Cirkit Designer Logo
Cirkit Designer
Your all-in-one circuit design IDE
Home / 
Component Documentation

How to Use Teensy 3.1: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

Image of Teensy 3.1
Cirkit Designer LogoDesign with Teensy 3.1 in Cirkit Designer

Introduction

The Teensy 3.1 is a compact and powerful microcontroller board based on the ARM Cortex-M4 processor. It features 32KB of RAM, 256KB of flash memory, and built-in support for USB connectivity. This versatile board is designed for a wide range of embedded projects, including robotics, IoT devices, audio processing, and more. Its small form factor and high performance make it an excellent choice for both hobbyists and professionals.

Explore Projects Built with Teensy 3.1

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!
Teensy 4.1 Based Microcontroller Project with Basic Setup and Loop
Image of teensynew: A project utilizing Teensy 3.1 in a practical application
The circuit consists of a Teensy 4.1 microcontroller with no external components connected. The provided code includes an empty setup and loop function, indicating that the microcontroller is not performing any specific tasks.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Teensy 4.0 Audio Visualizer with Temperature Sensing
Image of Proj1: A project utilizing Teensy 3.1 in a practical application
This circuit features a Teensy 4.0 microcontroller connected to a Teensy audio shield for audio processing capabilities. An RGB LED is included, with each color channel connected through a 220-ohm resistor for current limiting. Additionally, an NTC thermistor is interfaced with the Teensy 4.0 for temperature sensing, with a 1k-ohm resistor forming a voltage divider for analog input.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Teensy 4.0 Audio Controller with Adjustable Volume and Power Management
Image of proj2: A project utilizing Teensy 3.1 in a practical application
This circuit features a Teensy 4.0 microcontroller interfaced with an audio shield for audio processing, controlled by a potentiometer for volume adjustment. It is powered by an Adafruit PowerBoost 1000C with a toggle switch for power control, and includes a 12-pin FFC converter for additional connectivity options.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Teensy 4.1 Based Biometric Data Acquisition System with AD8232 Heart Rate Monitor and LIS3DH Accelerometer
Image of Teensy 4.1 accelerometer: A project utilizing Teensy 3.1 in a practical application
This circuit integrates a Teensy 4.1 microcontroller with an Adafruit LIS3DH Triple-Axis Accelerometer and an AD8232 Heart Rate Monitor. The accelerometer communicates with the Teensy via I2C (SCL and SDA lines), while the heart rate monitor's output and lead-off detection (LO+ and LO-) are connected to the Teensy's analog inputs. The circuit is designed to measure both acceleration and heart rate signals, likely for a wearable or health monitoring device.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer

Explore Projects Built with Teensy 3.1

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!
Image of teensynew: A project utilizing Teensy 3.1 in a practical application
Teensy 4.1 Based Microcontroller Project with Basic Setup and Loop
The circuit consists of a Teensy 4.1 microcontroller with no external components connected. The provided code includes an empty setup and loop function, indicating that the microcontroller is not performing any specific tasks.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of Proj1: A project utilizing Teensy 3.1 in a practical application
Teensy 4.0 Audio Visualizer with Temperature Sensing
This circuit features a Teensy 4.0 microcontroller connected to a Teensy audio shield for audio processing capabilities. An RGB LED is included, with each color channel connected through a 220-ohm resistor for current limiting. Additionally, an NTC thermistor is interfaced with the Teensy 4.0 for temperature sensing, with a 1k-ohm resistor forming a voltage divider for analog input.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of proj2: A project utilizing Teensy 3.1 in a practical application
Teensy 4.0 Audio Controller with Adjustable Volume and Power Management
This circuit features a Teensy 4.0 microcontroller interfaced with an audio shield for audio processing, controlled by a potentiometer for volume adjustment. It is powered by an Adafruit PowerBoost 1000C with a toggle switch for power control, and includes a 12-pin FFC converter for additional connectivity options.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of Teensy 4.1 accelerometer: A project utilizing Teensy 3.1 in a practical application
Teensy 4.1 Based Biometric Data Acquisition System with AD8232 Heart Rate Monitor and LIS3DH Accelerometer
This circuit integrates a Teensy 4.1 microcontroller with an Adafruit LIS3DH Triple-Axis Accelerometer and an AD8232 Heart Rate Monitor. The accelerometer communicates with the Teensy via I2C (SCL and SDA lines), while the heart rate monitor's output and lead-off detection (LO+ and LO-) are connected to the Teensy's analog inputs. The circuit is designed to measure both acceleration and heart rate signals, likely for a wearable or health monitoring device.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer

