CHAPTER-1 Arduino

Chapter 1: Introduction to Arduino

Concepts Covered

  • Microcontrollers

  • AVR Microcontrollers

  • Arduino Boards and Ecosystem

  • Features of Arduino

Microcontrollers

  • Definition: A microcontroller is a small computer on a single Integrated Circuit (IC) combining a microprocessor, memory, and programmable Input/Output peripherals.

  • Role: Serves as the "brains" of the Arduino, executing instructions and holding sketches data.

  • Applications: Widely used in embedded systems.

AVR Microcontrollers

  • Developed by Atmel Corporation, originated in 1996.

  • Characteristics: Modified Harvard architecture, 8-bit RISC type, featuring on-chip flash memory (unlike competitors with ROM/EPROM).

Other Microcontrollers Used by Arduino

  • Arduino Zero and MKR1000: Utilize ARM microcontroller units.

  • High-End Boards: Support Linux with Qualcomm Atheros microprocessors (e.g., Arduino Yun, Arduino Tian).

  • Arduino 101: Incorporates Intel Curie microcontroller.

Who Can Learn Arduino?

  • Originally designed for students.

  • Gained popularity in various fields: Education, Industrial Production, Healthcare, Mining, Traffic Monitoring, Research, Human-Computer Interface.

Features of Arduino

  • Inexpensive: More affordable than other microcontroller platforms; clones provide even lower-cost options.

  • Cross-Platform: Compatible with Windows, Linux, Mac OSX.

  • Open Source Hardware: Designs published under Creative Commons License.

  • Open Source Software: Programmed using official Arduino IDE and AVR C Programming.

Arduino Boards and Ecosystem

  • Comprises various products, categorized and officially supported.

  • Official Arduino Boards: Licensed, carry Arduino brand, sold through authorized distributors.

Examples of Official Arduino Manufacturers

  1. SmartProjects (Italy)

  2. Sparkfun (USA)

  3. DogHunter (China)

Popular Arduino Boards

  • Arduino Uno: Best for beginners; uses ATmega328P.

  • Arduino Leonardo: Entry-level; uses ATmega32u4.

  • Arduino 101: Uses 32-bit Intel Curie.

  • Arduino Esplora: Based on Leonardo with integrated sensors.

  • Arduino Micro: Smallest board; based on ATmega32U4 with USB connectivity.

  • Arduino Nano: Breadboard friendly; uses ATmega328.

  • Arduino Mega: More I/O pins; based on ATmega2560.

  • Arduino Zero and M0 PRO: Use 32-bit ATSAMD21G18.

  • Linux-based Boards:

    • Arduino Yún: Atheros AR9331 microprocessor.

    • Arduino Industrial 101: Small form factor version of Yún.

    • Arduino Tian: Features Atheros AR9342 microprocessor.

  • Wearable Projects:

    • Lilypad Arduino USB: For wearables; low power ATmega resistors.

Arduino Derivatives and Clones

  • Derivatives: Licensed products like Adafruit Flora and Teensy, supported by IDE.

  • Clones: Open-source boards are made by others; compatible with official IDE (e.g., Freeduino, Sainsmart).

  • Counterfeits: Unauthorized products using Arduino branding; lack replacement support.