Arduino: A Technical Reference

Rather than yet another project-based workbook, Arduino: A Technical Reference is a reference and handbook that thoroughly describes the electrical and performance aspects of an Arduino board and its software.

This book brings together in one place all the information you need to get something done with Arduino. It will save you from endless web searches and digging through translations of datasheets or notes in project-based texts to find the information that corresponds to your own particular setup and question.

Reference features include pinout diagrams, a discussion of the AVR microcontrollers used with Arduino boards, a look under the hood at the firmware and run-time libraries that make the Arduino unique, and extensive coverage of the various shields and add-on sensors that can be used with an Arduino. One chapter is devoted to creating a new shield from scratch.

The book wraps up with detailed descriptions of three different projects: a programmable signal generator, a "smart" thermostat, and a programmable launch sequencer for model rockets. Each project highlights one or more topics that can be applied to other applications

Table of Contents

Chapter 1       The Arduino Family

• A Brief History
• Types of Arduino Devices
• Arduino Galleries
• Arduino-Compatible Devices
• The Arduino Naming Convention
• What Can You Do with an Arduino?
• For More Information

Chapter 2       The AVR Microcontroller

• Background
• Internal Architecture
• Internal Memory
• Peripheral Functions
• Analog Comparator
• Analog-to-Digital Converter
• Serial I/O
• Interrupts
• Watchdog Timer
• Electrical Characteristics
• For More Information

Chapter 3       Arduino-Specific AVR Microcontrollers

• ATmega168/328
• ATmega1280/ATmega2560
• ATmega32U4
• Fuse Bits
• For More Information

Chapter 4       Arduino Technical Details

• Arduino Features and Capabilities
• Arduino USB Interfaces
• Arduino Physical Dimensions
• Arduino Pinout Configurations
• For More Information

Chapter 5       Programming the Arduino and AVR Microcontrollers

• Cross-Compiling for Microcontrollers
• Bootloaders
• The Arduino IDE Environment
• Cross-Compiling with the Arduino IDE
• Libraries
• Arduino Source Code

Chapter 6       Life Without the Arduino IDE

• IDE Alternatives
• The AVR Toolchain
• Building C or C++ Programs from Scratch
• AVR Assembly Language
• Uploading AVR Executable Code
• Summary

Chapter 7       Arduino Libraries

• Library Components
• Contributed Libraries

Chapter 8       Shields

• Electrical Characteristics of Shields
• Physical Characteristics of Shields
• Stacking Shields
• Common Arduino Shields
• Uncommon Arduino Shields
• Sources

Chapter 9       Modules and I/O Components

• Modules
• Grove Modules
• Sensor and Module Descriptions
• Sensors
• Communications
• Output Devices and Components
• User Input
• User Output
• Support Functions
• Connections
• Sources
• Summary

Chapter 10     Creating Custom Components

• Getting Started
• Custom Shields
• The GreenShield Custom Shield
• Custom Arduino-Compatible Designs
• The Switchinator
• Resources

Chapter 11     Project: A Programmable Signal Generator

• Project Objectives
• Definition and Planning
• Design
• Prototype
• Software
• Final Assembly
• Final Testing and Closing
• Reducing the Cost
• Cost Breakdown
• Resources

Chapter 12     Project: Smart Thermostat

• Background
• Project Objectives
• Definition and Planning
• Design
• Prototype
• Software
• Final Version
• Cost Breakdown
• Next Steps
• Resources

Chapter 13     Model Rocket Launcher: A Design Study

• Overview
• The Design Cycle
• Objectives
• Selecting and Defining Functional Requirements
• Creating the Preliminary Design
• Prototype
• Final Design
• Cost Analysis

Appendix        Tools and Accessories

• Hand Tools
• Power Tools
• Soldering
• Tool Sources

Appendix        AVR ATmega Control Registers

• ATmega168/328
• ATmega1280/2560
• ATmega32U4
• Appendix Arduino and Compatible Products Vendors
• Arduino Products
• Electronics Software
• Hardware, Components, and Tools
• Printed Circuit Board Supplies and Fabricators
• Other Sources

Appendix        Recommended Reading

• Arduino
• AVR
• C and C++ Programming
• General Electronics
• Interfaces
• Instrumentation
• Printed Circuit Boards

Appendix        Arduino and AVR Software Development Tools

• Compilers/Assemblers
• Integrated Development Environments (IDEs)
• Programming Tools
• Simulators