Common Applications

  • Robotics and automation systems
  • Internet of Things (IoT) devices
  • Audio signal processing and synthesis
  • Data logging and sensor interfacing
  • Prototyping and educational projects

Technical Specifications

The following table outlines the key technical details of the Teensy 3.1 microcontroller board:

Specification Details
Processor ARM Cortex-M4, 32-bit, 72 MHz
RAM 32 KB
Flash Memory 256 KB
EEPROM 2 KB
Operating Voltage 3.3V
Input Voltage (VIN) 3.6V to 6.0V
Digital I/O Pins 34
PWM Pins 12
Analog Input Pins 21 (12-bit ADC)
Analog Output Pins 1 (12-bit DAC)
Communication Interfaces UART, SPI, I2C, I2S, CAN, USB
USB Support USB 2.0 Full Speed (Device Mode)
Dimensions 1.4 x 0.7 inches (35.56 x 17.78 mm)

Pin Configuration

The Teensy 3.1 has a total of 48 pins, including digital, analog, and power pins. Below is a summary of the pin configuration:

Pin Function Description
VIN Power Input Input voltage (3.6V to 6.0V)
3.3V Power Output Regulated 3.3V output
GND Ground Ground connection
A0-A20 Analog Inputs 12-bit ADC channels
D0-D33 Digital I/O General-purpose digital input/output pins
PWM Pulse Width Modulation 12 pins support PWM for motor control, LEDs, etc.
DAC Digital-to-Analog Converter 12-bit DAC for analog output
I2C SDA, SCL I2C communication pins
SPI MOSI, MISO, SCK, CS SPI communication pins
UART TX, RX Serial communication pins
USB D+, D-, VBUS, GND USB data and power pins

Usage Instructions

How to Use the Teensy 3.1 in a Circuit

  1. Powering the Board:

    • Connect the VIN pin to a power source (3.6V to 6.0V) or use the USB port for power and programming.
    • Ensure the GND pin is connected to the ground of your circuit.
  2. Programming the Board:

    • Install the Arduino IDE and the Teensyduino add-on to enable Teensy support.
    • Connect the Teensy 3.1 to your computer via a USB cable.
    • Select "Teensy 3.1" as the board in the Arduino IDE.
    • Write your code and upload it to the board.
  3. Connecting Peripherals:

    • Use the digital I/O pins for sensors, actuators, or other devices.
    • Use the analog input pins (A0-A20) for reading sensor data.
    • Use the PWM pins for controlling motors or dimming LEDs.

Important Considerations

  • The Teensy 3.1 operates at 3.3V logic levels. Ensure that any connected devices are compatible with 3.3V or use level shifters.
  • Avoid exceeding the maximum input voltage of 6.0V on the VIN pin to prevent damage.
  • Use decoupling capacitors near power pins to reduce noise in sensitive applications.

Example Code for Arduino IDE

The following example demonstrates how to blink an LED connected to pin 13:

// Blink an LED on Teensy 3.1
// This example toggles the LED on pin 13 every 500 milliseconds.

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

void loop() {
  digitalWrite(13, HIGH); // Turn the LED on
  delay(500);             // Wait for 500 milliseconds
  digitalWrite(13, LOW);  // Turn the LED off
  delay(500);             // Wait for 500 milliseconds
}

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Common Issues

  1. The board is not recognized by the computer:

    • Ensure the USB cable is properly connected and supports data transfer.
    • Check if the Teensyduino add-on is installed in the Arduino IDE.
    • Press the reset button on the Teensy 3.1 to enter programming mode.
  2. Code does not upload to the board:

    • Verify that "Teensy 3.1" is selected as the board in the Arduino IDE.
    • Ensure no other programs are using the USB port.
  3. Connected devices are not working:

    • Check the wiring and ensure all connections are secure.
    • Confirm that the devices are compatible with 3.3V logic levels.

Tips for Troubleshooting

  • Use a multimeter to check voltage levels and continuity in your circuit.
  • Test the board with a simple program (e.g., blinking an LED) to verify functionality.
  • Consult the Teensy 3.1 datasheet for detailed technical information.

By following this documentation, you can effectively use the Teensy 3.1 for a variety of embedded projects.