!
Arduino mkr connector carrier (Grove compatible)BUY ONE NOW!
Grove Qwiic Hub Compatible with Grove/Qwiic/STEMMA QT Modules & ControllersBUY ONE NOW!

Grove Starter Kitโ€‹

We designed many kits for the beginner. Normally, a Grove starter kit include a Grove Extension Board, many Grove modules and a user manual, which include many lessons for the beginners. If you want to start a platform or just learn about electronic, Grove Starter kit is your best choice.

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There are many kits for different platform.

Kit NameLink
GrovePi+ Starter Kit for Raspberry PiBUY ONE NOW!
Grove Starter Kit for Azure Sphere MT3620 Development KitBUY ONE NOW!
Grove Beginner Kit for ArduinoBUY ONE NOW!
Grove Starter kit for Arduino&Genuino 101BUY ONE NOW!
Grove Inventor Kit for micro:bitBUY ONE NOW!
Grove Starter Kit for LaunchPadBUY ONE NOW!
Grove Starter Kit for BeagleBone GreenBUY ONE NOW!

Choose your Groveโ€‹

Want some Grove modules for your project? Here are some recommendations, more products please refer to Bazaar or Bazaar-Grove.

Grove Basic Input and Outputโ€‹

Grove - LEDGrove - Rotary Angle SensorGrove - Button(P)
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More DetailsMore DetailsMore Details
Grove - Micro SwitchGrove - EncoderGrove - I2C Touch Sensor
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More DetailsMore DetailsMore Details

Grove for Displayโ€‹

OLED Display 0.96" (SSD1315)OLED Display 1.12" V2Triple Color E-Ink Display 2.13"
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More DetailsMore DetailsMore Details
Tripple Color E-Ink Diaplay 1.54"0.54 Red Dual Alphanumeric Display4 Digit Display
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More DetailsMore DetailsMore Details

Grove for Motion Detectโ€‹

Single Axis Analog AccelerometerDigital Accelerometer(ยฑ400g)3-Axis Digital Gyro
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More DetailsMore DetailsMore Details
3-Axis Digital Compass3-Axis Digital Compass V23-Axis Analog Accelerometer
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More DetailsMore DetailsMore Details
3-Axis Digital Acc(ยฑ16g)6-Axis Acc&Compass v2.06-Axis Acc&Gyroscope
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More DetailsMore DetailsMore Details

Grove for Communicationโ€‹

Uart Wifi V2433MHz Simple RF link kit125KHz RFID Reader
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More DetailsMore DetailsMore Details
BLEBLE (dual model)BLE Shield
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More DetailsMore DetailsMore Details
NFC AntennaGrove - NFCGrove - NFC Tag
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More DetailsMore DetailsMore Details

Grove for Environmentโ€‹

CO2&Tem&Humi SensorMultichannel Gas Sensor v2Temp&Humi&Barometer Sensor
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More DetailsMore DetailsMore Details
Round Force SensorAir Quality Sensor v1.3Gas Sensor(O2)
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More DetailsMore DetailsMore Details
Dust SensorMoisture SensorIntegrated Pressure Sensor Kit
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Grove for Robotโ€‹

I2C Mini Motor DriverI2C Motor DriverGrove - Servo
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More DetailsMore DetailsMore Details
Line Finder v1.1Ultrasonic Ranger80cm Infrared Proximity Sensor
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More DetailsMore DetailsMore Details

Resourceโ€‹

[ ZIP ][Grove Mechnical Drawing](https://files.seeedstudio.com/wiki/GroveSystem/res/Grove_Mechnical_Drawing.zip)

[ ZIP ][Dimension of Grove 20X20 DIP](https://files.seeedstudio.com/wiki/GroveSystem/res/Grove-20x20-Plug-vertical.zip)

[ ZIP ][Dimension of Grove 20X40 DIP](https://files.seeedstudio.com/wiki/GroveSystem/res/Grove-20x40-Plug-vertical.zip)

[ ZIP ][Dimension of Grove 20X20 SMD Vertical](https://files.seeedstudio.com/wiki/GroveSystem/res/Grove-20x20-SMD-vertical.zip)

[ ZIP ][Dimension of Grove 20X40 SMD Vertical](https://files.seeedstudio.com/wiki/GroveSystem/res/Grove-20x40-SMD-vertical.zip)

[ ZIP ][Dimension of Grove 20X20 SMD Horizontal](https://files.seeedstudio.com/wiki/GroveSystem/res/Grove20x20-SMD-horizontal.zip)

[ ZIP ][Dimension of Grove 20X40 SMD Horizontal](https://files.seeedstudio.com/wiki/GroveSystem/res/Grove-20x40-SMD-horizontal.zip)

Tech Supportโ€‹

Please submit any technical issue into our forum.

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