Arduino Pro Mini 5V 16MHz ATmega328P Board — Overview
The Arduino Pro Mini 5V 16MHz ATmega328P is a compact, low-cost microcontroller board designed for advanced hobbyists and professionals. Its small footprint and reliable ATmega328P core make it an excellent choice for embedded systems, wearable devices, robotics, battery-powered projects and rapid prototyping.
Why choose the Arduino Pro Mini 5V 16MHz ATmega328P?
- Small form factor (18mm x 33mm) that fits into tight enclosures.
- Low weight (approx. 2 grams) for wearable and portable applications.
- Industry-standard ATmega328P microcontroller with 32KB flash memory and broad Arduino ecosystem support.
- Operates at 5V and 16MHz for compatibility with common sensors and shields designed for 5V logic.
Key Specifications
- Microcontroller: ATmega328P
- Operating Voltage: 5V
- Clock Speed: 16MHz
- Digital I/O Pins: 14 (6 PWM outputs)
- Analog Input Pins: 6
- Flash Memory: 32 KB (2 KB used by bootloader)
- SRAM: 2 KB
- EEPROM: 1 KB
- Dimensions: 18mm x 33mm
- Weight: Approximately 2 grams
Features and Benefits
- Compact design: Ideal for projects where board size and weight matter, such as wearables and compact robots.
- Power efficiency: 5V operation with a 16MHz clock gives a good balance between performance and battery life.
- Versatile I/O: 14 digital pins and 6 analog inputs make it easy to connect sensors, actuators and communication modules.
- Arduino IDE compatibility: Fully programmable with the Arduino IDE using a USB-to-serial adapter (FTDI, CH340, CP2102, etc.).
- Wide community support: Compatible with standard Arduino libraries, shields (with wiring), and extensive online resources.
Programming the Pro Mini
The Arduino Pro Mini does not include an onboard USB interface. To program it:
- Use an external USB-to-serial adapter (FTDI Basic, CH340, CP2102) connected to the Pro Mini’s RX, TX, VCC and GND pins.
- Select the correct board in the Arduino IDE: Tools > Board > Arduino Pro or Pro Mini.
- Choose the processor and voltage option matching your board: ATmega328P (5V, 16MHz).
- Upload sketches via the IDE. If needed, manually reset the board at the right time or use an adapter that supports DTR for automatic reset.
Power Options and Recommendations
- 5V supply: Power directly with a regulated 5V source into VCC.
- Battery use: Suitable for battery-powered projects; consider using a regulator and measure current draw for runtime estimates.
- Voltage tolerance: Avoid supplying more than the rated voltage to VCC. If you need to use a higher input voltage, add a voltage regulator and filter capacitors.
Typical Applications
- Wearable technology and smart textiles
- Small robots and remote sensors
- Home automation and IoT nodes
- Portable data loggers and battery-powered controllers
- Prototyping and embedded development
Getting Started: Suggested Projects
- Wearable LED controller with PWM-driven RGB strips.
- Bluetooth or LoRa sensor node for remote data collection.
- Compact robot controller with motor drivers and sensors.
- Battery-powered environmental monitor with data logging to EEPROM or external memory.
Compatibility and Notes
- Fully compatible with the Arduino IDE and most Arduino libraries when configured for ATmega328P 5V 16MHz.
- Requires an external USB-to-serial adapter for programming; adapters must supply stable 5V when powering the board.
- Images are for illustration purposes only.
Summary
The Arduino Pro Mini 5V 16MHz ATmega328P board delivers a compact, reliable and cost-effective platform for embedded projects where size and weight are critical. With ample I/O, proven ATmega328P performance and wide Arduino ecosystem support, it is perfect for wearable, robotic and battery-powered designs.
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