The world of technology revolves around electronic components that perform automated tasks. For this, it is necessary to have devices that are... easy programming and adaptable to tasks That are required.
Arduino is a device whose software and hardware have open source, Therefore, it's an ideal tool for this type of work. In this article, we'll show you how. What is an Arduino and what are its most important advantages? that has to use this technology.
In addition, we will show you the most important elements of a motherboard and the different applications you can give to this type of device. Don't miss out on anything if you want to become an expert in automated mechanization.
What is Arduino and what is the story behind this brand?
Arduino refers to the open-source software electronic platforms and single-circuit boards manufactured by the company of the same name.They are characterized by having a single microprocessor, a RAM and input ports which, together, form a complete device used to build electronic components for different disciplines. It also shares the same name as the community dedicated to ensuring the project's continuity.
The development, both of the hardware and the software, is free to distribute They are licensed under the GNU General Public License and the GNU Lesser General Public License. Therefore, these computer boards can be manufactured, distributed, and sold free of charge by any person or company.
These devices were created in 2003 by a group of students from Italy Their mission was to find a tool that would facilitate its implementation for all users, whether they were beginners or had a specific profession. The main objective was to keep its acquisition cost as low as possible. and that it has the greatest versatility possible. Its name comes from an Italian bar that made reference to the Marquis Arduino I, where the creators met during the project.
In 2005, it was the first board sold with an 8-bit AVR microcontrollerBut it wasn't until seven years later that it underwent a significant evolution, leading to new models that began using 32-bit ARM Cortex M3 controllers. Initially, this presented some challenges in assembling the boards, as the AVR and ARM architectures are not identical, and therefore the instructions for each had different specifications for the assembler.
Once Arduino LLC was formed, these boards began to be manufactured and sold by external companies, who paid a commission to the owner of the software development.At the end of 2008, the year it was founded, the founding partners began to experience internal problems. This was due to the trademark registration. "Arduino" In Italy, one of these companies was involved, creating a complication when Arduino LLC sought to register its trademark worldwide. Consequently, legal disputes over financial matters began in January 2015.
In 2013, it is estimated that more than 700 license plates were sold. by the supplier Adafruit Industries. This demonstrates the success and acceptance these technological devices have among the public.
The Arduino Foundation was created in the same year that a partnership between companies and ARM Holdings was announced.whose Cambridge headquarters would then manage a significant part of this new company. This generates fundamental strategic changes that allow for further progress in the marketing of these plates, which cost around €30.
What are the main advantages of Arduino hardware and software?
The first thing we have to highlight as a characteristic of these devices is their simplicity. both in programming languages and in the circuit boards that are developed to make the software work as simply as possible. As we told you before, Arduino is an open source projectTherefore, any user can access the programming and make improvements for free, regardless of their level of knowledge.
It supports different operating systems such as Windows, Linux, and macOS. This makes it a very useful tool for running or programming on any computer, regardless of the operating system. Therefore, Arduino fosters compatibility among users Because by removing the OS barrier, it allows people to interact more frequently without having an external limitation to Arduino development.
When you need To program the microcontroller you will use a Wiring-based language.where if you wish To program the environment, you will need to use Processing.This allows for easy project development, as these programming languages are relatively simple, especially once you've used them. C (or C++) or Java.
As we mentioned before, there are two microcontrollers generally used by Arduino. One is the AVR, which operates at 5 volts, while the ARM Cortex-M3 uses 3,3V. This This results in a wide variety of motherboards with input and output ports. which allows for greater versatility for its intended use.
In order for these devices to function and interact with other elements, They need sensors or actuatorsThese commands can tell the Arduino to work independently of a computer, or they can tell the Arduino what actions to take.
How do Arduino boards work? Key components
The Arduino It consists of a plate which is based on a microcontroller which can be ARM Cortex M3 32-bit or AVR and which programming language it will be within an environment Arduino IDE. It has integrated circuits These are used to create instructions that will form a program that will be used to allow the Arduino to interact with other devices.
Various peripherals can be connected to the microcontrollerThis applies to both the input and output interfaces. This allows the controller to process the data according to its installed programming and output the information needed to execute the instructions.
The other components that an Arduino has These are analog, digital, ground, and PWM pins.In addition, it features a reset button, power indicators, and a voltage regulator.
What kind of devices and applications can I create with Arduino? Everything you can do
The Arduino can be used in two main groups. One is when this tool is used as a microcontrollerIt has software that works independently of any computer. This allows it to control devices that interact with the Arduino through actuators.
The other group is when the board is used as an interface for a device, who must perform a certain task. This requires connecting the Arduino to different sensors or actuators. These will send a signal to the motherboard, which will then tell the computer to perform a specific action. This is commonly used in video games.
We will explain in more detail all the uses you can give it:
Collaborative
Robotics is an ideal field for Arduino. This statement is due to the fact that, through these boards, mechanical movements can be built with electronic impulses by means of commands executed by a software program. The commands are created from a computer and sent by the computer to Arduino for execution., according to the needs.
Being open source makes it easier to include these devices, as they can be adapted to any kind of project.Whether due to its size or the distribution of its PINs, which allow for the input and output of electrical current in a versatile manner.
