Realize your own projects with the Elektor Arduino Nano MCCAB Training Board
The microcontroller is probably the most fascinating subfield of electronics. Due to the multitude of functions, it combines on its chip, it is a universal multi-tool for developers to realize their projects. Practically every device of daily use today is controlled by a microcontroller. However, for an electronic layman, realizing his own ideas with a microcontroller has so far remained a pipe dream due to its complexity. The Arduino concept has largely simplified the use of microcontrollers, so that now even laymen can realize their own electronics ideas with a microcontroller.
Book & Hardware in the Bundle: 'Learning by Doing'
This book, which is included in the bundle, shows how you can realize your own projects with a microcontroller even without much experience in electronics and programming languages. It is a microcontrollers hands-on course for starters, because after an overview of the internals of the microcontroller and an introduction to the programming language C, the focus of the course is on the practical exercises. The reader acquires the necessary knowledge by 'learning by doing': in the extensive practical section with 12 projects and 46 exercises, what is learned in the front part of the book is underpinned with many examples. The exercises are structured in such a way that the user is given a task to solve using the knowledge built up in the theoretical part of the book. Each exercise is followed by a sample solution that is explained and commented on in detail, which helps the user to solve problems and compare it with his own solution.
Arduino IDE
The Arduino IDE is a software development environment that can be downloaded for free to your own PC and that contains the entire software package needed for your own microcontroller projects. You write your programs ('apps') with the IDE’s editor in the C programming language. You translate them into the bits and bytes that the microcontroller understands using the Arduino IDE's built-in compiler, and then load them into the microcontroller's memory on the Elektor Arduino MCCAB Nano Training Board via a USB cable.
Query or control external sensors, motors or assemblies
In addition to an Arduino Nano microcontroller module, the Elektor Arduino Nano MCCAB Training Board contains all the components required for the exercises, such as light-emitting diodes, switches, pushbuttons, acoustic signal transmitters, etc. External sensors, motors or assemblies can also be queried or controlled with this microcontroller training system.
Specifications (Arduino Nano MCCAB Training Board)
Power Supply
Via the USB connection of the connected PC or an external power supply unit (not included)
Operating Voltage
+5 Vcc
Input Voltage
All inputs
0 V to +5 V
VX1 and VX2
+8 V to +12 V (only when using an external power supply)
Hardware periphery
LCD
2x16 characters
Potentiometer P1 & P2
JP3: selection of operating voltage of P1 & P2
Distributor
SV4: Distributor for the operating voltagesSV5, SV6: Distributor for the inputs/outputs of the microcontroller
Switches and buttons
RESET button on the Arduino Nano module 6x pushbutton switches K1 ... K6 6x slide switches S1 ... S6 JP2: Connection of the switches with the inputs of the microcontroller
Buzzer
Piezo buzzer Buzzer1 with jumper on JP6
Indicator lights
11 x LED: Status indicator for the inputs/outputs LED L on the Arduino Nano module, connected to GPIO D13 JP6: Connection of LEDs LD10 ... LD20 with GPIOs D2 ... D12
Serial interfacesSPI & I²C
JP4: Selection of the signal at pin X of the SPI connector SV12 SV9 to SV12: SPI interface (3.3 V/5 V) or I²C interface
Switching output for external devices
SV1, SV7: Switching output (maximum +24 V/160 mA, externally supplied) SV2: 2x13 pins for connection of external modules
3x3 LED matrix(9 red LEDs)
SV3: Columns of the 3x3 LED matrix (outputs D6 ... D8) JP1: Connection of the rows with the GPIOs D3 ... D5
Software
Library MCCABLib
Control of hardware components (switches, buttons, LEDs, 3x3 LED matrix, buzzer) on the MCCAB Training Board
Operating Temperature
Up to +40 °C
Dimensions
100 x 100 x 20 mm
Specifications (Arduino Nano)
Microcontroller
ATmega328P
Architecture
AVR
Operating Voltage
5 V
Flash Memory
32 KB, of which 2 KB used by bootloader
SRAM
2 KB
Clock Speed
16 MHz
Analog IN Pins
8
EEPROM
1 KB
DC Current per I/O Pins
40 mA on one I/O pin, total maximum 200 mA on all pins together
Input Voltage
7-12 V
Digital I/O Pins
22 (6 of which are PWM)
PWM Output
6
Power Consumption
19 mA
Dimensions
18 x 45 mm
Weight
7 g
Included
Elektor Arduino Nano MCCAB Training Board
Arduino Nano
Book: Microcontrollers Hands-on Course for Arduino Starters
Dit is een ideaal boek voor hobbyisten, studenten en ingenieurs die op een eenvoudige manier C en het gebruik van een mbed ARM microcontroller willen leren, rechtstreeks op internet zonder ingewikkelde software installatie.
