A useful and simple IO Shield for Arduino

In order to “visually” highlight the behavior of Arduino programs you must connect a device to the I/O pins, which gives you tangible signals. Normally, if you want to check if a program changes a level of an output pin, answering a command or executing a check routine, or event, you must check it by measuring the voltage level on the pin with a voltmeter. But if we connect this pin to a LED with the correct driver circuit, we can check the behavior of the program thanks to a switch in the LED state: it could be on, off, or partially on, if you connect it to an analog output pin. In a similar way, if the output pin is connected to a relay, we can drive external loads with ease. The same applies to the digital or analog input pins, and analog outputs.

A useful and simple IO Shield for Arduino

To give a more professional appearance to our projects and to further ensure the reliability of the connections we prepared a experimentation shield in “Arduino” style, indicated mostly for Arduino YUN (but that can also be used with earlier versions).

To give maximum flexibility to the use of the shield, all external connections are mounted on screw terminals. The shield provides six digital outputs connected to as many LEDs to display the status plus relays to activate external loads. You can connect LED strips, cooling fans, buzzers or whatever you prefer. There are also six analog and six digital multifunction inputs three of which can be used as PWM or DAC analog outputs if you prefer (pin 3, 5 and 6.)

The board requires a separate power supply of 12 volts if it is used with Arduino YUN, or it can get power directly from Arduino UNO.

As you can see in the circuit diagram the shield is divided into sections. Each section is specialized in bringing outside the possibility to connect to a specific type of I / O pin. Within each section of the circuit diagram is repeated identically for each of the pins.

A useful and simple IO Shield for ArduinoLet’s start from the section that serves the digital output pins, which correspond to Arduino pin 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13.
In this section each pin drives a transistor driver circuit coupled to a relay. On the screw terminals all the terminals of the relay are available, the central terminal C, the “normally closed” NC terminal and the “normally open” NO one. The arrangement of the ends on the terminals is visible in the ” Mounting Plan”.

For more detail: A useful and simple IO Shield for Arduino


About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.

Follow Us:
LinkedinTwitter

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top