Arduino interface boards serve as enchanting tools for individuals with a flair for innovation. They empower engineers, artists, designers, hobbyists, and tech enthusiasts to transform their concepts into reality.
These accessible boards provide an economical gateway into the realm of electronics. Envision crafting interactive artifacts, constructing practical applications, and pioneering creations previously unimagined – all facilitated by Arduino.
The enchantment of Arduino lies in its capability to bridge the physical and digital worlds seamlessly. Projects constructed with Arduino can be orchestrated by a computer, unveiling a myriad of possibilities. Picture immersive art installations, responsive robots, or even sophisticated home automation systems – the potential is boundless.
1.1 WHAT IS ARDUINO?
Arduino represents an open-source electronics prototyping platform featuring adaptable hardware and user-friendly software. Tailored for artists, designers, hobbyists, and anyone intrigued by interactive creations, it facilitates the development of objects and environments.
Functioning as an open-source physical computing platform centered around a microcontroller board, Arduino offers a versatile development environment for software creation. In essence, Arduino comprises a compact microcontroller board equipped with a USB interface for computer connectivity and multiple connection points for external electronics integration. These connections accommodate various components such as motors, relays, light sensors, laser diodes, speakers, and microphones. Power can be supplied either via USB connection or a 9V battery. Arduino devices can be controlled or programmed via computer, then operated independently after disconnecting from the computer.
This device is readily available for purchase through online auction sites or search engines. Because Arduino operates on open-source hardware designs, individuals can create their own variations of the Arduino and distribute them, resulting in a competitive market for these boards. While an official Arduino typically costs around $30, clones are often priced below $20.
The name “Arduino” is exclusively reserved by the original creators. However, clone versions of Arduino often incorporate the suffix “duino” in their names, such as Freeduino or DFRduino. Additionally, the programming software for Arduino is user-friendly and accessible for Windows, Mac, and LINUX operating systems, all at no charge.
1.1.1 Microcontroller
A microcontroller can be defined as a compact computer embedded within a small circuit board. Specifically, it functions as a single chip capable of executing various computations and tasks, as well as transmitting and receiving signals from other devices via its available pins. The specific functions it performs and its communication with the external world are dictated by the instructions provided to it through programming.
However, a microcontroller alone is limited in its capabilities; it requires several external inputs to function effectively, such as power and a stable clock signal. Additionally, programming the microcontroller necessitates an external circuit. Hence, microcontrollers are typically utilized alongside circuits that provide these essential components; this combination is referred to as a microcontroller board. The Arduino Uno, for instance, is one such microcontroller board. At its core lies the microcontroller chip known as Atmega328.
Arduino distinguishes itself from other microcontroller boards primarily in terms of the reliability of its circuit hardware and the ease of programming and utilization it offers.
1.1.2 Open-source hardware
Open-source hardware aligns closely with the principles and methodology of free and open-source software. The creators of Arduino envisioned a platform where individuals could examine the hardware, comprehend its functionality, make modifications, and openly distribute those modifications. To facilitate this ethos, they openly share all original design files, created using Eagle CAD software, for Arduino hardware. These files are governed by a Creative Commons Attribution Share-Alike license, permitting both personal and commercial derivative works, provided that proper attribution is given to Arduino, and any subsequent designs are released under the same license.
Similarly, the Arduino software is open-source as well. The source code for the Java environment is made available under the GNU General Public License (GPL), while the C/C++ microcontroller libraries adhere to the GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL).
1.2 HISTORY OF ARDUINO
While instructing a physical computing course at the Interaction Design Institute Ivrea in 2005, Massimo Banzi encountered resistance from students who were hesitant to invest 76 euros in the BASIC Stamp microcontrollers commonly utilized in such classes. In response, Banzi and his colleagues sought out alternatives, ultimately adopting the wiring platform developed by one of Banzi’s students. In his own words, Banzi expressed their aim to simplify, reduce costs, and enhance usability, leading them to re-implement the entire platform as an open-source project.
Upon creating a prototype, a student developed the software necessary for running wiring programs on the new platform. Recognizing its potential, visiting professor Casey Reas suggested broader applications beyond design schools for the product. Subsequently, the prototype underwent redesign for mass production, resulting in a test run of 200 boards. Demand surged from other design schools and students seeking Arduinos, marking the inception of the Arduino project, with Massimo Banzi and David Cuartielles as its founders.
The term “ARDUINO” derives from the Italian word meaning “STRONG FRIEND,” with its English equivalent being “Hardwin.” By May 2011, over 300,000 Arduino units had been distributed worldwide.
In terms of design goals, the project aimed to:
– Be compatible with Mac systems, as they were prevalent among design students.
– Feature USB connectivity, given the absence of serial ports in MacBook computers.
– Possess an aesthetically pleasing design.
– Maintain affordability (approximately 20 euros, equivalent to the cost of a pizza outing in Europe).
– Offer superior performance compared to BASIC Stamp microcontrollers.
– Be user-serviceable and straightforward to assemble or repair, even for individuals lacking formal electronics training.
1.2.2 Business Models
Given that the entire project operates under an open-source model, individuals have the freedom to construct and market Arduino-compatible devices. Consequently, the financial success of the Arduino project heavily hinges on its branding. While other ventures produce compatible and more affordable boards, consumers exhibit loyalty towards Arduino-branded boards due to their perceived quality and associated image.
1.2.2.1 Sales Figures
Year | Units Sold
2005 | 200
2006 | 10,000
2010 | 120,000
2011 | 300,000
1.2.3 Competition
Prior to Arduino’s emergence, the dominant players in the design and hobbyist market segment were the PIC microcontroller family from Microchip and the BASIC Stamp from Parallax. Following Arduino’s introduction, various major companies, such as Texas Instruments and even Microsoft, have endeavored to penetrate the hobbyist market. However, the open-source nature of Arduino and the vastness of its community pose significant barriers for new platforms seeking to establish themselves.
Since the project targets students and hobbyists who may lack formal electronics expertise, numerous comprehensive online guides cater to a wide spectrum of abilities, ranging from basic tasks like illuminating a light to more intricate projects like crafting a laser harp. The official forum boasts nearly 60,000 registered users and serves as a vibrant hub for assisting users with their endeavors while actively contributing to the development of new libraries to expand Arduino’s functionality. The ethos of open-source collaboration is deeply ingrained, with the majority of users freely sharing the code for their projects.
1.3 Physical Computing
Physical Computing represents an instructional approach that explores human-computer interaction, commencing with an examination of how humans convey themselves physically.
Follow this link for complete project: Empowering Innovation: An Arduino Seminar
