Introducing the Mega Pro Embed Development board - a pocket-sized powerhouse! Built around the ATmega2560 MCU and CH340 USB-UART converter, it's fully compatible with Arduino Mega 2560. Don't be fooled by its small size; it packs the same features as the Mega 2560, guaranteeing reliability in all projects. With exceptional durability and a precise 16 MHz quartz resonator, this board is your go-to for any venture, from tinkering to industrial-grade setups. Unleash your creativity with the Mega Pro Embed!

 

Package Includes:

• 1 x Mega Pro Embed (RobotDYN)

Features:

1. Microcontroller: The board is powered by the AVR AT2560 microcontroller, an 8-bit powerhouse that provides the processing muscle for your projects.
2. Power Supply: The board accepts a power supply of 7-9V, providing flexibility in choosing the appropriate power source for your specific application.
3. Digital I/O Pins: With a total of 54 digital I/O pins, you have ample options for connecting various digital components and peripherals.
4. Analog I/O Pins: The board comes equipped with 16 analog I/O pins, allowing you to interface with analog sensors and devices.
5. Total Digital I/O: Combining both digital and analog I/O pins, the board boasts a total of 70 I/O pins, enabling complex and diverse projects.
6. Clock Speed: The board operates at a clock speed of 16 MHz, ensuring efficient and speedy execution of code and tasks.
7. Flash Memory: With 128 KB of onboard Flash memory, you have sufficient space to store your program code and data.
8. SRAM: The board offers 8 KB of SRAM, providing temporary storage for variables and data during program execution.
9. USB Converter: Equipped with the ch340 onboard USB converter, the board facilitates easy communication between your computer and the microcontroller.
10. ICSP, SPI, I2C, and USART: The board supports various communication interfaces, including In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP), Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C), and Universal Synchronous and Asynchronous Serial Receiver and Transmitter (USART), broadening your connectivity options.
11. Timers: The board features a total of 6 timers, comprising Timer 2 (8-bit) and 4 timers (16-bit). Timers are essential for precise timing and event management in your projects.
12. PWM: Offering 12 Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) channels, with 2 to 16 bits resolution, the board enables you to control and adjust analog-like signals with ease.
13. ADC: The board is equipped with 16 Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) channels, each having a resolution of 10 bits, allowing you to read analog sensor data accurately.
14. USART 4Pin: With a 4-pin Universal Synchronous and Asynchronous Serial Receiver and Transmitter, the board facilitates straightforward serial communication.
15. Change Interrupt: The board supports 24 change interrupts, providing the ability to respond to external events efficiently.
16. Dual Regulators: Featuring two onboard regulators - 3.3V and 5V - the board ensures stable and reliable power distribution to different components and peripherals.

 

Description:

The Mega Pro Embed Development board is a powerful platform centered around the ATmega2560 MCU and the CH340 USB-UART converter, ensuring seamless compatibility with Arduino Mega 2560. Despite its compact size factor of 38X55mm, this board packs the same impressive features as the Arduino Mega 2560, making it an excellent choice for ATmega2560-based projects. Its reliability matches that of the mega board, proving its durability even in embedded applications. At its core, the board incorporates a high-quality quartz resonator, operating at a precise 16 MHz, ensuring accurate and stable timing for your projects. The CH340G chip serves as the UART-USB converter, providing a reliable data exchange solution when operating at 12MHz. For smooth communication with your computer, a driver installation is required. You have flexibility in powering the board through the Micro-USB connector or the pins. The voltage regulator (LDO) efficiently handles input voltages between 6V and 9V (peak 18V) DC, protecting your components and peripherals. While the voltage regulator can technically handle up to 18V input, it is advisable not to exceed 9V due to the risk of overheating and damaging the board. To ensure optimal performance and safety, it's best to stay within the recommended voltage range.

 

Principle of Work:

The principles of Arduino and Arduino-compatible boards are:

1. Open Source: Arduino is an open-source platform, which means that the hardware and software specifications are freely available to the public. This encourages collaboration, community-driven development, and the sharing of knowledge and resources.
2. Easy to Use: Arduino is designed to be beginner-friendly and easy to use. The hardware is based on a simple microcontroller with a straightforward I/O (Input/Output) interface, and the software environment provides a user-friendly Integrated Development Environment (IDE) with a simplified programming language.
3. Cross-Platform Compatibility: The Arduino IDE and software libraries are available for multiple operating systems, such as Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
4. Extensibility: Arduino boards can be extended using shields, which are add-on boards that provide additional features or functionality. This allows users to customize their projects by adding sensors, actuators, displays, and other peripherals.

Arduino IDE (Integrated Development Environment) Principle:

The Arduino IDE is a software application that serves as the primary programming interface for Arduino boards. Its principles are:

1. Simplicity: The Arduino IDE is designed to have a simple and intuitive user interface, making it easy for beginners to get started with programming Arduino boards.
2. Abstraction: The IDE abstracts complex programming details, allowing users to focus on writing code to control the hardware without needing to deal with low-level programming intricacies.
3. Compiling and Uploading: The IDE compiles the user's code into machine language that the Arduino board can understand. It then uploads the compiled code to the board via a USB connection or other programming interface.
4. Libraries: The Arduino IDE provides a collection of libraries that contain pre-written code for various functions, making it easier for users to incorporate common functionalities like communication protocols, sensor interfacing, and display control.

