There are several open-source platforms for developing electronics projects. Arduino is one of such platforms. It is specially designed for creating and developing several electronics projects. Comprising a physical programmable circuit, and Integrated Development Environment, the Arduino can be used in uploading and writing computer code to a physical board. The physical programmable circuit board of Arduino is known as the microcontroller while the integrated development environment is the software.
Over time, the Arduino board has gained popularity among people who just started developing electronics. This is because Arduino is different from other programmable circuit boards developed in the past. Unlike those boards, Arduino requires no programmer to load a new code. All you just need is a USB cable and you are good to go. Asides this, Arduino offers several features and benefits.
Arduino features various boards. The Arduino UNO PCB belongs to the Arduino family. To explore the Arduino UNO PCB, you need to understand how it functions, its features and how to integrate it in your electronic project.
What is Arduino UNO PCB?
The Arduino UNO PCB comprises a physical programmable circuit and a piece of software. As a microcontroller, this board integrates the ATmega328. The Arduino board is a popular board which belongs to the Arduino family. It is a user-friendly board for beginners as it helps them build their electronic projects with much ease. Due to the features of this board, it is the most popular of all the Arduino boards.
Arduino UNO PCB comes with a lot of components which include 14 digital input/output pins, a USB connector, ICSP header, a power jack, and a reset button among others. These components are crucial in ensuring the functioning of the Arduino UNO PCB. Also, a USB port is used in charging this board. However, you can charge the Arduino board with its DC supply.
Components of the Arduino UNO PCB
As earlier mentioned, Arduino UNO PCB features various components which play crucial roles in its functioning. Arduino boards are available in various types. However, these components are common in Arduino boards.
USB Port
All Arduino boards feature a USB. There is a need to connect these boards to a power source. Therefore, the USB cable from a computer can power the Arduino UNO PCB. Also, this board can be powered by a power supply in a barrel jack. Arduino UNO PCB comes with a barrel jack and a USB connection cable. Another function of the USB connection is that it enables users to load code on the board.
Reset button
The Arduino UNO PCB features a reset button. If you intend to connect the reset pin to ground, you just need to push the button and then restart code loaded on the board.
Main IC
The main integrated circuit of the Arduino UNO board looks like metal legs. This component is the brain of the Arduino UNO board. In Arduino boards, the main IC differs. The main IC of the Arduino UNO PCB is different from another Arduino board. However, the main IC of the Arduino boards always comes from the ATmega line.
It is important to know the type of IC before you load a new program. The details of the main IC are usually written on the IC’s top side.
Power LED indicator
The Arduino UNO PCB features a LED which lights up anytime the board is plugged to a power source. The LED is just beneath the word “UNO” on your UNO PCB. If the LED on the Arduino UNO board fails to come on, something might be wrong. This can help you easily detect any problem with your board.
Voltage regulator
Another important component on the Arduino UNO PCB is the voltage regulator. This component regulates the amount of voltage that passes into the board. It is like a gatekeeper that rejects any extra voltage to your board. This extra voltage might be harmful to your circuit board. The Arduino UNO PCB has its voltage limit. Avoid connecting this board to a device with more than 20 volts.
TX RX LEDs
RX simply means receive while TX means transmit. The TX RX markings indicate the pins for serial communication. In the Arduino UNO PCB, you can see the TX and RX in two places. You will see it next to the TX and RX indicator LEDs. With these LEDs, users can know when the board is transmitting or receiving data. Therefore, the TX RX LEDs is a good indicator.
Pins
Every Arduino board comes with pins. However, the number of pins may differ according to the types of board. The pins provide space for connecting wires to develop a circuit. These pins feature plastic headers that enable users to plug a wire right in the board. There are different types of pins on the Arduino UNO PCB. Each of these pins is labeled. These pins serve various functions.
Crystal Oscillator or Ceramic Resonator
A microcontroller like the Arduino board requires a clock source. The operation of the microcontroller depends on the clock circuit. Also, the clock frequency determines the instructions per second a microcontroller will carry out. The ATmega series is usually integrated in Arduino boards. These microcontrollers can integrate two different clock sources.
Arduino UNO PCB Pins
The Arduino UNO PCB has various types of pins. Each of these pins has its own functions. Also, it is crucial in the functioning of the Arduino board. Here, we’ll be discussing the various pin types on the Arduino UNO PCB.
Analog pins
Arduino UNO PCB comes with six analog pins. These pins are labeled A0 to A5 on the board. Analog pins are capable of reading the signal coming from an analog sensor. For instance, they can read temperature and convert to a digital value.
AREF
AREF refers to Analog Reference. The AREF pin is usually integrated in setting an external reference voltage.
GND
GND is the short form of ground. The Arduino UNO PCB comes with several ground pins. Users can integrate any of these pins to ground their circuit.
