How to Use Arduino Nano: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Arduino Nano is a compact and versatile microcontroller board based on the ATmega328P microcontroller. It is a breadboard-friendly board that retains the functionalities of the larger Arduino boards but in a smaller form factor. The Nano is particularly popular in prototyping, educational contexts, and embedded system development due to its ease of use and extensive support community. Common applications include DIY electronics projects, robotics, sensor interfacing, and interactive artworks.

• Microcontroller: ATmega328P
• Operating Voltage: 5V
• Input Voltage (recommended): 7-12V
• Input Voltage (limits): 6-20V
• Digital I/O Pins: 14 (of which 6 provide PWM output)
• Analog Input Pins: 8
• DC Current per I/O Pin: 40 mA
• DC Current for 3.3V Pin: 50 mA
• Flash Memory: 32 KB (ATmega328P) of which 2 KB used by bootloader
• SRAM: 2 KB (ATmega328P)
• EEPROM: 1 KB (ATmega328P)
• Clock Speed: 16 MHz
• LED_BUILTIN: Pin 13

1. Powering the Board:

   • You can power the Arduino Nano by connecting the USB cable from your computer to the Nano's mini-USB port.
   • Alternatively, you can supply voltage through the VIN pin (7-12V recommended).

2. Connecting to a Breadboard:

   • Insert the Arduino Nano into a breadboard to easily connect other components to the board's pins.

3. Programming the Board:

   • Connect the Nano to your computer using a mini-USB cable.
   • Select "Arduino Nano" from the Tools > Board menu in the Arduino IDE.
   • Choose the correct serial port from Tools > Port.
   • Write or open your sketch and click the "Upload" button to program the Nano.

4. Using Digital I/O:

   • Configure pins as INPUT or OUTPUT using pinMode(pin, mode);.
   • Read digital inputs using digitalRead(pin);.
   • Set digital outputs using digitalWrite(pin, value);.

5. Using Analog Inputs:

   • Read analog inputs using analogRead(pin);.
   • The default reference voltage is 5V, but it can be changed with analogReference().

6. Using PWM Outputs:

   • Use analogWrite(pin, value); to output PWM signals on pins 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, and 11.

• Do not exceed the voltage limits on the VIN pin as it can damage the board.
• Ensure that the total current drawn from the I/O pins does not exceed the specified limits.
• Use external power supplies when connecting components that require more current than the Nano can provide.
• Always disconnect the board from power sources before making or altering connections.

// The setup function runs once when you press reset or power the board
void setup() {
  // initialize digital pin LED_BUILTIN as an output.
  pinMode(LED_BUILTIN, OUTPUT);
}

// The loop function runs over and over again forever
void loop() {
  digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN, HIGH);   // turn the LED on (HIGH is the voltage level)
  delay(1000);                       // wait for a second
  digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN, LOW);    // turn the LED off by making the voltage LOW
  delay(1000);                       // wait for a second
}

• Nano not recognized by computer:

  • Check the USB cable and connections.
  • Ensure the correct drivers are installed.
  • Try a different USB port or computer.

• Sketch not uploading:

  • Verify that the correct board and port are selected in the Arduino IDE.
  • Check for errors in the code and ensure the correct bootloader is selected.
  • Press the reset button on the Nano just before uploading.

• Unexpected behavior in circuits:

  • Double-check wiring and connections.
  • Ensure power supply is adequate and stable.
  • Verify that the code corresponds to the connected hardware.

Q: Can I use the Arduino Nano at 3.3V? A: The Nano operates at 5V, but it has a 3.3V output pin that can be used to power 3.3V components.

Q: How do I connect multiple voltage sensors to the Nano? A: Connect each sensor's output to a separate analog input pin on the Nano. Ensure that the sensors are compatible with the Nano's operating voltage.

Q: What is the maximum current the Nano can supply? A: The Nano can supply up to 40 mA from each I/O pin, with a maximum of 200 mA across all pins. The 3.3V pin can supply up to 50 mA.

For further assistance, consult the Arduino forums and the extensive online community resources.