Origin
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When it comes to open source hardware, we must first discuss the origin of the term “open source”. According to online resources, early hardware was all open source, including printers, computers, etc. However, in the 1960s and 1970s, many companies chose to keep their hardware closed source. As a result, the chapter “Printer Technology Barriers” appeared in high school technology textbooks. Clearly, this practice protected technology patents but also hindered technological development. Subsequently, under the premise that hardware had once been “open source,” many began to ponder whether open source hardware should make a comeback… In this context, as a maker educator and enthusiast, I will summarize what I know about open source hardware.
△ Open Source Initiative |
The Unavoidable Arduino
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When talking about open source hardware, an unavoidable topic is Arduino. In 2005, Italian teacher Massimo Banzi and his students developed Arduino. In 2006, the first version of open source hardware Arduino was trademarked “Flamingo EDA” in Beijing, marking the enlightenment of open source hardware in China. In 2008, DFRobot and Seeed Studio, two of the five major global open source hardware suppliers, were founded in Shanghai and Shenzhen, respectively. I first encountered open source hardware in 2013 when I purchased my first Arduino kit from Taobao. As for why I bought this kit, I believe it was the cross-platform and user-friendly characteristics of Arduino that attracted me. At that time, wiring was still done using a “control board + breadboard” method, and sensors and other electronic components appeared only as components, with expansion boards not being as rich as they are now. In 2015, I came across DFrobot, and from then on, DFrobot became a window for me to explore the world of Arduino. Since then, I have seen various Arduino control boards. As of now, there are nearly 20 different models of Arduino open source control boards, some of which are continuously iterating and upgrading. This article selects several classic models for explanation.
△ Commonly Used Arduino Kits 1. Classic Arduino UNO There are many versions of Arduino UNO, and the most common one available for purchase is the R3 version. The R3 version uses the ATmega328 microprocessor, and the control board has 14 digital input/output interfaces, 6 analog input interfaces, 1 16MHz crystal oscillator, 1 USB interface, etc. It is undoubtedly the controller of choice for beginners and is the most classic model in the Arduino family.
△ Arduino UNO 2. Powerful Arduino MEGA The MEGA2560 control board uses the ATmega2560 microprocessor, featuring 54 digital input/output interfaces, 16 analog input interfaces, 4 UART interfaces, and 1 16MHz crystal oscillator, etc. The Arduino MEGA2560 is powerful and has rich interfaces, making it particularly suitable for projects requiring a large number of input/output interfaces, and it is often used as a controller for 3D printers.
△ Arduino MEGA2560 3. Lightweight Arduino NANO The Arduino NANO is very small and can be directly plugged into a breadboard for use. It uses the ATmega168 (NANO2.x) and ATmega328 (NANO3.0) microprocessors, with 14 digital input/output interfaces (6 of which can output PWM signals), 8 analog input interfaces, and 1 16MHz crystal oscillator, etc. The NANO has won the favor of many developers due to its lightweight design and is often used in projects that require specific control board sizes. In addition, the Arduino Micro is also a lightweight control board.
△ Arduino NANO 4. Pocket-sized Beetle If the above Arduino NANO and Micro are lightweight, then Beetle is undoubtedly a pocket-sized control board. Despite its small size, it remains powerful, using the ATmega32u4 microprocessor, supporting direct program uploads, truly achieving a compact and convenient design. Beetle has 10 digital input/output interfaces, 4 PWM interfaces, and 5 analog input interfaces. It is very suitable for making wearable projects, as you can almost hide it anywhere.
△ Beetle 5. Bluno with Integrated Bluetooth Bluno is an Arduino UNO development board that integrates a Bluetooth 4.0 communication module. With it, you can quickly develop a hardware device that communicates with a mobile phone, such as a wearable smart device. You can use Bluno for wireless transmission with other Bluetooth devices (such as computers and smartphones), achieving master/slave settings, wireless program uploads, and more.
△ Bluno 6. IoT Controller WiDo WiDo is an Arduino-based control board with Wi-Fi functionality, using the Jorjin CC3000 microprocessor. Compared to the standard Arduino + Wi-Fi expansion board setup, WiDo is lighter, more integrated, and more convenient. Its size is comparable to an Arduino UNO. By connecting to Wi-Fi, it can connect to the cloud, enabling IoT applications.
△ WiDo |
These are some commonly used control boards for project making. Of course, the types of control boards in the Arduino family are not limited to these. I believe the most impressive aspect of Arduino is its ease of use, allowing non-electronic professionals and hobbyists to engage with it.
In the next issue, let’s learn about the amazing micro:bit and domestic open source hardware.