The Arduino circuit board is gaining popularity in the PCB industry over time. Many electronic engineers built their prototype with the Arduino PCB. Engineers use the Arduino PCB in several applications due to the benefits and features it offers.
Arduino PCB has been the brain behind the production of various pieces of equipment over the years. You might be wondering what Arduino PCB is all about. In this article, we will be discussing what Arduino PCB does, its features, benefits, applications, and limitations.
What is Arduino PCB?
Arduino is a type of printed circuit board that is an open-source platform. These circuit boards are utilized in developing electronics projects. These boards are based on easy-to-use software and hardware. They comprise a physical programmable board known as a microcontroller and software. Arduino boards are utilized to write and upload computer code to the physical board.
Arduino PCBs can read inputs such as a finger on a button or a Twitter message and transform it into an output like activating a motor. You can send instructions to the microcontroller of the board to tell it what to do.
Arduino PCBs have become popular due to the growing demands in the electronics industry. The Arduino is distinct from other programmable boards as it doesn’t require a separate piece of hardware to input new code onto the board. Furthermore, the Arduino software (Integrated Development Environment) utilizes a version of C++ which makes it easy to learn programs.
Arduino also offers a standard form factor that simplifies the microcontroller’s functions into a more accessible package. Arduino PCBs can be used to design digital devices with sensors and control systems. These boards are reliable for designing simple or complex devices.
Arduino was developed for non-engineers to have access to easy-to-use and low-cost tools for developing hardware projects. This board is launched under a Creative Commons license, allowing people to design their boards.
What is the Function of Arduino PCB?
The Arduino PCB was specifically designed for hobbyists, artists, newbies, hackers, and designers who want to create interactive objects. Arduino boards interact with cameras, LEDs, motors, buttons, speakers, mobile devices, and television among others.
The Arduino software and hardware are easy to learn. Due to this, a good percentage of users have contributed code and given instructions for several Arduino-based projects. Arduino serves as the brain behind most electronic projects. The USB cable from your computer can be used to power Arduino boards.
Arduino PCB contains voltage regulator, Main IC, USB, Rest button, Analog, and digital pins, ATmega Microcontroller, and power indicator LED. This board features a flash memory of 32 kilobytes for storing your code. Arduino microcontrollers are sensitive to the environment. It receives input from various sensors.
Arduino functions in several applications. They are used in designing prototypes and developing code-based control. This circuit board is also ideal for creating basic circuit designs.
Types of Arduino Boards
There are several types of Arduino Boards and each of these boards has distinct features, specifications, and uses.
Lilypad Arduino
This type of board is specifically made for integrating with e-textile and wearable projects. The Lilypad Arduino is round-shaped and helps to reduce snagging. It connects easily to other devices.
It utilizes the Arduino bootloader and Atmega328 microcontroller. Lilypad Arduino utilizes large pin holes to help them connect to other devices easily. It is commonly used to control various devices like light, switch, and motor. The components of Lilypad are washable since it is applicable in clothing industries.
This is a type of Arduino board that utilizes Atmega 32u4 in it. Arduino Leonardo comprises 20 digital output pins and input in it. This Arduino PCB board has one power jack, RESET button, and micro USB connection in it.
You can fix this board to a computer system through a USB connection. An AC or DC adapter can provide a power supply to this board. Arduino Leonardo uses a microcontroller that features an in-built USB connection. This connection eliminates the reliability of the extra processor in it. This type of Arduino is the cheapest.
Arduino UNO is one of the most recent Arduino boards. This type of board has various features that help users in their projects. It utilizes the Atmega 16U2 microcontroller. This increases the rate of transfer. The Arduino UNO board doesn’t require extra devices such as a keyboard, joystick, and mouse among others.
The Arduino UNO features SDA and SCL pins and two extra pins. This board comes with 14 digital output pins and input pins. 6 pins serve as analog inputs while another 6 pins serve as PWM. Arduino UNO can be fixed to the computer system through a USB port. This circuit board has 32KB flash memory.
Arduino Shields
This type of Arduino board serves as pre-build circuit boards that connect other Arduino circuit boards. Arduino shields are mounted on Arduino boards. They boost the capability of the board to be connected to the internet. They also control the motor, LCD, and establish wireless communication.
Arduino Mega
The Arduino mega circuit board serves as the microcontroller that utilizes Atmega 2560 in it. It features 54 output pins and input pins. 16 pins serve as analog inputs, 4 pins serve as hardware port, 14 pins serve as PWM. This board also features one power jack, one REST pin, USB connection, and an ICSP header.
It features extra pins that serve as a crystal oscillator with a 16 MHz frequency. Arduino Mega also contains 256KB flash memory that stores data in it. This type of circuit board can be fixed to the computer system through a USB connection. It comes with several pins fitted in it, making the board ideal for projects that demand more pins.
Arduino Redboard
Arduino Redboard utilizes a mini USB cable. This circuit board works perfectly with Windows 8 Operating system. When working with this type of board, you don’t need to alter the security settings. The Arduino red board utilizes a USB chip and FTDI chip to connect with other devices.
The design of this board is simple and it can integrate with other projects easily. You only need to plug the redboard and choose the right option to upload the program. You can control the Arduino redboard’s USB cable using a barrel jack.
Advantages of Arduino PCB
Arduino PCB helps you design and construct most electronic projects. This circuit board has its own advantages.
Reliability: Arduino circuit boards are more reliable for designing both simple and complex electronic projects. This board already features soldered output and input ports. When using it you don’t have to worry about the solder wearing off.
Cost-effective: Arduino boards are cost-effective options. They are relatively low-priced compared to other microcontrollers. The pre-assembled Arduino modules go for less than $50. You can assemble the cheapest version of the Arduino module by hand.
Ready to use: Arduino PCB board is simple and ready to use. This circuit board is a complete package that contains an oscillator, a serial communication interface, a burner, LED, micro-controller, and 5V regulator. With these components, you don’t need to think about the connection for programming. All you just do is plug it into your computer’s USB port, voila!
User-friendly: This is one of the benefits that distinguish this board from other circuit boards. The Arduino software is user-friendly for beginners and experts. This board features a clear programming environment that allows students to get familiar with how the software works. You don’t need to acquire much knowledge to start.
Open-source hardware: Arduino features open-source hardware that allows designers to construct electronics projects. This circuit board provides you with a collection of digital and analog pins. The circuit board has printed conductive patterns mounted on the surface of the insulating substrate.
Open-source software: The software of Arduino PCB is available for extension by professional programmers. You can expand the language via C++ libraries. Arduino provides project-based software. It also features C and C++ programming languages and support. Arduino integrated development environment (IDE) is very easy to use.
How to Choose the Right Arduino Board
Since there are several types of Arduino boards available it is important to know the appropriate one that suits your application requirement. The best way to choose this board is by distinguishing the trade names on the original boards.
The Arduino IDE can be used for the programming of circuit boards. The IDE of Arduino is written in Java. You can get inexpensive Arduino boards via online websites or at electronic stores. Arduino boards are available in different types and as such, they have different features, specifications, and benefits.
Choosing the right Arduino boards entails that you consider the application you are using them for. The choice of the Arduino board depends on the budget and requirements of the electronics project.
Conclusion
Arduino PCB can help you design and construct a prototype. If you are a designer, hobbyist, or artist who likes to create innovative objects, the Arduino circuit boards are a suitable option. The hardware and software of this board are open-source and easy to use. For the past years, Arduino circuit boards have been utilized to design thousands of projects. This board allows users to design and build several projects according to specific requirements.