How the Board Work Internally:

the board are built around microcontrollers, typically from the Atmel AVR family, like the ATmega2560 found in the Mega Pro Embed. The boards work by executing the program (sketch) written by the user in the Arduino IDE"

1. Microcontroller: The heart of the Arduino board is the microcontroller, which acts as the brain of the system. The microcontroller executes the program stored in its memory, controlling the behavior of the board based on the user's code.
2. Bootloader: Arduino boards and compatibles usually come with a pre-installed bootloader, a small program that allows the microcontroller to receive new code (sketches) over the USB connection without the need for an external programmer.
3. Program Memory (Flash): The microcontroller's program memory (Flash memory) stores the compiled code uploaded from the Arduino IDE. This memory is non-volatile, meaning it retains the program even when the power is disconnected.
4. RAM (SRAM): The microcontroller has a limited amount of Random Access Memory (RAM), which is used for storing variables and data during program execution.
5. I/O Pins: the boards have a set of digital and analog Input/Output (I/O) pins. These pins allow the microcontroller to interact with external components such as sensors, LEDs, motors, and displays.
6. Clock: The microcontroller relies on an internal or external clock source to keep track of time and synchronize its operations.
7. Power Supply: The Arduino board is powered either through a USB connection or an external power source. The voltage regulator on the board ensures that the microcontroller and other components receive the appropriate voltage level.
8. USB-UART Interface: Arduino boards often include a USB-UART converter, like the CH340 in some models, which facilitates communication between the microcontroller and the computer when programming or exchanging data.

When the board is powered on, the bootloader initializes the microcontroller, and it starts executing the user's uploaded sketch. The microcontroller then reads inputs from sensors or other sources, processes the code logic, and controls the outputs, allowing users to interact with the physical world through their programmed Arduino projects.

 

Pinout of the Module:

 

 

1. Digital I/O: The board boasts 54 digital input/output pins, with 15 of them capable of generating PWM signals. These pins can function as digital inputs, reading logic values (0 or 1), or as digital outputs, controlling devices like LEDs and relays using pinMode(), digitalWrite(), and digitalRead() functions.
2. GND: Ground pins for connecting the board to the common ground of your circuit.
3. AREF: The reference voltage (0-5V) for analog inputs, used in conjunction with analogReference() to configure the analog input range.
4. SDA and SCL: Pins for I2C communication, enabling simple and efficient data exchange with compatible devices.
5. ICSP Header: In-Circuit Serial Programming header comprising MOSI, MISO, SCK, RESET, VCC, and GND, used to program the microcontroller with firmware when connected to a PC.
6. USB Connection: Featuring a USB CH340 interface, enabling communication with a PC (requires driver installation).
7. D13 LED: An onboard LED connected to digital pin 13, indicating its state with HIGH (on) or LOW (off) values.
8. TX and RX LEDs: LEDs labeled TX (transmit) and RX (receive) indicate communication activity via the serial port.
9. Crystal Oscillator: The 16MHz crystal oscillator provides precise timing for Arduino operations.
10. Voltage Regulator: Converts external DC7-9V input to DC 5V for powering the processor and components. It also features a 3.3V regulator for added flexibility in connecting various modules.
11. IOREF: Provides voltage reference for the microcontroller, allowing shields to adapt to the appropriate power source (5V or 3.3V).
12. RESET Header: Allows an external button to reset the board, functioning similarly to the onboard reset button.
13. Power Pins: 3V3 pin generates a 3.3V supply with a maximum current draw of 50mA, and the 5V pin provides a 5V output voltage.
14. Vin: Accepts external DC7-9V power input for the Arduino board.
15. Analog Pins: The board features 16 analog input pins, labeled A0 to A15, allowing analog sensor interfacing.
16. RESET Button: A convenient way to reset the Arduino board, returning it to the initial state.
17. ICSP Header (SPI): An "extension" of output for connecting slave devices to the SPI bus host and programming the firmware for the ATMega2560 microcontroller.
18. Power LED Indicator: The LED indicates the correct power-on status of the board, helping to troubleshoot incorrect connections.

 

Applications:

• Weighing Machines: Arduino Mega Pro Embed can be utilized in creating accurate and reliable weighing machines for industrial or personal use. Its analog input pins can interface with load cells to measure weight, and its digital I/O pins can control display modules and user interfaces.
• Traffic Light Countdown Timer: By using the board's digital I/O pins to control LEDs and timers, you can design a traffic light countdown timer that enhances traffic management and safety at intersections.
• Parking Lot Counter: Arduino Mega Pro Embed can be employed to build a smart parking lot counter that monitors the availability of parking spaces and displays real-time data to guide drivers to vacant spots.
• Embedded Systems: As the name suggests, the board is an ideal choice for various embedded systems projects, from simple data loggers to complex automation systems.
• Home Automation: With its rich set of I/O pins and communication interfaces, the board can be integrated into a home automation system to control lights, appliances, security cameras, and more, creating a smart and connected home.
• Industrial Automation: Arduino Mega Pro Embed is well-suited for industrial automation applications, such as process control, monitoring, and data acquisition, thanks to its robust I/O capabilities and compatibility with industrial sensors and actuators.
• Medical Instruments: The board can be utilized in creating medical instruments, such as patient monitoring devices, diagnostic tools, and data logging systems for medical research.
• Emergency Light for Railways: Arduino Mega Pro Embed can be employed in designing emergency lighting systems for railway platforms and trains, ensuring passenger safety during power outages or emergencies.