ARM mbed microcontroller NXP LPC1768
De projecten in dit boek zijn bedoeld voor beginners op het gebied van ARM microcontrollers of de programmeertaal C. Dat wil niet zeggen dat de projecten allemaal eenvoudig zijn, maar wel dat ze gemakkelijk te begrijpen zijn. We maken bijvoorbeeld gebruik van USB communicatie, een onderwerp dat door de mbed zo eenvoudig wordt gemaakt dat het geschikt is voor een beginners boek.
Cloud technologie
De mbed NXP LPC1768 maakt gebruik van cloud technologie, een revolutionair concept voor software ontwikkeling. Dit houdt in dat u geen software hoeft te installeren om de mbed te kunnen programmeren! Het enige dat u nodig heeft is een internet browser zoals Microsoft Internet Explorer, en een USB poort op uw PC. U kunt vanaf elke willekeurige PC waar dan ook ter wereld toegang krijgen tot uw project en er aan verder werken. Wanneer u klaar bent kunt u met een paar eenvoudige klikjes met uw muis het programma overzetten naar uw mbed hardware. Uiteraard kunt u de projecten ook downloaden en op uw eigen PC opslaan wanneer u dat liever heeft.
Onderwerpen die aan de orde komen
Leer het programmeren van een ARM microcontroller via cloud technologie. Geen moeilijke software installatie op uw eigen PC.
Leer de programmeertaal C door leuke en interessante projecten uit te voeren. Geen ervaring of kennis noodzakelijk.
Voorbeelden van projecten in dit boek: knipperlicht, tijdschakelaar, donkerschakelaar, digitale thermometer, mensen detector, USB communicatie, pratende microcontroller, fout zoeken, geluidsschakelaar, en nog veel meer - totaal 35 projecten.
Voorbeelden van C onderwerpen in dit boek: variabelen, opdrachten, functies, programmaverloop, pointers (inleidend).
35 Projects for Beginners
This book is for hobbyists, students and engineers who want to learn C and how to use an mbed ARM microcontroller in an easy and fun way, without the need for cumbersome software installations.
ARM mbed microcontroller NXP LPC1768
The projects in this book are meant for beginners in C and ARM microcontrollers. That doesn't mean the projects are simple, but it does mean that they are easy to understand. We use for example USB communications, a subject that is made so easy by the mbed that it is suitable for a beginners book.
Cloud technology
The mbed NXP LPC1768 uses cloud technology, a revolutionary concept in software development. This means you do not need to install software on your PC in order to program the mbed!
The only thing you need is a browser such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, and a USB port on your PC. You can get access to your project from any PC anywhere in the world and continue working on it. When you are done a few simple mouse clicks transfer the program to your mbed hardware. Of course you can optionally download the projects and store them on your own PC.
Features of this Book
Learn how to program an mbed ARM microcontroller using cloud technology. No complicated software installation on your PC needed.
Learn programming in C by doing fun and interesting projects. No previous experience or knowledge required.
Examples of projects in this book: flashing light, timer, light activated switch, digital thermometer, people detector, USB communication, talking microcontroller, debugging, sound switch, and much more - 35 projects in total.
