Connecting an Arduino board, such as an Arduino Uno, directly to a custom PCB involves modifying the Arduino itself and designing the PCB accordingly. One method described involves altering the header pins on the Arduino board to facilitate a direct connection.
Steps for Connecting an Arduino Uno to a Custom PCB
Based on the information available, a specific method for connecting an Arduino Uno to a custom PCB involves preparing the Arduino board first, followed by connecting it to a compatible PCB.
Modify Your Arduino Board
The initial step is to modify the standard header configuration on your Arduino Uno:
- Desolder the original headers: Carefully remove the header pins that came pre-soldered on your Arduino board.
- Solder new male headers: Solder new male headers onto the bottom side of the Uno board. This changes the orientation of the pins relative to the board surface, allowing for different connection methods to a PCB.
Connect the Modified Arduino to Your PCB
Once your Arduino Uno has male headers on its bottom side, you have a couple of options for connecting it to your custom PCB:
Option 1: Using Female Headers on the PCB
This method is similar to using standard Arduino shields:
- Add matching female headers: Design your custom PCB to include matching female headers placed on the top side. These headers should align perfectly with the male headers you soldered onto the bottom of your Arduino.
- Plug the Arduino into the PCB: With the female headers on your PCB, you can simply plug the modified Arduino (with bottom male headers) directly into the PCB. This creates a stackable connection.
Option 2: Direct Soldering
Alternatively, you can make a more permanent connection:
- Design PCB with matching holes: Ensure your custom PCB has holes that precisely match the pin layout of the Arduino headers.
- Solder directly: Solder the new Uno male headers (now on the bottom of the Arduino) directly into the matching holes on your PCB. This creates a fixed connection between the two boards.
Common Practices
While the methods above provide direct ways to integrate an Arduino Uno with a custom PCB by modifying the Arduino board itself, it's worth noting that most people just use "shields" though. Shields are pre-designed PCBs with female headers that plug directly onto a standard Arduino, providing additional functionality without requiring modification of the Arduino board.
These methods allow for custom integration of an Arduino Uno into projects where a standard shield might not be suitable, by either creating a custom "shield" PCB or directly soldering the Arduino into a larger board.
