How to Use Arduino 101: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

Introduction

The Arduino 101 is a microcontroller board based on the Intel Curie module. It combines the simplicity of the Arduino platform with advanced features such as built-in Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) capabilities and a 6-axis accelerometer/gyroscope. This makes it an excellent choice for projects involving wireless communication, motion sensing, and IoT applications. The board is compatible with the Arduino IDE, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced developers.

Explore Projects Built with Arduino 101

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!

Arduino 101 OLED Display Animation Project

This circuit consists of an Arduino 101 microcontroller connected to a 0.96" OLED display via I2C communication. The Arduino runs a program that initializes the OLED and continuously displays an animated sequence of frames on the screen.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

Arduino 101 Based Touch-Controlled LED Matrix with DHT22 Sensor Integration

This circuit features an Arduino 101 microcontroller connected to a touch sensor, an 8x8 LED matrix, and a DHT22 temperature and humidity sensor. The Arduino provides power to all components and interfaces with the touch sensor via a digital I/O pin and the DHT22 sensor via another digital I/O pin. It controls the 8x8 LED matrix using SPI communication, with dedicated pins for data, clock, and chip select.

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Arduino 101-Based Interactive Voice-Controlled System with Load Sensing and LCD Feedback

This circuit features an Arduino 101 microcontroller as the central processing unit, interfaced with a variety of peripherals. It includes an LCM1602 IIC LCD for display, a membrane matrix keypad for user input, a SparkFun Load Cell Amplifier (HX711) for weight measurement, and a voice recognition module for audio-based commands. The circuit is powered by a 9V battery connected through a 2.1mm barrel jack, with power distribution to the Arduino and other components.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

Arduino 101 and ESP32 CAM Motion-Activated Servo Control System

This circuit features an Arduino 101 microcontroller interfaced with various components for sensing and actuation. A touch sensor and a PIR motion sensor provide input signals, which the Arduino can use to drive a micro servo, a passive buzzer, and communicate with an ESP32 CAM module for potential image capture or video streaming. The circuit also includes a red LED with a current-limiting resistor, and all components share a common power supply from the Arduino's 5V output.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

Common Applications and Use Cases

• IoT (Internet of Things) devices and prototypes
• Wearable technology
• Motion tracking and gesture recognition
• Wireless communication via BLE
• Robotics and automation projects
• Data logging and sensor interfacing

Technical Specifications

Key Technical Details

• Microcontroller: Intel Curie module (32-bit Intel Quark SE SoC)
• Operating Voltage: 3.3V
• Input Voltage (recommended): 7-12V
• Input Voltage (limit): 6-20V
• Digital I/O Pins: 14 (4 of which support PWM output)
• Analog Input Pins: 6
• DC Current per I/O Pin: 20 mA
• Flash Memory: 196 KB
• SRAM: 24 KB
• EEPROM: None (emulated in flash memory)
• Clock Speed: 32 MHz
• Built-in Features: Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), 6-axis accelerometer/gyroscope
• USB Connector: Micro-USB
• Dimensions: 68.6 mm x 53.4 mm

Pin Configuration and Descriptions

The Arduino 101 features a variety of pins for interfacing with external components. Below is a detailed description of the pin layout:

Usage Instructions

How to Use the Arduino 101 in a Circuit

1. Powering the Board:

   • Connect the Arduino 101 to your computer via the Micro-USB cable for programming and power.
   • Alternatively, use an external power supply (7-12V) connected to the VIN pin or the DC power jack.

2. Programming the Board:

   • Install the Arduino IDE on your computer.
   • Add the Intel Curie Boards package via the Arduino Boards Manager.
   • Select "Arduino/Genuino 101" from the Tools > Board menu.
   • Write your code and upload it to the board using the USB connection.

3. Using BLE:

   • The Arduino 101 includes built-in BLE capabilities. Use the CurieBLE library to create BLE peripherals or central devices.
   • Pair the board with a BLE-compatible device (e.g., smartphone) for wireless communication.

4. Using the IMU:

   • The 6-axis accelerometer/gyroscope can be accessed using the CurieIMU library.
   • Use it for motion tracking, gesture recognition, or orientation sensing.

Example: Reading Accelerometer Data

Here is an example of how to read accelerometer data using the CurieIMU library:

#include <CurieIMU.h>

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600); // Initialize serial communication
  while (!Serial);    // Wait for the serial port to open

  CurieIMU.begin();   // Initialize the IMU
  Serial.println("IMU initialized!");

  // Set accelerometer range to ±4g
  CurieIMU.setAccelerometerRange(4);
}

void loop() {
  int ax, ay, az;

  // Read accelerometer values
  CurieIMU.readAccelerometer(ax, ay, az);

  // Print the values to the Serial Monitor
  Serial.print("Accelerometer: ");
  Serial.print("X = "); Serial.print(ax);
  Serial.print(", Y = "); Serial.print(ay);
  Serial.print(", Z = "); Serial.println(az);

  delay(500); // Wait for 500ms before the next reading
}

Important Considerations and Best Practices

• Voltage Levels: The Arduino 101 operates at 3.3V logic levels. Ensure that any external components connected to the I/O pins are compatible with 3.3V.
• Power Supply: Avoid exceeding the recommended input voltage range (7-12V) to prevent damage to the board.
• BLE Range: The BLE range is limited to approximately 10-15 meters. Ensure there are no significant obstacles between the board and the paired device.
• Libraries: Use the CurieBLE and CurieIMU libraries for BLE and IMU functionality, respectively. These libraries are specifically designed for the Arduino 101.

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Common Issues and Solutions

1. Problem: The board is not recognized by the Arduino IDE.
   Solution:

   • Ensure the correct drivers are installed.
   • Check that the Intel Curie Boards package is installed in the Boards Manager.
   • Verify that the correct COM port is selected in the Tools > Port menu.

2. Problem: BLE connection is unstable or not working.
   Solution:

   • Ensure the BLE device is within range (10-15 meters).
   • Check that the CurieBLE library is correctly implemented in your code.
   • Restart both the Arduino 101 and the BLE device to reset the connection.

3. Problem: IMU readings are inconsistent or incorrect.
   Solution:

   • Calibrate the IMU using the CurieIMU library's calibration functions.
   • Ensure the board is placed on a stable surface during initialization.

4. Problem: The board does not power on.
   Solution:

   • Check the power source and connections.
   • Ensure the input voltage is within the recommended range (7-12V).
   • Try using a different USB cable or power adapter.

FAQs

• Q: Can I use the Arduino 101 with 5V sensors?
  A: Yes, but you will need a level shifter to convert the 5V signals to 3.3V.

• Q: Is the Arduino 101 compatible with all Arduino shields?
  A: The Arduino 101 is compatible with most Arduino shields, but ensure the shield operates at 3.3V logic levels.

• Q: How do I update the firmware on the Arduino 101?
  A: Use the "Firmware Updater" tool in the Arduino IDE to update the Curie module firmware.

• Q: Can I use the Arduino 101 for battery-powered projects?
  A: Yes, you can use a battery pack (7-12V) connected to the VIN pin or DC power jack.