Use as a microcontroller
When Arduino is used as a microcontroller, The goal is to control or automate a specific process on a deviceTo perform this task, an input interface and an output interface are required. Peripherals that will help perform the task efficiently must be connected to these interfaces.
Peripherals are input into the microcontroller's memory so that, through the processing unit, it can send the information via the output ports. In other words, When they read information from the outside, they perform a specific process. and sends an automated response, according to the reading.
Use as an Interface
It is used as an interface to Arduino, for example, when the lights turn on automatically due to detected movement.For this, you will need to use a computer through which you will communicate with it via a USB portwhich should turn on the LED lights when it detects information captured by sensors of said Arduino interface.
For this type of operation, you can program it in C/C++ or Java, or any language that is not difficult for you.
XOscillo
You can transform your computer into an Arduino oscilloscope, achieving up to 1 MHz bandwidth. This will display electrical signals graphically on an XY plane. This will allow you to This will help you to know when the voltage input regulations occur at a given frequency.
Scientific equipment for research
Another frequent and very useful application of Arduino is in scientific equipment that can measure different aspects of science. For example, It is widely used in modern seismographs and meteorologyThese are used to manufacture equipment with Arduino boards. This allows for obtaining specific information, based on sensors or actuators, which is used in scientific research.
Medicine is another branch of science that uses Arduino to achieve positive results for human health. For example, a microscope can be created and that it gathers information to store it on a computer, according to certain parameters.
arduinome
Music recording studios use Arduino as a device that controls the interconnection between instrumentsIn addition, it also makes changes to microphones, computers, audio control consoles, and any other equipment necessary to produce a digital interface.
An Arduino can transmit music signals across up to 16 channels, allowing different devices to be connected to each channel. This achieves a perfect balance in the coordination of musical notes, sound frequency or stereo or multi-channel transmission, among other things.
OBDuino
You probably see them every day when you're driving and you haven't realized that you're looking at an Arduino. OBDuino is a fuel controller used in cars to make driving as economical as possible.It instantly displays the kilometers traveled and books used. This generates average, historical, and current results.
In Europe, the EOBD diagnostic standards are used. which also serve to have a complete monitoring of the different engine components, such as oil pressure, regulator charging voltage, etc.
SCA-ino
It is also used in automobiles and It is used to control the engine's idle speed sensor and the Check Engine light before ignition.Another use is to determine the amount of air entering the intake manifold. In this task, the Arduino works directly with the vehicle's ECU.
Humane Reader
The Humane Reader actually It is a library that can hold up to 5000 book titles that can be read on a home television.What's needed is a USB connection that allows interaction between the user and the large screen. This will allow users to easily and quickly select the desired item. It is characterized by its low price.
The Humane PC
With an Arduino device You can emulate a machine that works like a computer, which will have a keyboard normal and a screenwhich could be a television in your living room.
While an Arduino has microcontrollers, RAM memory, audio output, input and output ports, and even external storage with a card MicroSD While it fulfills the function of a complete PC, it cannot be used for large programming tasks. It is ideal for playing games.
Ardupilot
Arduino is also present in aeronautics. and it is used to assist an unmanned aerial vehicle, that is, what we commonly know as DronesThanks to these devices, the aircraft can be controlled via remote commands; they have sensors to emit and receive radio frequency signals.
But it's not only used in aircraft, but also in land vehicles. Remote-controlled cars are one example. Armies use a technology that was initially based on Arduino components.
ArduinoPhone
Arduino's versatility is so extensive that you can even create mobile phones. that have photovoltaic charging capabilities. This technology can increase battery life to up to 50 hours. It also supports the inclusion of microphones and speakers for making calls.
Although its construction is not simpleIt is also not unthinkable to have an ArduinoPhone with beginner users who know some basic rules of soldering and circuit integration.
Computer numerical control (CNC) machines
Computer numerical control is a program that is installed on an Arduino and It is used to keep the position of an element under control at all times.In other words, it is used to achieve extraordinary precision in the machining processes that are mounted on a machine to achieve a precise result in an object.
Programming is done in a 3D dimension with the XYZ axesThis determines the height, depth, and width that the desired physical element should have. This is why CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control of various machines.
Open Theremin One
With an Arduino You can control a theremin without needing to have physical contact with the instrumentThanks to the pre-programming you can do and incorporate into the device, you'll have a high-precision electronic musical instrument with simple programming.
printers 3D
A 3D printer is a clear example of where you can use robotics with an Arduino board.This is done independently of any computer. You only need to incorporate the instructions so that this computing device can independently execute all the commands you make externally.
It's very similar to a CNC machine in terms of programming, as it uses the XYZ axes. However, its operation is reversed. This is because with 3D printing you have to build the element from scratch, while with numerical control you have to refine that physical element to achieve the desired result.
Ambilight
So you can have it on your TV The contrast is adjusted according to the lighting level of the room where the TV is located.An Arduino is required. The device will control the feedback of the light emitted from the screen in relation to the ambient natural light. This is known as Ambilight.
For this, External sensors are necessary that can determine the degree of correction that the large screen needs to make.
