uLab40AVR, the ATmega1284P for Solderless Breadboard

Project Objective: The uLab40AVR is designed to be functional similar to the uLab28AVR.

Introduction: This PCB is designed to be a mate to the Daiduino except that it uses the Sanguino pin designations. This will not cause a problem because of the Arduino IDE pin maping. For example, if you connect a LED/resistor to D13 on the uLab40AVR and the Daiduino, then select the appropriate board in the Arduino IDE, the blink sketch will work.

Specifications:

1. Use of thru hole parts except for regulators
2. Dual regulators for 5V and 3.3V
3. Use a breakout boards for serial communication, USB or RS232
4. Power switch
5. Use jumpers for selecting power source.
6. 36 pin header for signals and two separate pin sets for powering the SLBB.

Note: The design is not complete. 7/3/12

uLab28AVR, Arduino for Solderless Breadboard

Project Objective: To transpose the Arduino to a solderless breadboard plugin.

Introduction: This board has all the features of the GMduino, Arduino clone, shown on another post. The digital and analog pin designations are identical to the GMduino and, therefore, the Duemilanove. In addition, the ATmega328P pin designations are also shown.

Specifications:

1. Use of thru hole parts except for regulators
2. Dual regulators for 5V and 3.3V
3. Use a breakout boards for serial communication, USB or RS232
4. Power switch
5. Use jumpers for selecting power source.
6. 25 pin header for signals and two separate pin sets for powering the SLBB.

GMduino, a Buildable Clone

Project Objective: Design a Arduino clone that is easy to assemble for clubs and beginners

Introduction: With the criteria of ease of assembly, the first problem is the FTDI USB chip which even for the experienced assembler is not an easy mounting task, but the availability of small FTDI breakout boards solves the problem. I am using the BUB II by Modern Devices since they leave the connector for you to assemble which I add underneath the board.. Adafruit has the Friend, but it is pre-assembled with the connector on the top.

The standard 7805 type regulator is real-estate hungry and two will be needed, so surface mount LDO regulators are used. These are three pin devices and mounting is not difficult. Low drop out, LDO, devices are used to limit heat dissipation. In fact, we use a 6V wall power supply which at low current has a 8.5VDC output where a 9V wart is at 12VDC.

The commercial Arduino uses a circuit for switching between external power, wart, and USB which can take up surface space unless smd parts are used. Further, it would be nice if RS232 serial communiction could also be used which means the clone would need to supply power to that breakout. So we opted for jumpers for both power selection and board voltage. In addition a power switch was added for convenience during development and if not wanted can be jumpered out.

Finally, a vertical reset switch is placed at the front of the board as well as the LED's. This means that with a shield mounted on the Arduino the reset button is still accessible and the LED's can be seen.

Specifications:

1. Use of thru hole parts except for regulators
2. Dual regulators for 5V and 3.3V
3. Use a breakout board for serial communiction
4. Place LED's and reset switch at front of board
5. Add power switch
6. Use jumpers for selecting power source.

GMduino with BUB II. Note the mounting position of BUB II connector.