How to Use Portenta H7: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Portenta H7, manufactured by Arduino, is a high-performance microcontroller board designed for advanced applications. It features dual-core processing with an ARM Cortex-M7 running at 480 MHz and an ARM Cortex-M4 running at 240 MHz. This unique architecture allows for parallel execution of complex tasks, making it ideal for applications requiring real-time processing and high computational power.

The Portenta H7 is equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, enabling seamless integration into IoT ecosystems. It also supports machine learning, edge computing, and industrial automation, making it a versatile choice for developers and engineers.

• Industrial automation and robotics
• IoT (Internet of Things) devices and gateways
• Machine learning and AI at the edge
• High-performance data acquisition and processing
• Smart home and building automation
• Wearable devices and medical equipment

1. Powering the Board:

   • Use the USB-C port for power and programming (5V input).
   • Alternatively, supply 6-36V to the VIN pin for external power.

2. Connecting Peripherals:

   • Use the digital I/O pins (D0-D21) for connecting sensors, actuators, or other devices.
   • For analog sensors, connect to the A0-A7 pins.

3. Programming the Board:

   • Install the Arduino IDE and add the Portenta H7 board via the Board Manager.
   • Connect the board to your computer using a USB-C cable.
   • Select the Portenta H7 from the Tools menu and upload your code.

4. Using Communication Interfaces:

   • Use I2C (SDA, SCL) for connecting multiple sensors or modules.
   • Use UART (TX, RX) for serial communication with other devices.
   • For wireless communication, configure the built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

• Ensure the input voltage does not exceed the specified range (6-36V for VIN).
• Use level shifters if interfacing with 5V logic devices, as the Portenta H7 operates at 3.3V logic.
• Avoid drawing more than 500 mA from the 3.3V output pin.
• Use proper decoupling capacitors when connecting external components to reduce noise.

The following example demonstrates how to blink an LED connected to pin D13:

// Blink an LED connected to pin D13 on the Portenta H7

void setup() {
  pinMode(13, OUTPUT); // Set pin D13 as an output
}

void loop() {
  digitalWrite(13, HIGH); // Turn the LED on
  delay(1000);            // Wait for 1 second
  digitalWrite(13, LOW);  // Turn the LED off
  delay(1000);            // Wait for 1 second
}

For IoT applications, you can use the built-in Wi-Fi to connect to a network. Below is an example of connecting to a Wi-Fi network:

#include <WiFi.h>

// Replace with your network credentials
const char* ssid = "Your_SSID";
const char* password = "Your_PASSWORD";

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200); // Initialize serial communication
  WiFi.begin(ssid, password); // Connect to Wi-Fi

  // Wait for connection
  while (WiFi.status() != WL_CONNECTED) {
    delay(1000);
    Serial.println("Connecting to Wi-Fi...");
  }

  Serial.println("Connected to Wi-Fi!");
}

void loop() {
  // Add your main code here
}

1. The board is not detected by the Arduino IDE:

   • Ensure the correct USB-C cable is used (some cables are power-only).
   • Verify that the Portenta H7 board is selected in the Tools menu.
   • Install the latest drivers and update the Arduino IDE.

2. Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is not working:

   • Check that the correct credentials are used for Wi-Fi.
   • Ensure the board is within range of the Wi-Fi router or Bluetooth device.
   • Update the firmware using the Arduino IDE.

3. The board overheats during operation:

   • Verify that the input voltage is within the specified range.
   • Avoid overloading the 3.3V output pin.
   • Use proper heat dissipation techniques if running intensive tasks.

4. Code upload fails:

   • Press the reset button on the board and try uploading again.
   • Check for syntax errors in the code.
   • Ensure no other application is using the USB port.

Q: Can the Portenta H7 run Python or JavaScript?
A: Yes, the Portenta H7 supports MicroPython and JavaScript through compatible frameworks.

Q: Is the Portenta H7 compatible with Arduino shields?
A: The Portenta H7 is not directly compatible with standard Arduino shields due to its unique form factor. However, it supports expansion through the high-density connectors.

Q: Can I use the Portenta H7 for machine learning?
A: Yes, the Portenta H7 supports TensorFlow Lite for running machine learning models on the edge.

Q: What is the maximum power consumption of the board?
A: The typical power consumption is around 500 mW, but it may vary depending on the workload and peripherals used.