How to Use Nano 3.0 ATmega328P Type-C USB CH340 Controller Board: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Nano 3.0 ATmega328P Type-C USB CH340 Controller Board by HiLetgo is a compact and versatile microcontroller development platform. It is based on the popular ATmega328P microcontroller and features a Type-C USB port for programming and power, with the CH340 chip serving as the USB-to-serial converter. This board is widely used in electronics projects, from simple DIY tasks to complex prototypes, due to its small form factor and ease of use.

Common applications include:

• Hobbyist electronics projects
• Prototyping for embedded systems
• Educational purposes in schools and workshops
• IoT devices and smart home applications
• Robotics and control systems

• 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
• USB Chip: CH340
• USB Connector: Type-C

1. Powering the Board:

   • Connect the board to a computer via a Type-C USB cable to power it and program it.
   • Alternatively, apply an external power supply (7-12V recommended) to the VIN pin.

2. Programming the Board:

   • Select "Arduino Nano" as the board type in the Arduino IDE.
   • Choose "ATmega328P" as the processor.
   • Select the appropriate COM port for the CH340 USB-to-serial chip.

3. Connecting Peripherals:

   • Use the digital and analog pins to connect sensors, actuators, and other peripherals.
   • Ensure that the connected devices are compatible with the voltage and current specifications of the board's pins.

• Always disconnect the board from power sources before making or altering connections.
• Do not exceed the voltage and current limits to prevent damage to the board.
• Use a current limiting resistor when connecting LEDs to the digital I/O pins.
• Utilize the onboard 3.3V regulator when interfacing with 3.3V logic level components.

• Board not recognized by the computer:

  • Ensure the Type-C USB cable is properly connected and functioning.
  • Install the CH340 drivers if they are not already installed on your computer.

• Incorrect voltage output:

  • Check the power supply and connections.
  • Verify that the board is not in a brown-out state due to an insufficient power supply.

• Program not running as expected:

  • Double-check the code for errors.
  • Ensure that the correct board and processor are selected in the Arduino IDE.

• If the board is not recognized, try a different USB port or cable.
• For driver issues, download the latest CH340 drivers from the manufacturer's website.
• Use a multimeter to check voltages and continuity in your circuit.
• Simplify your setup to isolate the problem.

Q: Can I power the Nano 3.0 board with more than 12V? A: While the board can technically handle up to 20V, it is recommended to stay within the 7-12V range to prevent overheating and potential damage.

Q: How do I reset the board? A: You can reset the board by briefly connecting the RESET pin to GND or by pressing the onboard reset button.

Q: What should I do if I'm getting upload errors? A: Check your connections, ensure the correct board and processor are selected, and that the correct COM port is chosen. Also, verify that the bootloader on the board is functioning correctly.

// Blink an LED connected to pin 13

void setup() {
  pinMode(13, OUTPUT); // Set 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 demonstration purposes and assumes an LED is connected to pin 13 with a suitable current-limiting resistor.