Examples of C subjects in this book: variables, commands, functions, program execution, pointers (introduction).
Dit is een ideaal boek voor hobbyisten, studenten en ingenieurs die op een leuke manier C en het gebruik van een mbed ARM microcontroller willen leren, rechtstreeks op internet zonder ingewikkelde software-installatie.
De projecten in dit boek zijn bedoeld voor gevorderden op het gebied van ARM microcontrollers of de programmeertaal C. Dat wil zeggen dat de kennis uit deel 1 van deze serie bekend verondersteld wordt.
Cloud technologie
De in dit boek gebruikte mbed NXP LPC1768 maakt gebruik van cloud-technologie, een revolutionair concept voor software-ontwikkeling. Dit houdt in dat u geen software hoeft te installeren om de mbed te kunnen programmeren!
Het enige dat u nodig heeft, is een internet-browser zoals Microsoft Internet Explorer, en een USB-poort op uw PC. U kunt vanaf elke willekeurige PC waar dan ook ter wereld toegang krijgen tot uw project en er aan verder werken. Wanneer u klaar bent, kunt u met een paar eenvoudige klikjes met uw muis het programma overzetten naar uw mbed-hardware. Uiteraard kunt u de projecten ook downloaden en op uw eigen PC opslaan wanneer u dat liever heeft.
In een deel van de projecten wordt Visual Basic gebruikt; dit gratis pakket is nog niet in de cloud beschikbaar en moet wel op uw PC geïnstalleerd worden.
Onderwerpen die aan de orde komen
Leer het programmeren van een ARM microcontroller via cloud-technologie. Geen ARM ontwikkelsoftware-installatie op uw eigen PC.
Leer hoe u een ARM microcontroller met internet kunt verbinden, hoe u via internet uw ARM kunt bedienen en hoe u vanaf de ARM microcontroller tweets kunt versturen.
Leer hoe u een CMUcam camera kunt aansturen en toepassen in uw applicaties, bijvoorbeeld als alarm.
Leer hoe u met behulp van de gratis PC programmeertaal Visual Basic met uw ARM microcontroller kunt communiceren met gebruik van multi-threading.
Voorbeelden van projecten in dit boek: internet-server, automatisch twitteren, digitaal naar analoog conversie, USB HID, automatisch metingen in een spreadsheet plaatsen, met een camera bewegingen waarnemen, seriële communicatie met een zelfgeschreven PC-programma, gebruik van een LCD en SPI en I²C communicatie.
It is becoming important for microcontroller users to quickly learn and adapt to new technologies and architecture used in high performance 32-bit microcontrollers. Many manufacturers now offer 32-bit microcontrollers as general purpose processors in embedded applications.
ARM provide 32 and 64-bit processors mainly for embedded applications. These days, the majority of mobile devices including mobile phones, tablets, and GPS receivers are based on ARM technology. The low cost, low power consumption, and high performance of ARM processors makes them ideal for use in complex communication and mixed signal applications.
This book makes use of the ARM Cortex-M family of processors in easy-to-follow, practical projects. It gives a detailed introduction to the architecture of the Cortex-M family. Examples of popular hardware and software development kits are described.
The architecture of the highly popular ARM Cortex-M processor STM32F107VCT6 is described at a high level, taking into consideration its clock mechanisms, general input/output ports, interrupt sources, ADC and DAC converters, timer facilities, and more. The information provided here should act as a basis for most readers to start using and programming the STM32F107VCT6 microcontroller together with a development kit.
Furthermore, the use of the mikroC Pro for ARM integrated development environment (IDE) has been described in detail. This IDE includes everything required to create a project; namely an editor, compiler, simulator, debugger, and device programmer.
Although the book is based on the STM32F107VCT6 microcontroller, readers should not find it difficult to follow the projects using other ARM processor family members.
