Arduino board is a small circuit board. Its developers define it as “an open-source electronics prototyping platform based on flexible, easy-to-use hardware and software” (as cited in Fish, 2011, para. 4). However, it is, actually, a programmable logic controller. The board can control loads of DIY hardware projects. It is now widely used worldwide and the users are often students as well as professionals who are working on development of certain devices that are based on the use of actuators and sensors. Importantly, Arduino is supported by the online community and people are sharing ideas on improvements and possible uses of the devices.
The Arduino board was developed in 2005. It was a project of several students who studied at the Interaction Design Institute Ivrea (Italy). The board was created as an alternative to a more expensive one. Prior to creation of Arduino, people had to use a more expensive BASIC Stamp (that could cost around $100). Interestingly, the new board was named after a café where the students often got together. After completion of the project, the designers of the device worked on its further development. Major areas of the concern were its price, weight as well as availability to the public.
Clearly, the product has earned immense popularity among students and hobbyists as well as professionals. Remarkably, Arduino is available under Creative Commons Attribution Share-Alike license (Fish, 2011, para. 7). There is one significant point to be taken into account, as it can be accessible under copyleft license. Thus, although designers can modify and/or use the hardware, they cannot use the name Arduino without permission of the board developers. As has been mentioned above, Arduinos are supported by the online community and each user can share his/her ideas on any adjustments. It is important to add that the board costs only around $50, which is affordable for many.
As has been mentioned above, the Arduino Board is a (Atmel 8-bit) microcontroller. It includes certain components that enable the board to be incorporated into different circuits. One of major peculiarities of Arduino is connecters that can be used to connect the board to different shields. The boards contain a number of chips (usually megaAVR). In the majority of cases, Arduino boards contain a ceramic resonator and 5 volt linear regulator.
The boards are pre-programmed that makes it easier to upload programs to the flash memory. Notably, it is easy to use the board as the programing language is simple and similar to Java languages. As has been mentioned above, the boards can be quite easily adjusted to the needs of the user. At present, lots of Arduino products exist. They include (but are not confined to) Arduino USB, Arduino Mega, Arduino FIO, LilyPad Arduino, Arduino Nano, Arduino Serial and Arduino Mini (Hardware Index, 2014).
Clearly, this is a popular product as it can be used in many ways. For instance, Arduino USB can connect the board with a computer and it includes certain software that can be used for programming. LilyPad Arduino is a very useful board that is aimed at stitching into flexible applications. For instance, it can be used in devices adjusted to cloth or flexible fabric. Arduino Nano and Arduino Mini can be perfect for small breadboards. Although it is very small, its functions are preserved. Clearly, numerous shields expand the range of implications of the device. Thus, some shields enable the board to have wireless connection, which is very convenient.
The board can take inputs from numerous sensors as well as control a variety of outputs (for example, motors or lights). The board can be utilized with cameras, speakers, buttons, smart-phones, GPS units, or even TV sets. Arduino is often used by designers and hobbyists as the boards are easy to use and can be applicable in various settings. Thus, these boards can help on creating, robots, heating clothes, various gadgets, anything related to electronics and so on. It is often be used in 3D printers. Importantly, the online community develops numerous ideas that are further used to come up with new solutions. Therefore, using Arduinos is a never ending process that enables each user to utilize the device to the fullest and create new amazing things.
In conclusion, it is possible to note that Arduino is a small circuit board that contributes greatly to development of the world of electronics. Arduinos can serve numerous purposes and are always improved due to being open to the online community. Numerous shields expand the range of possible uses of the board. Arduinos are used in robotics and are often a part of such revolutionary thing as 3D printers. One of major peculiarities of these boards is their availability to the wide audience due to its price and connectedness to the online community. Thus, students, professionals and hobbyists create numerous new things and share their ideas. Clearly, such cooperation will definitely lead to development of many valuable and important devices that would help people make a difference.
Reference List
Fish, E. (2011). Geek 101: What is Arduino? Web.
Hardware index. (2014). Web.