Arduino overview

Arduino is a prototype platform (open source) based on easy-to-use hardware and software. /b10>It consists of a programmable circuit board called a microcontroller and off-the-go software called the Arduino IDE (Integrated Development Environment) that writes and uploads computer code to the physical board.

The main features are:

• The Arduino board can read analog or digital input signals from different sensors and convert them into outputs, such as activating the motor, turning the LED on/off, connecting to the cloud, and more.

• You can use the Arduino IDE (upload software) to send a set of instructions to the microcontroller on the board to control board functionality.

• Unlike most previous programmable circuit boards, Arduino does not require additional hardware, called a programmer, to load new code on the board. A ll you need to do is use a USB cable.

• In addition, the Arduino IDE uses a simplified version of C+ to make it easier to learn programming.

• Finally, Arduino offers a standard form factor that breaks down the capabilities of microcontrollers into easier-to-use packages.

The type of Arduino board

Depending on the microcontroller used, a variety of Arduino boards are available. /b10> However, all Arduino boards have one thing in common: they are programmed through the Arduino IDE.

The difference is based on the number of inputs and outputs (the number of sensors, LEDs and buttons that can be used on a single board), speed, operating voltage, form factor, etc. S ome boards are designed to be embedded and do not have programming interfaces (hardware), so you need to purchase them separately. /b11> Some can run directly from a 3.7V battery, while others require at least 5V.

Below is a list of the different Arduino boards available.

Arduino board based on ATMEGA328 microcontroller

Arduino board based on ATMEGA32u4 microcontroller

Arduino card based on ATMEGA2560 microcontroller

Arduino card based on AT91SAM3X8E microcontroller