With Examples for Arduino UNO, Raspberry Pi Pico and ESP32
Programming small electronic systems has never been more accessible. Tasks that once demanded expensive tools, specialized hardware, and deep electrical engineering expertise can now be tackled with low-cost development boards and approachable software. At the centre of this shift is the Arduino environment, which provides a unified and familiar way to program a wide range of microcontroller platforms—from classic AVR boards like the Arduino UNO to modern ARM-based boards such as the Raspberry Pi Pico, and powerful Wi-Fi-enabled devices like the ESP32.
This book introduces embedded programming through the core idea that defines all microcontrollers: reading inputs, processing information, and controlling outputs in a predictable loop. The Arduino environment abstracts much of the hardware complexity, allowing you to focus on behaviour rather than implementation details. With just a few lines of code, you can blink LEDs, read sensors, control motors, and communicate with other devices.
While the Arduino UNO, Raspberry Pi Pico, and ESP32 boards differ greatly in performance and features, they share the same fundamental building blocks: digital and analog I/O, timers, serial communication, PWM, interrupts, and power management. Learning these concepts within the Arduino framework builds skills that transfer easily across platforms and scale toward more advanced applications.
By exploring multiple boards while maintaining a consistent programming approach, this book helps you progress from simple experiments to confidently produce well-structured designs—showing that embedded development can be both practical and enjoyable.
AVR Architecture and Programming An in-depth look at the 8-bit AVR architecture found in ATtiny and ATmega microcontrollers, mainly from a software and programming point of view. Explore the AVR architecture using C and assembly language in Microchip Studio (formerly Atmel Studio) with ATtiny microcontrollers. Learn the details of how AVR microcontrollers work internally, including the internal registers and memory map of ATtiny devices. Program ATtiny microcontrollers using an Atmel-ICE programmer/debugger, or use a cheap hobby programmer, or even an Arduino Uno as a programmer. Most code examples can be run using the Microchip Studio AVR simulator. Learn to write programs for ATtiny microcontrollers in assembly language. See how assembly language is converted to machine code instructions by the assembler program. Find out how programs written in the C programming language end up as assembly language and finally as machine code instructions. Use the Microchip Studio debugger in combination with a hardware USB programmer/debugger to test assembly and C language programs, or use the Microchip Studio AVR simulator. DIP packaged ATtiny microcontrollers are used in this volume for easy use on electronic breadboards, targeting mainly the ATtiny13(A) and ATtiny25/45/85. Learn about instruction timing and clocks in AVR microcontrollers using ATtiny devices. Be on your way to becoming an AVR expert with advanced debugging and programming skills.
32 new Projects, Practical Examples and Exercises with the Elektor Arduino Nano MCCAB Training Board
Electronics and microcontroller technology offer the opportunity to be creative. This practical microcontroller course provides you with the chance to bring your own Arduino projects and experience such moments of success. Ideally, everything works as you imagined when you switch it on for the first time. In practice, however, things rarely work as expected. At that point, you need knowledge to efficiently search for and find the reason for the malfunction.
In this book for advanced users, we delve deep into the world of microcontrollers and the Arduino IDE to learn new procedures and details, enabling you to successfully tackle and solve even more challenging situations.
With this book, the author gives the reader the necessary tools to create projects independently and also to be able to find errors quickly. Instead of just offering ready-made solutions, he explains the background, the hardware used, and any tools required. He sets tasks in which the reader contributes their own creativity and writes the Arduino sketch themselves.
If you don’t have a good idea and get stuck, there is, of course, a suggested solution for every project and every task, along with the corresponding software, which is commented on and explained in detail in the book.
This practical course will teach you more about the inner workings of the Arduino Nano and its microcontroller. You will get to know hardware modules that you can use to realize new and interesting projects. You will familiarize yourself with software methods such as ‘state machines,’ which can often be used to solve problems more easily and clearly.
The numerous practical projects and exercise sketches are once again realized on the Arduino Nano MCCAB Training Board, which you may already be familiar with from the course book ‘Microcontrollers Hands-on Course for Arduino Starters’, and which contains all the hardware peripherals and operating elements we need for the input/output operations of our sketches.
