getting started with Arduino UNO: ATmega328, USB, shields

getting started with Arduino Uno

this is the first Arduino to use form a project for a beginner.

ATmega328 microcontroller

The main chip where all the program is stored in Arduino Uno is the ATmega328 microcontroller which you can see above. This microcontroller will perform all the sketch of Arduino. the main thing about this microcontroller is that it can be removed from Arduino and can be replaced by another microcontroller.

ATmega16U2

It is also a microcontroller present in Arduino Uno at the right side of the USB plug. it is a very small microcontroller. It basically performs interfacing between USB and ATmega328 microcontroller.

it specifically controls USB communication.

you can not control this microcontroller by your self.

Arduino Uno has various pin or components which are listed below:

so Arduino UNO comes with a very characteristic configuration of headers.there are two headers long header and short header.

long header: upper pins are called long header pins, which include

analog references pin
digital ground
digital input / output pins (2-13)
serial out
serial in

short header: lower pins are called short header because it is shorter the first one, which includes

reset pin
3.3-volt power output
5-volt power output
ground pin
voltage in
analog in (0-5)

these pins are used to connect peripherals to Arduino Uno

the other way to connect devices is to use a shield. A shield is aboard, brought in the shape of Arduino UNO, with a set of Uno-compatible headers. with a shield, you can expand the capabilities of the Arduino.

shields are a great way to add functionality to your Arduino, without any wires.

Shield:

what is an Arduino shield?

Arduino shields are the boards, which are plugged over the Arduino board to expand its functionalities. there are different varieties of shields used for various tasks, such as LCD shield, ethernet shield, and many more.

the shield is a hardware device that can be mounted over the board to increase the capabilities of the projects and it also makes our work easy.

Advantages of Arduino shield:

it is easy to connect the shield by mounting them over the Arduino Uno
the hardware components on the shield can be easily implemented.
it adds new functionalities to Arduino
it can be attached and detached easily from the Arduino
it does not require any complex wiring

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