Arduino: THE Microcontroller

Ryan Modafe

January 10, 2025

Look around. It’s hard to walk for more than a few feet without catching sight of electrically powered devices. Headphones, coffee brewers, smartwatches, and the very screen used to view this article are all examples of embedded systems containing electronic components. What all these daily life devices share are microcontrollers, which are small computing chips that allow for task management without the complexities of a full-on operating system. 

Microcontrollers contain three main categories of subsystems: the CPU, memory storage, and peripherals. The CPU (Central Processing Unit) oversees the execution of all tasks within the microcontroller. If the microcontroller is programmed to light up an LED, the actual implementation comes from the signals sent by the CPU. The memory is a key component for allowing the microcontroller to retain any instructions it has been programmed to execute temporarily and permanently storing its firmware, responsible for the basic behavior of the microcontroller. Finally, all microcontrollers contain a set of peripheral components that aid in allowing the microcontroller to complete tasks. These include but are not limited to inputs/outputs, communication types (UART, I2C, etc.), and connection ports (USB, HDMI, etc.). 

Arduino, originally based in Italy, is an open-source project bringing the world of chips and computers to a community of engineers and non-engineers alike. Giving the power of engineering to the consumer has revolutionized the hobby landscape, giving way to creations ranging from LCDs to autonomous drones. This aspect of user-friendliness at a low cost of ~$30 is what gives Arduino its popularity. Its functionality is not limited by the operating system, giving accessibility to a large audience. Its programming is based on C++, a widely used programming language that makes it even more simple to create projects with ease at whatever scale an individual desires.

Considering that Arduino is open-source, it seems odd that it could remain in such dominance over the hobbyist world. Hundreds of clones of Arduino’s microcontrollers have been created. These clones function almost identically to the Arduino. But, they lack the community built on years of loyalty and trust that Arduino is a tool for both students and professionals.

The level of support on a community and developmental level in guides, blogs, forums, and libraries allows Arduino to maximize its potential in whatever application it is to be used in. Simple libraries such as FastLED entice beginners with straightforward outcomes, giving individuals of any age the chance to engage themselves as engineers and learn.