Arduino Nano Expansion Board: Boost Your Nano’s Capabilities

The Arduino Nano Expansion Board is a must-have accessory for anyone looking to enhance their Arduino Nano projects. This board significantly expands Nano’s input/output (I/O) capabilities, making it easier to connect multiple devices such as sensors, servos, and communication modules. Designed to be compatible with Arduino Nano V2.x and V3.x models, this expansion board gives you easy access to Nano’s 14 digital I/O pins, 8 analogue pins, PWM outputs, and I2C interface. Its Arduino Uno form factor enables seamless use with Uno-compatible shields, offering more flexibility in your projects.

Key Features:

• Expanded I/O Capabilities:
  • 14 Digital I/O Pins (with GND, power, and signal headers)
  • 8 Analog Pins (with power and GND headers)
  • 6 PWM Outputs for motor control and other peripherals
• Power Flexibility:
  • Supports DC input (7-12V) via a barrel jack, similar to the Arduino Uno, allowing convenient power options.
• Servo and Sensor Connections:
  • Additional power and ground pins for easy sensor and servo connections.
• I2C and UART Expansion:
  • Dedicated headers for I2C (SCL, SDA) and UART (RX, TX) interfaces, simplifying the integration of communication modules.
• 3.3V Voltage Regulator:
  • Onboard 3.3V regulator for powering low-voltage devices.
• Additional Reset Button:
  • Easily reset your Nano during development with the onboard reset button.
• Uno Shield Compatibility:
  • Fully compatible with Arduino Uno shields, enhancing the functionality of your Nano-based projects.
• Reverse Polarity Protection:
  • Safeguards your project from wiring errors with reverse polarity protection on the DC input.
• Power Indicator LED:
  • A convenient LED that indicates when the board is powered on, makes troubleshooting easier.

Technical Specifications:

• Compatible Boards: Arduino Nano (Original), Arduino Nano CH340 (Compatible models)
• Pinout:
  • 14 Digital I/O Pins (with GND, power, and signal headers)
  • 8 Analog Pins (with power and GND headers)
  • 6 PWM Pins
  • I2C Expansion Pins: 4-way header (SCL, SDA, 5V, GND)
  • UART Expansion Pins: 4-way header (RX, TX, 5V, GND)
  • AREF Output
  • 3.3V Output
• Power Input:
  • DC Barrel Jack (7-12V)
  • Onboard 3.3V Voltage Regulator
• Form Factor: Arduino Uno Shield-Compatible
• Dimensions: 60mm x 53mm x 13mm

Applications:

• DIY Robotics: Expand your control over multiple sensors, motors, and servos with this board, making it perfect for robotics projects.
• IoT Prototyping: Streamline the connection of communication modules like I2C and UART for Internet of Things (IoT) projects, boosting your Nano’s ability to gather and transmit data.
• Sensor Networks: Create robust data acquisition systems by easily connecting multiple sensors, with dedicated power, ground, and signal headers.
• Arduino Shield Compatibility: Use existing Arduino Uno shields to further expand your Nano’s capabilities without needing additional hardware.

Usage Instructions:

• Power Options:
  • Power your Arduino Nano using either the DC barrel jack input (7-12V) or through the Nano’s USB port.
• Pinout Access:
  • The I/O pins, analogue pins, and power pins are broken out to servo-type headers, allowing for easy connection of peripherals such as sensors or servos.
• Uno Shield Compatibility:
  • Simply attach your Arduino Uno shields to the board for expanded functionality with the Arduino Nano.
• 3.3V Devices:
  • The onboard voltage regulator provides a 3.3V output to power low-voltage devices.

Troubleshooting Tips:

• No Power Indicator:
  • Ensure your DC power supply is within the specified voltage range (7-12V), and double-check the polarity of the DC input jack.
• No Communication with I2C or UART Devices:
  • Verify the connection to the dedicated I2C and UART headers, ensuring the correct pins (SCL, SDA for I2C and RX, TX for UART) are connected properly.
• Shield Compatibility Issues:
  • Confirm that the shield is seated properly and that its pinout is compatible with the Arduino Nano.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

1. Can I use this expansion board with other Arduino models?
   No, this board is specifically designed for Arduino Nano and compatible models like the Nano CH340.
2. Does this board have onboard voltage regulation?
   Yes, it has a 3.3V voltage regulator, providing stable power for low-voltage devices.
3. Is it compatible with all Arduino Nano versions?
   Yes, it is compatible with Arduino Nano V2.x and V3.x models.