Introduction to the Hardware: Arduino

From the last post, we know have a clear idea about what IoT is and how it works. We also discussed about the major technologies that are used today to support IoT. IoT is about establishing connection between various devices. Now if we want to establish this connection; for example between a smart phone and a home appliance (let's say refrigerator) we need some kind of device to do this. A device that will establish this connection and will help the user to control the refrigerator in a wireless method.  This is when the need of some kind of micro controller, micro processor or micro computer arises. Hence, today we will discuss about the two major hardware technologies used now a days: Arduino and Raspberry Pi.

Arduino: An Introduction

In simple words we can use an Arduino to read data from sensors and control things. We can write and upload our programs on the board which will then enable it to interact with things in the real world. With the Arduino board we can make devices that react to certain action/conditions according to the uploaded program. For example we can have it text us every time there is a shortage of milk in the refrigerator or we can even make the refrigerator order milk on itself. Basically any electronically connected object and even non-connected object like electromagnets and motor can be controlled using the Arduino.

Types of Arduino Boards

There are many kind of arduino boards available, some of the most common types are listed below:

• Arduino Uno (Most commonly used)
• Lilypad Arduino
• Redboard Arduino
• Arduino Mega
• Arduino Nano
• Arduino Leonardo

Below is the list of features of some common arduino (source)

The above table has the information about the Processor, Memory, Number of  Analog and Digital I/O Pins

Basic Parts Arduino Uno

Next Steps

To do anything with the Arduino we need to program it for which we should download and install the Arduino IDE (Integrated Development Environment). It is based on the Processing IDE and uses a language similar to C or C++. Once we are done with this, we can type in our code.
Now the Arduino has a special chip in it which enables it to appear as a virtual serial port when plugged in to our computer. So we connect the arduino board to computer with a Male USB A to Male USB B cable.
But before we upload our program we need to tell the IDE about the kind of Board and the serial port so we make these settings in the IDE. (You may click to zoom the images below.)

Now we can simply upload the program and run it. The serial monitor present in the IDE takes data that arduino is receiving from sensors and other devices and displays it in real time.

What are Arduino Shields?

Shields are expansion boards that add extra functionality to the arduino when plugged into it.
This is it for the Arduino guys, I hope I was able to give you a simple picture of what is arduino, how to work with it and what are its basic features. In the post that follows we will discuss about the second important hardware device i.e. Raspberry Pi.