Arduino Lab Overview

Arduino Lab

• Arduino is an open-source electronics platform based on easy-to-use hardware and software.
• Hardware consists of a microcontroller (small computer) on a board with input/output pins that interface with electronic components like sensors, motors, and LEDs.
• Software includes the Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE), which allows for writing and uploading code (sketches) to the board.

Common Arduino Boards

• Arduino Uno: The most popular and widely used board ideal for beginners due to its balanced simplicity and functionality. Typical uses include basic to intermediate projects like controlling LEDs, sensors, motors, and more.

  • Key Features: ATmega328P microcontroller, 14 digital I/O pins (6 PWM outputs), 8 analog input pins, 5V operating voltage, 32KB flash memory, mini-USB (Type B) connection, Arduino IDE programming interface via USB, and external power supply options (6-12V).

• Arduino Nano: A smaller, more compact version of the Uno. Suited for projects where space is limited like wearable devices, portable electronics, and breadboard prototyping. Similar functionality to the Uno but designed for breadboards.

  • Key Features: ATmega328P microcontroller, 14 digital I/O pins (6 PWM outputs), 6 analog input pins, 5V operating voltage, 32KB flash memory, USB connection (Type B), Arduino IDE programming interface via USB, and external power supply options (7-12V).

• Arduino Mega: Designed for more complex projects needing more I/O pins, larger memory, and higher processing power. Suitable for projects involving numerous sensors, displays, or communication modules, like robotics, automation systems, large sensor networks, and IoT applications with multiple modules or displays.

  • Key Features: ATmega2560 microcontroller, 54 digital I/O pins (15 PWM outputs), 16 analog input pins, 5V operating voltage, 256KB flash memory, USB connection (Type B), Arduino IDE programming interface via USB, and external power supply options (7-12V).

Arduino IDE

• Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is the primary tool for writing, compiling, and uploading code to Arduino boards.
• Beginner-friendly but powerful enough for complex projects.
• Provides a simple interface for programming Arduino boards using a language similar to C/C++.
• Code Editor: The main area for writing Arduino programs (sketches). Supports basic code formatting, syntax highlighting, and automatic indentation. Sketches are saved with the .ino file extension.
• Sketch Structure: The IDE sketch has two main parts.
  • setup(): Runs once upon power-up or reset. Initializes settings.
  • loop(): Repeats continuously after setup. Contains main program logic.
• Toolbar:
  • Verify/Compile: Checks for errors and compiles the code.
  • Upload: Uploads the compiled code to the connected board.
  • New, Open, Save: Basic file handling options.
  • Serial Monitor: Separate window for monitoring and communicating with the board via serial communication.

Key Features of the Arduino IDE

• Libraries: A large collection of built-in and third-party libraries. Extend the functionality of the Arduino code for sensors, displays, and communication protocols. Accessed via the Sketch > Include Library > Manage Libraries menu.
• Serial Monitor: Sends and receives text data via serial communication with the Arduino board. Useful for debugging and monitoring sensor readings.
• Serial Plotter: Graphically displays real-time data from the Arduino, such as plotting temperature values.
• Debugging: The IDE provides basic debugging using Serial.print() statements. Prints messages to the Serial Monitor to view variables, sensor values, and control flow within the program.

Functions

• pinMode(pin, mode): Configures a pin to behave as input, output, or input with a pull-up resistor.
  • pin: Pin number.
  • mode: Mode to set (INPUT, OUTPUT, INPUT_PULLUP).
• digitalRead(pin): Reads a digital pin's state (HIGH or LOW).
  • pin: Pin number.
• digitalWrite(pin, value): Sets a digital pin to a HIGH or LOW state.
  • pin: Pin number.
  • value: State to set (HIGH, LOW).
• analogRead(pin): Reads an analog pin's value.
  • pin: Analog pin number (e.g., A0, A1). Returns an integer between 0 and 1023, representing the input voltage between 0V and 5V.
• analogWrite(pin, value): Uses Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) to control a digital pin, simulating analog output.
  • pin: PWM-enabled digital pin.
  • value: Value between 0 and 255, where 0 is off and 255 is full on.

PWM (Pulse Width Modulation)

• Technique for controlling power delivered to electrical devices by modulating the pulse width of a square wave.
• Used in digital systems to simulate analog signals.
• Common applications include motor control, LED dimming, and sound generation.

Servo Motors

• Precisely controlled motors for angular position, speed, and acceleration.
• Consist of a small DC motor, a gear train, and a feedback system.
• Types: Standard, continuous rotation, micro servos.
• Control Position: Use PWM signals to control the motor's position. PWM signal's pulse width determines the position. Typically, 1ms sets 0°, 1.5ms sets 90°, and 2ms sets 180°.
• Feedback loop continually adjusts to reach the desired position.

Applications

• Simple LED blinking, control using push buttons.
• Traffic sign application, showing potentiometer values on the Serial Monitor.
• Potentiometer use as an analog input and servo motor control.

Explore the basics of Arduino, an open-source electronics platform that combines hardware and software for building projects. This quiz will cover common Arduino boards like the Uno and Nano, their features, and typical applications. Test your knowledge of microcontrollers, input/output pins, and the Arduino IDE.