Build Arduino From Scratch

Projects General Guidance
1

Hi,

  1. I wanted to build Arduino Uno from Discrete elements, but was wondering can I use Atmeg328P-PU directly or do I have to program the boot loader in it.
  2. If I need to boot load , can't I use my circuit (arduino Uno Circuit) to program Atmega328?
  3. Finally do I have to use/buy Atmega boot loader burner to burn boot loader coder?

thanks,
Divyam

2

divyam:
Hi,

  1. I wanted to build Arduino Uno from Discrete elements, but was wondering can I use Atmeg328P-PU directly or do I have to program the boot loader in it.
  2. If I need to boot load , can't I use my circuit (arduino Uno Circuit) to program Atmega328?
  3. Finally do I have to use/buy Atmega boot loader burner to burn boot loader coder?

thanks,
Divyam

  1. You have to program the boot loader in it. There are some vendors that sells Atmega328P with bootloader in it.
    2.- Another Arduino can work as a programmer if that's what you mean.
    3.- Yes, you have to buy bootlaoder burner. But again, any Avr programmer or another Arduino can work as a bootlaoder burner.
3

See Nick Gammon's page for installing a bootloader from an Arduino

&

4

divyam:
I wanted to build Arduino Uno from Discrete elements, but

But - why? :astonished:

5

break down what you want.

an Arduino is a very specific device. it has to use the Arduino bootloader to be an arduino. (better classification is welcome) maybe this would extend to microcontrollers programmed with an arduino like a tiny85 ?

without that, it is just a microcontroller. and there are hundreds of microcontrollers. in fact the UNO board can use the chip and be programmed in basic, C, assembler as well as probably a dozen other languages.

if you want to make a microcontroller, you can use any chip, no reason you cannot use the same pin-out as the UNO. the Maple does that.

no reason you cannot make a larger board, the Goldylocks/1284p project(s) do that.
the current working unit is the Bobduino Cross Roads Electronics
is currently being offered with the latest software, goldylocks, I think, was a one hit wonder.
the Mega is the next larger board and still used the Arduino software.

you can make a smaller board FEMTODUINO, is pretty small and still fits the 'duino' category.

but, if you want to make a microcontroller and program in any language, it is very easy on the hardware side. the software is what makes it difficult.

6

Thanks, all of you. Helped a lot.

The main reason to go and build own arduino, just to gain knowledge in making schematic and then layout
diagrams and finally go out for manufacture using a local vendor. So I was using OrCad for all this.

The main difficulty I am facing is getting the BOM list for Arduino UNO Atmeg328P or 168....
Then using similar element (from BOM) in orcad. Since for some I have to create the parts/symbols. Anyway that i have to live it up. But for some components I am not able to figure out what are they and they used for. For ex. RN 22R RN3A ...

So guys if any of you have worked on it ... could you provide a BOM list.

Thanks
Divyam

7

Paul__B:
But - why? :astonished:

Hope I answered it.. My comment in the end.

8

mart256:

  1. You have to program the boot loader in it. There are some vendors that sells Atmega328P with bootloader in it.
    2.- Another Arduino can work as a programmer if that's what you mean.
    3.- Yes, you have to buy bootlaoder burner. But again, any Avr programmer or another Arduino can work as a bootlaoder burner.

Thanks a lot. Great help

9

divyam:
Thanks, all of you. Helped a lot.

The main reason to go and build own arduino, just to gain knowledge in making schematic and then layout
diagrams and finally go out for manufacture using a local vendor. So I was using OrCad for all this.

The main difficulty I am facing is getting the BOM list for Arduino UNO Atmeg328P or 168....
Then using similar element (from BOM) in orcad. Since for some I have to create the parts/symbols. Anyway that i have to live it up. But for some components I am not able to figure out what are they and they used for. For ex. RN 22R RN3A ...

So guys if any of you have worked on it ... could you provide a BOM list.

Thanks
Divyam

I'd start by doing Arduino on a Breadboard, for practicing.

BOM for Arduino on a Breadboard:

-Breadboard
-Atmega328P with Bootloader
-16 mhz crystal
-2x 22pF caps.
-10k resistor
-wires
-FTDI breakout
-Wires

10

But for some components I am not able to figure out what are they and they used for. For ex. RN 22R RN3A

When using multiple resistors of the same value it can many times be more efficient to use resistor networks. That is what the RN stands for. They are essentially just multiple resistors on a single package.

So "RN 22R" means resistor network with a value of 22 Ohms per resistor.
And "RN3A" means "Resistor Network 3" and "resistor A" on that network.

If you would rather use single resistors rather than a network you can.

Hope this helps.

-Paul

11

divyam:
Hope I answered it.. My comment in the end.

Oh, that's OK.

As long as you do not believe it will be in any way cheaper, faster, more compact or more effective than using one of the ready-built modules such as the Nano or Pro Mini.

12

pguerra75:
When using multiple resistors of the same value it can many times be more efficient to use resistor networks. That is what the RN stands for. They are essentially just multiple resistors on a single package.

So "RN 22R" means resistor network with a value of 22 Ohms per resistor.
And "RN3A" means "Resistor Network 3" and "resistor A" on that network.

If you would rather use single resistors rather than a network you can.

Hope this helps.

-Paul

Thanks Paul.. Now I get it. :wink:

13

Paul__B:
Oh, that's OK.

As long as you do not believe it will be in any way cheaper, faster, more compact or more effective than using one of the ready-built modules such as the Nano or Pro Mini.

Thats the thing. I am not making it to use it/compete with existing designs. Just to have some exp. with the whole flow. From schematic to board design and finally soldering each product.

Thanks
Divyam

14

mart256:
I'd start by doing Arduino on a Breadboard, for practicing.

BOM for Arduino on a Breadboard:

-Breadboard
-Atmega328P with Bootloader
-16 mhz crystal
-2x 22pF caps.
-10k resistor
-wires
-FTDI breakout
-Wires

Ya using breadboard is the correct way to start, but ordering components will take time. And I still have to finalize the MCu since I am stuck with new problem, I am not able to find the orcad library of Atmega328P-PU or any other DIP MCU used in arduino. If you come across do help.

Thanks
Divyam

15

Paul__B:
Oh, that's OK.

As long as you do not believe it will be in any way cheaper, faster, more compact or more effective than using one of the ready-built modules such as the Nano or Pro Mini.

.... but potentially more power efficient.

Im running a barebones 328p, no crystal/caps (internal 8mhz), which controls an external step up/step down to power all the peripherals.

16

@mart256,
Please stop leaving out decoupling caps, 0.1uF from the list of needed parts.
One each on VCC, AVCC, and Aref to Gnd if analogRead will be used.
And a 4th between FTDI's DTR pin and '328P Reset pin for autoreset during serial downloads.

See Figure 6.1

AtmelAVR042 AVR Design Considerations.pdf (236 KB)

17

CrossRoads:
@mart256,
Please stop leaving out decoupling caps, 0.1uF from the list of needed parts.
One each on VCC, AVCC, and Aref to Gnd if analogRead will be used.
And a 4th between FTDI's DTR pin and '328P Reset pin for autoreset during serial downloads.

See Figure 6.1

My bad, I'll remember them next time.