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Arduino is an open-source, low-cost hardware and software platform designed to simplify the implementation of microcontroller applications. The platform was created to address the needs of people who want to focus on making technology solutions without wasting time on non-essential technical hardware and software details.

Used by hundreds of thousands of people, Arduino's popularity is driven by its capability to move projects quickly from initial idea to working solution. Easy to use, its underlying hardware works at the same level of sophistication that engineers employ to build embedded devices. Along with its agile development capabilities, Arduino is supported by a wide range of snap-in hardware peripheral.

Simplifying Common Tasks

The Arduino integrated development environment (IDE) simplifies software development by adding many convenient abstractions to perform common software tasks. You can focus on high-level task, rather than implementing common low-level operations. However, the Arduino IDE uses the same C/C++ GCC compiler as Atmel® AVR® Studio, and there is no obstacle to programming at as low a level as desired. Other advantages:

An abundance of documentation
Example code
Active user community with all levels of knowledge and experience, accessible via forums and the wiki (known as Arduino Playground)
Support for the same AVR microcontrollers and development tools used by professional programmers

Uncovering the Platform

Arduino consists of a circuit board that contains all the components needed to program and run an AVR microcontroller. It also contains connectors arranged in a standardized layout that enables add-on boards (called 'shields') to be plugged in to add peripheral support.

There are well over 100 different Arduino hardware designs that can be purchased or self-built. Enjoy support for a broad range of ATmega devices, including the ATmega168, ATmega328, ATmega1280, ATmega2560 and many others.

List of current boards. The boards are inexpensive to buy. You can also build your own; the hardware designs for most boards are open source.

There are hundreds of add-on boards (shields) that make connecting I/O devices a snap. The vast range available includes support for connection of motors, LED and LCD displays, sensors, audio input and output, wireless devices and Ethernet. These enable almost anything that can be wired up to a microcontroller to be connected with little or no soldering. Many boards are available as kits or pre-built, and most boards are open-source designs so they can be built from scratch if desired. Get a list of over 250 add-on boards designed to be used with Arduino.

Online Arduino Resources

Arduino Books

Getting Started With Arduino by Massimo Banzi
An easy introduction to hardware and software for non-technical people with ideas for lots of projects.
Making Things Talk by Tom Igoe
Shows how to create 33 easy-to- build projects that illustrate techniques for communicating with people and the environment.
Arduino Cookbook by Michael Margolis
A comprehensive reference with over 200 solutions for a wide range of common software and hardware tasks. Each solution contains working code. Diagrams are provided to show how to connect external components for the solution.

Started in 2005 by industry pioneer Limor Fried, Adafruit Industries is a web-based electronics marketplace that is striving to be the best place online for learning about electronics and procuring do-it-yourself (DIY) kits. Fried, a MIT-trained engineer who was named one of the "Most Influential Women in Technology" by Fast Company, personally selects, tests and approves the tools, equipment and other electronics products that are available at the Adafruit store.

The company prides itself on its great prices, customer service and support, as well as its fast shipping times. Its store includes Arduino boards based on Atmel megaAVR microcontrollers. Atmel University Program members can purchase the following kits at a 15 percent discount from Adafruit:

Ice Tube Clock, Adafruit's first clock kit design, made with a retro Russian display tube
MONOCHRON® open-source clock platform
TV-B-Gone Kit, an ultra-high power, open-source kit version of the popular remote control that turns most any TV on or off

To receive the kit discount, send an email to atmel@adafruit.com and reference your membership in the Atmel University Program.

The aim of the ARM University Program is to encourage the use of ARM processors as teaching and research aids in universities and other higher education establishments. University courses, projects, and research which focus on SoC design, computer architecture, embedded systems, microprocessors/controllers, assembly programming, OS application development, robotics, or mechatronics can benefit from using ARM IP and development systems. Students benefit from using today's development tools and technology.

The ARM University Program is committed to working with Atmel's University Program to enable the use of ARM-based Atmel processors in world-wide universities through joint sponsorships, workshops, guest lectures, development hardware and software delivery, and teaching materials.

The Digi-Key Academic Program builds on many of the company's core strengths in the electronic component marketplace by customizing solutions specifically for the college and university audience.

Experience the benefits of the industry's broadest product selection, deepest inventory available for immediate, off-the-shelf delivery, and an overall ease of doing business that has earned Digi-Key its reputation as the leader in serving the prototype and design engineer.

Digi-Key's unparalleled and consistent level of service coupled with the rich content, 24/7 technical support, resources, tools and customized solutions for schools makes the Digi-Key Academic Program the premier destination for the innovators of tomorrow, today!

Digi-Key's academic focus is to provide faculty and students involved with teaching and research with the most up to date technology and information to aide in their development.

Buy Discounted Kits and Tools

Atmel offers official members of the University Program an option to purchase any Atmel AVR design tool or device with a 50% discount. A discount on hardware tools enable labs to be updated with small budgets, ensuring continuing success for lecturers, researchers and students in many areas within the embedded systems engineering field. This purchase can be done through our distributor partner DigiKey.

Step 1: First browse the DigiKey and Mouser website to find the items you want to purchase.

Step 2: To get the discount you must request a quote. If you execute a normal order you will not get the discount.

Step 3: In the Comments field you must include this string:
"We request the Atmel AVR design tool or device discount of 50% for education use."

The name of the contact person on the order and the shipment address should be same as the information provided in the membership form for the university program.

All products bought though this university program will become the ownership of the University, and must be used for education purposes only. No products may be resold or distributed outside the University.

One significant challenge in embedded systems development is gaining insightful visualization of serial communication between MCUs and peripherals. Using an oscilloscope to view and decode these transactions can be a time-consuming, tedious process. Total Phase tools give the engineering community the power to quickly and easily see and understand USB, I²C, SPI and CAN data.

With Total Phase tools, you can: