I have been working on a little project where my Arduino Uno sends the IMU sensor's data to the PC via serial (Printing the data on serial monitor. I ma planning the transfer the programmed Arduino chip (Atmega) from the prototype platform to a PCB. I have read that I just need a crystal and a couple of capacitor to run the already programmed Arduino chip on a PCB. And I could use the prototype platform to program the chip and transfer back o the PCB. My question here, can the Arduino on the PCB still perform the serial communication with the PC? Does the PCB need extra components such as a USB-to-Serial converter in order to perform the serial communication? Please explain.
Does the PCB need extra components such as a USB-to-Serial converter in order to perform the serial communication?
Yes. Typically you would use an FTDI serial to USB chip, the FT232R is probably the most popular but there are a few more these days.
You can also just add a header suitable for attaching an FTDI cable, the Arduino Pro does it that way.
The schematics for these options are available on the various Arduino product pages.
The thing is, if you do this you may as well program the chip in situ and forget moving it back and forth between boards.
Rob
You can do it that way, but ... we live in times when they sell $4 Arduino Pro Minis on eBay so it's not the easiest way to do it:
You'll still need an FTDI gadget (USB to serial) to program the board and communicate with the PC:
It's very easy to waste £25 worth of time (30 minutes?) trying to find a cheaper solution - including solutions that simply involve cheaper Arduino clones.
Unless there is a non-financial reason for the change (such as the need to fit in a small space) it may be worth considering whether the best option is just to leave things on the Uno and buy a new Uno for your next project.
...R
Robin2:
It's very easy to waste £25 worth of time (30 minutes?) trying to find a cheaper solution - including solutions that simply involve cheaper Arduino clones.Unless there is a non-financial reason for the change (such as the need to fit in a small space) it may be worth considering whether the best option is just to leave things on the Uno and buy a new Uno for your next project.
And while you're doing this one, order a bunch of the $4 clones ready for the next time around.