Introduction to Arduino and Microcontroller
Programming
Arduino is a microcontroller development platform designed to make the
process of building electronic projects more accessible. Unlike traditional
microprocessors in general-purpose computers, microcontrollers are designed to
perform specific, low-level control tasks such as blinking an LED, reading
sensor data, or driving a motor.
The Arduino ecosystem consists of:
• Hardware: Microcontroller boards like the Arduino Uno.
• Software: The Arduino IDE (Integrated Development Environment) used
for writing and uploading code
• Libraries & Community: A wide support base and reusable code libraries
Arduino provides an excellent entry point for those new to electronics and
programming. It’s widely used in:
• Robotics
• Home automation
• Environmental sensing
• Art installations and education
The Structure of an Arduino Sketch
An Arduino program is called a sketch. Every sketch follows a required structure,
consisting of two main functions:
void setup()
void loop()
These functions define how and when the code is executed on the
microcontroller.
Overview of the Structure:
void setup() {
// Runs once when the board is powered or reset
}
void loop() {
// Runs continuously after setup()
}
The setup() function is automatically called once when the Arduino board starts
or is reset. It is used to configure the initial state of the hardware, such as:
• Setting the mode of I/O pins (input or output)
• Initializing serial communication
• Starting sensors or libraries
After the Arduino completes the setup() function, it enters the loop() function.
This function repeats continuously for as long as the Arduino board is powered.
The purpose of loop() is to implement the logic that must run repeatedly —
for example:
• Checking inputs like buttons or sensors
• Updating displays
• Controlling actuators
Configuring Pins with pinMode() and Controlling Outputs
with digitalWrite()
In Arduino, each pin on the board can be configured as either an input or
output. This configuration is done using the pinMode() function inside setup().
Setting the pin mode is crucial before reading or writing data. Omitting this step
can lead to unpredictable results.
Syntax:
pinMode(pin, mode);
• pin: the number of the digital pin (e.g., 8, 9, 13)
• mode: either INPUT, OUTPUT, or INPUT_PULLUP
Modes:
Mode Behavior
INPUT Reads voltage (e.g., buttons, sensors)
OUTPUT Sends voltage (e.g., LEDs, motors)
INPUT_PULLUP Reads input with an internal pull-up resistor
Example:
pinMode(8, OUTPUT); // Set pin 8 to output mode
pinMode(7, INPUT); // Set pin 7 to input mode
Once a digital pin is configured as an output, it can be controlled using
digitalWrite() to turn it on or off. This function is commonly used to control LEDs,
buzzers, and other output devices. A pin set to HIGH outputs approximately 5
volts, which is sufficient to turn on an LED.
Syntax:
digitalWrite(pin, value);
• pin: The pin number (e.g., 9)
• value: HIGH (5V) or LOW (0V)
Example:
digitalWrite(9, HIGH); // Turn pin 9 ON (sends 5V)
digitalWrite(9, LOW); // Turn pin 9 OFF (sends 0V)
Mastering the Breadboard
A breadboard is a reusable prototyping tool used to build and test electronic
circuits without soldering. Components and wires can be easily inserted into
the holes and removed or repositioned as needed.
Breadboards allow rapid experimentation and iteration when designing a circuit.
They are ideal for:
• Learning electronics without committing to permanent wiring
• Testing component behavior (e.g., sensors, LEDs, resistors)
• Building temporary or evolving projects
A standard half-size breadboard has about 400–830 tie points (holes) and is
organized into two main areas:
a. Terminal Strips (Main Grid)
These are the central areas where most components are placed.
Each row contains five holes, typically labeled A–E on one side and F–
J on the other, which are internally connected in a horizontal
configuration. There's also a center divider, which separates the left
and right halves.
b. Power Rails (Vertical Columns)
Located on the left and right edges, these are labeled with +
and - symbols and used for providing power (e.g., 5V and GND).
Each column (usually red and blue lines) runs vertically. Holes in
each column are connected vertically, but not across the center.
