Introduction to Robotics and Microcontrollers

Introduction to Robotics and Microcontroller

• Robotics is the science of building and designing robots.
• A robot is a machine capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically, with minimal or no human intervention.

Microcontroller

• A microcontroller is a highly integrated chip containing all the components comprising a controller.

Arduino Board

• An Arduino board can read inputs (light sensor, button press, message) and convert them into outputs.
• Arduino boards are a popular standard for creating electronic projects due to their ease of use.

General Overview of the Parts List

• Arduino UNO is a development board with inputs and outputs used to manipulate the physical world.

USB A to USB B Cable

• Used to connect the Arduino board to the computer for uploading programs and sending data.

LED (Light Emitting Diodes)

• Light-emitting components used as visual indicators.

Resistors

• Electronic components used to limit the current flow in a circuit for protection.

Potentiometer

• A variable resistor used to adjust and control electrical devices.

Tactile Switch

• A mechanical device completing a circuit connection when pressed.

Light-Dependent Resistor (LDR)

• A resistive electronic component whose resistance varies with illuminance.

Connecting Wires (male-female)

• A connector used for connecting male and female headers.

Connecting Wires (male-male)

• A connector used for connecting two male headers.

Breadboard

• A device where electronic components are inserted to form a circuit.

Infrared Sensor

• A sensor used to detect infrared light.

Robot Car Chassis Plate

• An acrylic chassis used for holding all the robot's electronic and mechanical components.

Motor Driver Shield (L298P)

• An acrylic chassis used for holding all the robot's electronic and mechanical components.

18650 Lithium-Ion Battery

• An electrochemical component used to power the robot.

18650 Lithium-Ion Battery Holder

• A mechanical device used for holding the batteries in a robot.

DC Motor

• An electromechanical device that turns its shaft when a DC voltage is applied.

Proper Care of Components and Devices

• Don't supply voltages or currents higher than recommended on the components.
• Don't reverse the placement of the battery in its holder.

Arduino UNO - The Don'ts

• Don't supply the Arduino board with more than 9V.
• For pins needing only 3.3V or 5V, don't use sources higher than those values.

Components - The Don'ts

• Don't apply voltages or currents higher than recommended on the components.

Battery - The Don'ts

• Don't reverse the placement of the battery in its holder.

Introduction to Arduino UNO Microcontroller and Breadboard

Arduino UNO Microcontroller and Breadboard - Objectives

• Identify the basic parts of the Arduino microcontroller and breadboard.

Reset Button

• Resets the program loaded onto the Arduino board.

AREF (Analog Reference)

• Used to set an external reference voltage for measuring analog values.

Ground Pin

• Provides an equivalent to 0 Volts or negative potential.

Digital Input/Output

• Pins 0-13 can be used for digital input or output of signals.

PWM (Pulse Width Modulation)

• Pins marked with the (~) symbol simulate analog output signals.

USB Connection

• Used for powering the Arduino board and uploading sketches.

TX/RX LEDs

• Indicator LEDs to show transmit and receive data status.

ATmega Microcontroller

• Acts as the "brain" of the Arduino where programs are stored.

Power LED Indicator

• Lights up when the Arduino board is plugged into a power source.

Voltage Regulator

• Controls the amount of voltage going into the Arduino board.

DC Power Barrel Jack

• Connects a power source to the Arduino board.

3.3V Pin

• Supplies 3.3 Volts of power to the circuit.

5V Pin

• Supplies 5 Volts of power to the circuit.

Analog Pins

• Read analog signals from sensors and convert them into digital signals.

Parts of the Breadboard

• Power Rails: used to connect the power supply to the breadboard.
• Terminal Strips: main areas that hold electronic components to connect to other terminal strips.
• DIP Support: divides the connection between two terminal strips, named after the Dual-in-Line Package.

Breadboard

• Solderless breadboard allowing for prototyping without permanently soldering the circuit.
• Blue lines in image indicate connections.
• Outer pins in top/bottom regions are horizontally connected.
• Middle pins are vertically connected.