 

Circuit:

We will not need any circuit, in this testing code, we will rely on the built-in LED on the 13th pin.

 

Connecting with Arduino First Time

Step 1: Get Started with Arduino IDE

To begin your Arduino journey, first, download the Arduino IDE from the software page:

Arduino IDE Download

Step 2: Connect the Board to Your Computer

The board is equipped with a ch340 USB interface. Before you start programming, you'll need to install the appropriate driver for your board:

Driver Download

Step 3: Select Your Board

Now, it's time to tell Arduino IDE which board your sketch is intended for. In the menu bar, click on "Tools" and find the "Board" row. If a board is already selected, it will be displayed there. Hover over the "Board" row to see the installed board packages containing popular boards. Click on your desired board to select it.

Step 4: Choose the Correct Port

Click on "Tools" again, and this time find the "Port" row. The connected board's name will typically be displayed after the port. The port naming convention varies by operating system:

• Windows: COM3 (Arduino Mega Pro Embed)
• macOS: /dev/cu.usbmodem14101 (Arduino Mega Pro Embed)
• Linux: /dev/ttyACM0 (Arduino Mega Pro Embed)

Select the appropriate port for your board. If the correct port is already selected, you're good to go. If you don't see your board listed, refer to our troubleshooting guide.

Step 5: Upload Your Sketch

Now you're all set to upload your sketch to the board. Write your code or use one of the provided Examples, such as "Blink." Optional: Click the "Verify" button to check for errors during compilation.

When your code is ready, hit the "Upload" button to program the board with your sketch. The code will start running on the board, and it will execute every time the board is reset.

Code:

With this code, when you upload the sketch and open the Serial Monitor in the Arduino IDE, you will see the status message "Serial communication initialized." Then, the loop will start executing and print "LED is ON." when the LED is turned on and "LED is OFF." when the LED is turned off in the Serial Monitor.

// Serial Status Example

void setup() {
  // Initialize Serial communication
  Serial.begin(9600);
  while (!Serial) {
    // Wait for serial port to connect
  }
  Serial.println("Serial communication initialized.");

  pinMode(13, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
  // Print status message
  Serial.println("LED is ON.");

  digitalWrite(13, HIGH);   // turn the LED on (HIGH is the voltage level)
  delay(1000);                       // wait for a second

  // Print status message
  Serial.println("LED is OFF.");

  digitalWrite(13, LOW);    // turn the LED off by making the voltage LOW
  delay(1000);                       // wait for a second
}

Technical Details:

• Microcontroller: ATMega Pro Mini 2560
• Microcontroller Clock Speed 16MHz
• Operating Voltage +5V
• DC Current for 5V Pin 800 mA
• DC Current for 3.3V Pin 800 mA
• Input Voltage(recommended) +7～+9V
• Output Voltage +5V, +3.3V
• Digital I/O Pins 54
• PWM Digital I/O Pins 15
• Analog Input Pins 16
• Analog Output Pins
• Rated Current per Pin 20mA/Pin
• Length(mm) Length(mm) 54
• Width(mm) 40
• Height(mm) 18
• Weight(g) 15

 

Resources:

• Arduino IDE Download
• The reference for the Arduino language
• Follow this link to download the ch340 driver for the serial converter 

 

Comparisons:

The Mega Pro Embed stands out with its larger flash memory, more substantial SRAM, and higher number of digital and analog pins, making it a suitable choice for projects that require ample resources. It also offers PWM on more digital pins than the Uno. However, its compact size requires a specific pin header configuration for breadboard use, while the Uno has standard breadboard compatibility. Choose the Mega Pro Embed for projects demanding more resources and pins, and the Uno for standard-sized and breadboard-friendly applications. A clearer comparison between Mega Pro Embed and Uno:

Clock Speed:

• Mega Pro Embed: 16MHz
• Uno: 16MHz

Memory and Storage:

• Mega Pro Embed:
  • Flash Memory: 256kB
  • SRAM: 8kB
• Uno:
  • Flash Memory: 32kB
  • SRAM: 2kB

Digital Pins:

• Mega Pro Embed: 54
• Uno: 14

Analog Pins:

• Mega Pro Embed: 16
• Uno: 6

PWM Pins:

• Mega Pro Embed: 15
• Uno: 6

Board Size:

• Mega Pro Embed: 40x54mm (compact size)
• Uno: Standard size

Breadboard Compatibility:

• Mega Pro Embed: Can be used on a breadboard with pin headers soldered in a specific configuration.
• Uno: Standard pin headers for breadboard use.