How to Use Adafruit USB Boarduino: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Adafruit USB Boarduino is a versatile, breadboard-friendly development board based on the ATmega328 microcontroller. It is designed for hobbyists, educators, and professionals who need a compact, easy-to-use platform for electronic projects and prototypes. The Boarduino's USB interface simplifies programming and provides a convenient way to communicate with a computer.

• Prototyping electronic circuits
• Educational projects in schools and workshops
• DIY home automation systems
• Robotics and control systems
• Wearable electronics

• Microcontroller: ATmega328
• 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: 6
• DC Current per I/O Pin: 40 mA
• DC Current for 3.3V Pin: 50 mA
• Flash Memory: 32 KB (ATmega328) of which 0.5 KB used by bootloader
• SRAM: 2 KB (ATmega328)
• EEPROM: 1 KB (ATmega328)
• Clock Speed: 16 MHz
• USB Connection: via FTDI

1. Powering the Boarduino:

   • Connect a 7-12V power supply to the VIN and GND pins, or plug in the USB cable to power the board from your computer.

2. Programming the Boarduino:

   • Install the Arduino IDE on your computer.
   • Connect the Boarduino to your computer using a USB cable.
   • Select "Arduino UNO" in the Tools > Board menu.
   • Write your sketch and upload it to the Boarduino using the IDE.

3. Using Digital I/O Pins:

   • Configure the pins as INPUT or OUTPUT using the pinMode() function.
   • Read digital inputs using the digitalRead() function.
   • Set digital outputs using the digitalWrite() function.

4. Using Analog Input Pins:

   • Read analog inputs using the analogRead() function.

5. Using PWM Outputs:

   • Generate PWM signals on pins 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, and 11 using the analogWrite() function.

• Always disconnect the Boarduino from power sources before making or altering connections.
• Ensure that the power supply voltage does not exceed the recommended limits to prevent damage.
• Use current-limiting resistors with LEDs and other sensitive components.
• Avoid drawing more than 40 mA from any I/O pin.

// 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
}

• Boarduino not recognized by computer:

  • Ensure the USB cable is properly connected and the computer's USB port is functioning.
  • Check that the correct drivers for the FTDI USB interface are installed.

• Sketch not uploading:

  • Verify that the correct board and port are selected in the Arduino IDE.
  • Press the reset button on the Boarduino just before uploading the sketch.

• Unexpected behavior in circuits:

  • Double-check wiring and connections on the breadboard.
  • Ensure that power supply levels are within the specified limits.

• If the Boarduino is not functioning as expected, try uploading a simple sketch like the Blink example to test basic functionality.
• Consult the Arduino forums and Adafruit support for assistance with specific issues.
• Always read the datasheet and reference materials provided by Adafruit for in-depth technical information.

Q: Can I use the Boarduino with a 3.3V system? A: The Boarduino operates at 5V, but it has a 3.3V output pin that can be used to interface with 3.3V components. Be cautious with logic level conversions.

Q: How do I connect sensors to the Boarduino? A: Sensors can be connected to the analog or digital I/O pins depending on their output type. Use the analogRead() or digitalRead() functions to read sensor data.

Q: Is the Boarduino compatible with all Arduino shields? A: The Boarduino is breadboard-friendly and may not be directly compatible with all Arduino shields designed for the standard Arduino form factor. However, you can wire compatible shields to the Boarduino using jumper wires.