Week 6

Microcontrollers are low power devices "embedded" inside some other device so that they can control the features or actions of the device.A microcontroller also is often small and low cost.


After doing some research, i decided to use Arduino software as microcontroller for my circuit. I have my own reason why i choose this software and will give an explanation later. How i know about this sofware? I was introduce to this software when i have to do a mini project using this software in semester 5 for Medical Instrumentation subject.For this semester also i have  learned to built a programme of motor system with Arduino in Electromechanics of Drives and Actuators in Medical Applications subject. So that, it will give me advantages because i have used it before and i can refer to my lecturer if i have any problem with this microcontroller.                                                                                                              


Some information about Arduino :

Arduino Uno

What is Arduino?
- A physical piece of hardware
- A programming environment
- A community & philosophy
- Open Source Hardware Development Platform
- USB Programmable Microcontroller (MCU)


Description :
 - It's an open-source physical computing platform based on a simple microcontroller board, and a development environment for writing software for the board.
- Arduino projects can be stand-alone, or they can be communicate with software running on your computer (e.g. Flash, Processing, MaxMSP.)
- The boards can be assembled by hand or purchased preassembled; the open-source IDE can be downloaded for free.


                                                                                    

                                            Atmega328 Information:

Microcontroller use?  
- Processor, Storage and RAM all in one tiny   package!
- Atmel Microcontroller (MCU), typically Atmega328                  

Why i choose Arduino ?

- Simplifies the process of working with microcontrollers

- Inexpensive

- Cross platform – runs on windows, mac and Linux

- Simple, clear programming environment

- Open source and extensible

Runs on: Windows, Mac OS X, Linux

Languages: Wiring/Arduino, C/C++

Getting Started guides: Clear step-by-step instructions, from download to blinking LED.

Knowledge base: 

• Many simple examples included with download

• Good reference guide to the commands

• Large knowledge base on Arduino site and elsewhere

Pros:

• Can be run as I/O board, using Firmata firmware

• Very large knowledge base

• Simple language, but expandable using C/C++

• Multiple models, for shields, breadboards,wearables, extra I/O pins

• Many shield modules

• Large number of open source derivative boards

Cons:

• C language constructs (semicolons, brackets, case sensitivity) are confusing