Digital
The Arduino UNO board comes with several digital pins. These pins can tell if a button has been pushed. They are ideal for both digital output and digital input.
5V and 3.3V
The 5V pin supplies volts to the board. Basically, it supplies 5 volts of power. On the other hand, the 3.3V pin provides 3.3 volts. The majority of simple components integrated with Arduino run on either 3.3 volts or 5 volts.
PWM
The PWM pins function like normal digital pins. PWM stands for pulse width modulation. However, you can also use it for a Pulse-Width Modulation.
Importance of Arduino UNO PCB
The Arduino PCB is an ideal option for beginners. As a newbie in the development of electronic project, the Arduino UNO PCB will help you have an enjoyable experience. The UNO board comes with an innovation which makes it ideal for electronics projects. Also, the Arduino UNO PCB is the most popular board among the Arduino boards. Well, this board is preferable because of the following benefits.
Enables connection to other computer system
You can use the USB port in the Arduino UNO PCB to connect to other computer systems. The functions of the USB port involves supply of power to the PCB and can serve as a serial device to link the board.
Flexible microcontroller
Arduino UNO PCB features the ATmega328 which offers a great level of flexibility. This means users can easily replace the controller chip and remove it from the board if there is any damage. Other Arduino boards don’t have this flexibility.
Great power supply
The pins of this board provide great power supply. Also, the Arduino UNO PCB can get power from a direct current (DC) adaptor with a voltage of 12V. You can charge this board from an external power supply.
Simple board design
Another benefit of using the Arduino UNO board is its board design. The design of the board makes it easy for multiple users to use. Also, this board offers community support for users.
Low cost
This is an added advantage. The Arduino UNO PCB goes for a very low price. Its price is lower than most Arduino boards. Therefore, it is a go-to-option for engineers and developers.
Enables interaction with other devices
The Arduino UNO board features several components and can communicate with other hardware devices like motor control, Bluetooth, and more.
Features of Arduino UNO PCB
Arduino UNO PCB is equipped with a wide range of features needed to run the controller. This board offers the following features:
Quick start
The board has a reset pin that helps you reset the whole circuit board. Also, the reset pin comes in handy when the board stops working when running the program. All you need to do is push this pin and everything in the program will be cleared. After this, it will help you start the program from scratch.
Low voltage requirement
This board needs 5V to get turned on. Users can achieve this by integrating the USB port directly. However, the Arduino UNO board can offer support to external power source of about 12V. This volt can be limited to 3.3V or 5V according to the project’s requirement.
USB interface
This board features a USB interface. With this feature, you can develop a serial communication with other devices.
More number of instructions per cycle
The UNO board integrates the Atmega328 microcontroller. This microcontroller is equipped with features such as PWM, I/O pins, timers, and interrupts.
Greater flash memory
This board features a flash memory of 13KB which helps in storing instructions in form of code.
More storage
Arduino UNO PCB offers support for Micro SD card to help store more data.
Power alternatives
There are other power alternatives aside from the USB. Arduino allows users to use AC adapter or battery to power the board.
Plug and Play
This board requires no fast interface to link devices. Users need to plug the external device to the board’s pins.
Real-time Applications of Arduino UNO PCB
Arduino Uno PCB is suitable for use in several applications. Engineers and developers are integrating the Arduino UNO PCB for developing instruments and sensors used in scientific research.
The integration of Arduino UNO in developing some projects applications enhanced its use in several IoT projects.
Below are some real-time applications of Arduino UNO:
Home Automation System
The home automation system is an IoT project that can be developed with the Arduino uno board. This board develops the system with Bluetooth. With Houses becoming smarter, more people are integrating the Arduino board to achieve home automation. Also, modern houses are now using remote controlled switches, hence, there is a gradual shift in the way of design.
Auto Intensity Control of Street Lights
It isn’t possible to install High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps on street lights since you can’t control the intensity of this light. The Arduino UNO PCB helps in developing auto intensity street lights.
Plant Watering System
The Arduino UNO PCB is a great option for developing the plant watering system project. This system integrates a soil moisture sensor and waters plants based on the soil moisture level.
Other Applications of the Arduino UNO includes:
- Security and defense
- Embedded System
- Digital Electronics and Robotics
- Weighing machines
- Parking Lot Counter
- Medical instrument
- Traffic Light Count Down Timer
- Home Automation
- Industrial Automation
- Emergency Light for Railways
Conclusion
Arduino UNO PCB is a low cost microcontroller that comes with advanced features. Unlike other microcontrollers, its software runs in OS, windows, Mac, Linux. The Arduino UNO board is a good platform for the development of pilot projects and innovation of new technologies. This board features various components which play crucial roles in its functioning.
It is a user-friendly board for beginners as it helps them build their electronic projects with much ease. Due to the features of this board, it is the most popular of all the Arduino boards. As a newbie in the development of electronic project, the Arduino UNO PCB will help you have an enjoyable experience.
