CPE 322 – Introduction to Arduino
processor board to add new functions to a project.
Arduino was created in 2003 by a group of academics at
the Interaction Design Institute Ivrea in Italy. The
platform was named after a bar in the same town where
the academics met to discuss the project. One of the
project's goals was to remove the barrier of entry for
students who wanted to realize automation ideas but
did not have enough resources to purchase expensive
controllers or knowledge to build their printed circuit
boards.
The Arduino ecosystem has several advantages over
other microcontroller platforms and PLCs
(programmable logic controller).
Advantages of Arduino:
 Arduino is relatively inexpensive, with many
modules priced at less than 50 USD.
 It is open source, which means code and
libraries are available to everybody free of
charge.
 It is cross-platform and compatible with
Windows, macOS, and Linux. Almost all other
microcontroller platforms are compatible with
Windows only.
Two most recognizable Arduino vendors:
 Arduino
 Adafruit
Arduino hardware is classified into three families:
 Nano
 MKR
 Classic
The Nano family offers the most compact and least
expensive boards. These boards rely on energy-
efficient, embedded ARM processors that can perform
many tasks despite their ultra-compact size.
The MKR family shares many processing capabilities
with the Nano family, but it builds upon some functions,
like offering advanced connectivity options. The main
processor in this family is the Cortex-M0, one of the
smallest 32-bit ARM-based processors available. This
family also introduces the concept of shields. These
Sources: https://control.com/technical-articles/introduction-to-arduino-history-hardware-and-software/
shields are accessories that can be stacked on the main
Example of Shields for the MKR Family:
 GPS
 Ethernet cable connection
 temperature measurements
 RS-485 communication.
The Classic family is the most popular, including the
Arduino UNO, the most recognizable Arduino board.
The Classic family resembles process controllers and
employs shields or stackable boards. The Arduino UNO
comes with pins to connect up to 14 inputs and outputs
and six analog inputs. This family utilizes different
versions of the ATmega processor.
Available shields for the Classic Family:
 motor control shield
 the relay shield
 cable ethernet connection shield
Arduino Pro is a modified version of the Arduino
platform has been introduced to fill the need for lower-
cost development and advancement in the industrial
control system space.
Arduinos are programmed using the Integrated
Development Environment (IDE). The Arduino IDE is
available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. The
programming language is based on a variant of C and
C++.
IDE also has an integrated debugger and supports
troubleshooting tools, such as breakpoints.
Another way to program Arduinos is the Arduino Web
Editor, an online tool that can be opened using any
browser but requires internet access. The code is stored
online and can be transferred to the hardware using a
dedicated plug-in. The web-based editor helps make
the code accessible from any device.
Sources: https://control.com/technical-articles/introduction-to-arduino-history-hardware-and-software/