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

Design with Arduino Pro in Cirkit Designer

Introduction

The Arduino Pro is a compact microcontroller board based on the ATmega328P microcontroller. It is designed for advanced users who require a small form factor for their Arduino projects. The Arduino Pro is ideal for embedding into projects where space is a premium and where the board will be permanently installed.

Common applications for the Arduino Pro include wearable technology, portable instrumentation, custom embedded systems, and high-performance prototypes.

Explore Projects Built with Arduino Pro

Arduino Pro Mini-Based Smart Home Automation with ADXL345 and RS232 Communication

This circuit features two Arduino Pro Mini microcontrollers interfacing with various sensors and actuators. One Arduino reads data from an ADXL345 accelerometer and communicates with an RS232 module, while the other controls a 2-channel relay to manage two 12V LEDs, a 1-channel relay to control a red lamp, and a buzzer. Power is supplied by 9V and 12V batteries.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

Arduino Pro Mini-Based Battery-Powered Temperature and Laser Display System

This circuit features an Arduino Pro Mini microcontroller interfaced with a USB Serial TTL for programming and power, a momentary switch for user input, and a 9V battery for power supply. It includes a KY-008 laser emitter, a 0.96" OLED display, and an MLX90614 temperature sensor, all connected to the Arduino for a potential temperature measurement and display application.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

Arduino Pro Mini Based GPS and Temperature Tracking System with Wireless Communication

This circuit features an Arduino Pro Mini as the central microcontroller, interfaced with a DS18B20 temperature sensor, a GPS NEO 6M module for location tracking, an ADXL345 accelerometer for motion detection, and an NRF24L01 module for wireless communication. The Arduino is powered by a 18650 Li-Ion battery through a voltage regulator, ensuring a stable power supply. A pushbutton is connected to the Arduino for user input, and resistors are used for pull-ups and current limiting purposes.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

Arduino Pro Mini and HC-05 Bluetooth Controlled Coreless Motor Clock with MPU-6050 Feedback

This is a motion-controlled device with wireless capabilities, powered by a LiPo battery with voltage regulation. It uses an Arduino Pro Mini to process MPU-6050 sensor data and control coreless motors via MOSFETs, interfacing with an external device through an HC-05 Bluetooth module.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

Technical Specifications

Key Technical Details

Microcontroller: ATmega328P
Operating Voltage: 3.3V or 5V (depending on the model)
Input Voltage (recommended): 5V - 12V
Input Voltage (limits): 3.35V - 12V
Digital I/O Pins: 14 (of which 6 provide PWM output)
Analog Input Pins: 6
DC Current per I/O Pin: 40 mA
DC Current for 3.3V Pin: 50 mA
Flash Memory: 32 KB (ATmega328P) of which 0.5 KB used by bootloader
SRAM: 2 KB (ATmega328P)
EEPROM: 1 KB (ATmega328P)
Clock Speed: 8 MHz (3.3V model) or 16 MHz (5V model)

Pin Configuration and Descriptions

Pin Number	Function	Description
1	RESET	Used to reset the microcontroller
2-13	Digital Pins	Digital input/output pins, PWM on pins 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, and 11
14-19	Analog Pins	Analog input pins (A0-A5)
20	AREF	Analog reference voltage for the ADC
21	GND	Ground
22	AREF	Analog reference voltage for the ADC
23	3.3V	3.3V power supply pin (3.3V model only)
24	5V	5V power supply pin (5V model only)
25	GND	Ground
26	Vin	Input voltage to the Arduino board

Usage Instructions

Integrating Arduino Pro into a Circuit

Powering the Board: The Arduino Pro can be powered via the Vin pin with a regulated 5V to 12V supply, or directly to the 3.3V or 5V pin if a regulated voltage is available.
Programming the Board: Use a USB-to-serial converter to connect the Arduino Pro to a computer for programming.
Connecting I/O: Connect sensors, actuators, and other components to the digital and analog pins as required for your project.

Best Practices

Ensure that the power supply is within the recommended limits to prevent damage.
Use a current limiting resistor when connecting LEDs to the digital pins.
Avoid drawing more than 40 mA from any single I/O pin.
Utilize the onboard reset button or the RESET pin for troubleshooting and resetting the board.

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Common Issues

Board not recognized by computer: Ensure that the USB-to-serial converter drivers are installed and that the correct board and port are selected in the Arduino IDE.
Incorrect voltages at I/O pins: Verify that the board is powered correctly and that the power supply is stable.
Sketch not running: Check the board's connection to the computer, ensure the correct board is selected in the IDE, and that the sketch is uploaded successfully.

Solutions and Tips

If the Arduino Pro is not responding, try pressing the reset button or cycling the power.
For issues with uploading sketches, double-check the connections between the Arduino Pro and the USB-to-serial converter.
Ensure that the bootloader is correctly installed on the ATmega328P. If necessary, re-burn the bootloader using an ISP programmer.

Example Code for Arduino UNO

// Blink an LED connected to pin 13 of the Arduino Pro

void setup() {
  pinMode(13, OUTPUT); // Initialize pin 13 as an output
}

void loop() {
  digitalWrite(13, HIGH); // Turn the LED on
  delay(1000);           // Wait for a second
  digitalWrite(13, LOW);  // Turn the LED off
  delay(1000);           // Wait for a second
}

Note: The above code is for illustrative purposes and assumes that an LED is connected to pin 13 with a suitable current-limiting resistor.

For further assistance or questions, users are encouraged to consult the Arduino community forums or the extensive online resources available for the Arduino platform.