Readers who do not yet own the Arduino Nano MCCAB Training Board can purchase the required hardware separately, or alternatively, build it on a breadboard.
A Project-Based Introduction to Microcontrollers and Drone Control
A Practical Introduction to Embedded Systems with the ESP32
This book is intended for readers who are new to embedded systems and looking for a structured, example-driven way to begin. If you’ve explored general-purpose electronics or Arduino-based resources but found them too broad or lacking in practical application, this guide offers a more focused alternative.
With a small, affordable set of components – such as LEDs, sensors, an OLED screen and a motion sensor – you’ll build and work with the same hardware setup throughout the book. This allows you to focus on learning and experimenting without constant reconfiguration.
Topics include:
Understanding and programming the ESP32 microcontroller
Using the Arduino IDE to write and deploy code
Exploring cyber-physical systems, culminating in basic drone control
No prior experience with Arduino or embedded development is required. Each section includes hands-on examples and mini-projects designed to reinforce core concepts and encourage deeper exploration. By the end, you’ll be equipped not only to reproduce the book’s examples, but also to extend them toward your own ideas and applications.
Whether your interest is in learning embedded programming, building interactive systems, or exploring educational drone control, this book provides a clear and practical path to getting started.
Microcontrollers have become an indispensable part of modern electronics. They make things possible that vastly exceed what could be done previously. Innumerable applications show that almost nothing is impossible.
There’s thus every reason to learn more about them, but that raises the question of where to find a good introduction to this fascinating technology. The answer is easy: this Microcontroller Basics book, combined with the 89S8252 Flash Board project published by Elektor Electronics.
However, this book offers more than just a basic introduction. It clearly explains the technology using various microcontroller circuits and programs written in several different programming languages. Three microcontrollers from the 8051 family are used in the sample applications, ranging from the simple 89C2051 to the AN2131, which is designed to support USB applications. The programming tools include assemblers, Basic-52 and BASCOM-51, and several C compilers. Every reader can thus find the programming environment most suitable to his or her needs.
In the course of the book, the reader gradually develops increased competence in converting his or her ideas into microcontroller circuitry. All of the sample programs can be downloaded from the Elektor Electronics website or the author’s website. That has the added advantage that the latest versions are always available.
Mit dem Elektor Arduino Nano Trainingsboard (MCCAB) eigene Projekte realisieren
Der Mikrocontroller ist das wohl faszinierendste Teilgebiet der Elektronik, denn aufgrund der Vielzahl von Funktionen, die er auf seinem Chip vereinigt, ist er für den Entwickler ein universelles Multi-Tool zur Realisierung seiner Projekte. Praktisch jedes Gerät des täglichen Gebrauchs wird heute von einem Mikrocontroller gesteuert. Für einen elektronischen Laien blieb es aufgrund der Komplexität bisher allerdings ein Wunschtraum, eigene Ideen mit einem Mikrocontroller zu realisieren. Das Arduino-Konzept hat den Einsatz von Mikrocontrollern weitgehend vereinfacht, sodass jetzt auch Laien eigene Elektronik-Ideen mit einem Mikrocontroller verwirklichen können.
Buch & Hardware im Bundle: 'Learning by Doing'
Dieses im Bundle mitgelieferte Buch (im großen A4-Format) zeigt, wie man auch ohne große Erfahrung in Elektronik und Programmiersprachen eigene Projekte mit einem Mikrocontroller realisieren kann. Es ist ein Mikrocontroller-Praxiskurs für Einsteiger, denn nach einem Überblick über die Interna des Mikrocontrollers und einer Einführung in die Programmiersprache C liegt der Schwerpunkt des Kurses auf den praktischen Übungen. Der Leser eignet sich die erforderlichen Kenntnisse durch 'Learning by Doing' an: in dem umfangreichen Praxisteil mit 12 Projekten und 46 Übungen wird das im vorderen Teil des Buches Gelernte mit vielen Beispielen unterlegt. Die Übungen sind dabei so aufgebaut, dass der Bearbeiter eine Aufgabenstellung erhält, die er mit seinem im Theorieteil des Buches aufgebauten Wissen löst. Für jede Übung gibt es anschließend eine ausführlich erklärte und kommentierte Musterlösung, die dem Bearbeiter bei Problemen weiterhilft und die er mit seiner eigenen Lösung vergleichen kann.
