Arduino Pro Mini

Overview

The Arduino Pro Mini is a compact microcontroller board based on the ATmega328, designed for projects where space is at a premium. Despite its diminutive size, it packs the power and flexibility of the classic Arduino platform, making it a favorite among makers, hobbyists, and engineers who need to embed intelligence into tight spots. Whether you're building a wearable, a drone, or a custom sensor node, the Pro Mini offers a cost-effective and reliable solution.

Key Features

• Ultra-Compact Design: Measures just 18 x 33mm, ideal for projects with limited space.
• ATmega328 Microcontroller: Same powerful 8-bit AVR core as the Arduino Uno, ensuring broad compatibility.
• 5V Operating Voltage: Compatible with most standard sensors and modules.
• Low Power Consumption: Suitable for battery-powered and portable applications.
• Barebones Simplicity: No USB port or onboard programmer – connect via FTDI or other serial adapters for a clean, minimal setup.
• Breadboard Friendly: Standard 0.1" pitch headers allow easy prototyping.

Technical Specifications

• Microcontroller: ATmega328
• Operating Voltage: 5V
• Input Voltage (recommended): 7-12V (via RAW pin)
• Input Voltage (limits): 6-20V
• Digital I/O Pins: 14 (of which 6 provide PWM output)
• Analog Input Pins: 6
• DC Current per I/O Pin: 40 mA
• Flash Memory: 32 KB (ATmega328) of which 2 KB used by bootloader
• SRAM: 2 KB (ATmega328)
• EEPROM: 1 KB (ATmega328)
• Clock Speed: 16 MHz
• Dimensions: 18 x 33 mm

Applications & Use Cases

• Wearable Electronics: Lightweight and small enough to integrate into clothing and accessories.
• Drones and RC Vehicles: Onboard flight controllers and telemetry systems.
• IoT Sensor Nodes: Collect and transmit data from remote locations.
• Robotics: Motor control, sensor interfacing, and autonomous logic.
• Prototyping: Quickly test circuits and code before scaling up to larger boards.
• Education: Perfect for teaching embedded systems and programming.

What's Included

• 1x Arduino Pro Mini Board (ATmega328, 5V 16MHz)

Note: Pins (headers) are not included; you will need to solder your own or use female headers for breadboard use.

Compatibility

• Programming: Compatible with the Arduino IDE, using an FTDI programmer or USB-to-Serial adapter (e.g., FTDI FT232RL, CP2102).
• Shields: Not directly compatible with standard Arduino shields due to size, but works with custom/proto shields.
• Sensors & Modules: Works with all 5V logic sensors and modules, including I2C, SPI, and UART interfaces.

MOKWN Recommendation

The Arduino Pro Mini is an excellent choice for advanced makers and professionals who need a tiny, powerful controller. Its lack of onboard USB keeps the cost low and the footprint minimal. Pair it with an FTDI programmer and a breadboard for a versatile development setup. If you're new to Arduino or prefer a plug-and-play experience, consider the Arduino Uno or Nano instead. For everyone else, the Pro Mini is a fantastic addition to your toolkit.