Description
The Pro Mini Enhancement 3.3V or 5V adjustable 16MHz MEGA328P is an unofficial, Arduino-compatible microcontroller board. It is a variant of the standard Arduino Pro Mini that features an adjustable voltage regulator, allowing it to operate at either 3.3V or 5V, typically by changing a jumper or switch.
This board is often favored for projects that require a compact form factor and low power consumption.
Features and specifications
- Microcontroller: ATmega328P.
- Operating voltage: 3.3V or 5V, adjustable via an onboard regulator.
- Clock speed: 16MHz, which is an overclock at 3.3V but is generally stable. The standard 3.3V Pro Mini usually runs at 8MHz.
- Dimensions: The board is ultra-compact and is a minimal design of the standard Pro Mini.
- Connectivity: Does not have a built-in USB port. It requires an external USB-to-serial adapter, such as an FTDI Basic Breakout board, for programming.
- Reset: Supports auto-reset when using an FTDI board with a DTR pin.
- Additional features: Some versions, like the “Enhancement V2,” may break out the ADC6 and ADC7 pins and add footprints for optional I2C pull-up resistors.
- Protection: Includes over-current and reverse polarity protection.
How to use
To program the board, you will need an external programmer.
- Connect the programmer: Use a USB-to-serial adapter, such as an FTDI board, to connect the Pro Mini Enhancement to your computer.
- Connect pins: Match the
GND,VCC,TX,RX, andDTRpins on the adapter to the corresponding pins on the Pro Mini. - Install board core: In the Arduino IDE, you may need to add a “board manager URL” for compatible boards and then select the appropriate board profile from the
Tools > Boardmenu. - Upload sketch: You can then program the board using the Arduino IDE, just as you would with a standard Arduino.
Alternatives
If you are looking for alternatives that offer similar features, consider these options:
- ESP32: A more powerful and modern alternative with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It can also be programmed with the Arduino IDE. A specific example is the SparkFun Thing Plus – ESP32 WROOM (USB-C).
- Seeeduino XIAO: A very compact and low-cost board with a more powerful ARM Cortex M0+ microcontroller. It can be programmed with the Arduino IDE and features a USB-C port.
- LGT8F328P Development Board: A more powerful and less expensive direct replacement for the Arduino, often in a Nano form factor. It is compatible with the Arduino IDE after installing the appropriate board core.
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