Arduino IDE
In der Arduino IDE, einer Software-Entwicklungsumgebung, die kostenlos auf den eigenen PC heruntergeladen werden kann und die das gesamte Softwarepaket enthält, das für ein eigenes Mikrocontroller-Projekt benötigt wird, schreibt der Bearbeiter mit dem Editor der IDE seine Programme („Apps“) in der Programmiersprache C. Der in die Arduino IDE integrierte Compiler übersetzt sie in die Bits und Bytes, die der Mikrocontroller versteht und die dann über ein USB-Kabel in den Speicher des Mikrocontrollers auf dem Elektor Arduino Nano Trainingsboard (MCCAB) geladen werden.
Externe Sensoren, Motoren oder Baugruppen abfragen oder steuern
Das Elektor Arduino Nano Trainingsboard (MCCAB) enthält neben einem Mikrocontrollermodul Arduino Nano alle für die Übungen benötigten Bauteile wie Leuchtdioden, Schalter, Taster, akustische Signalgeber usw. Auch externe Sensoren, Motoren oder Baugruppen können mit diesem Mikrocontroller-Übungssystem abgefragt oder gesteuert werden.
Technische Daten (Arduino Nano Trainingsboard MCCAB)
Stromversorgung
Über die USB-Verbindung des zur Erstellung der Programme sowieso angeschlossenen PCs oder ein externes Netzteil (nicht im Lieferumfang enthalten)
Betriebsspannung
+5 Vcc
Eingangsspannung
Alle Eingänge
0 V bis +5 V
VX1 und VX2
+8 V bis +12 V (nur bei Verwendung eines externen Netzteils)
Mikrocontrollermodul
Arduino Nano
Hardwareperipherie
LCD
2x16 Zeichen
Potenziometer P1 & P2
JP3: Auswahl der Betriebsspannung von P1 & P2
Verteiler
SV4: Verteiler für die BetriebsspannungenSV5, SV6: Verteiler für die Ein-/Ausgänge des Mikrocontrollers
Schalter und Taster
RESET-Taster auf dem Arduino Nano-Modul6x Tastschalter K1 … K66x Schiebeschalter S1 … S6JP2: Verbindung der Schalter mit den Eingängen des Mikrocontrollers
Summer
Piezo-Summer Buzzer1 mit Steckbrücke auf JP6
Leuchtanzeigen
LED L auf dem Arduino Nano-Modul, verbunden mit GPIO D1311x LED: Zustandsanzeige für die Ein-/AusgängeJP6: Verbindung der LEDs LD10 … LD20 mit den GPIOs D2 … D12
Serielle SchnittstellenSPI & I²C
JP4: Auswahl des Signals an Pin X der SPI-Steckerleiste SV12SV9 bis SV12: SPI-Interface (3,3 V/5 V) bzw. I²C-Interface
Schaltausgang für externe Geräte
SV1, SV7: Schaltausgang (maximal +24 V/160 mA, extern zugeführt)SV2: 2x13 Pins zum Anschluss externer Module
3x3 LED-Matrix (9 rote LEDs)
SV3: Spalten der 3x3 LED-Matrix (Ausgänge D6 … D8)JP1: Verbindung der Reihen mit den GPIOs D3 … D5
Software
Library MCCABLib
Steuerung der Hardware-Komponenten (Schalter, Taster, Leuchtdioden, 3x3 LED-Matrix, Summer) auf dem MCCAB Trainingsboard
Betriebstemperatur
bis +40 °C
Abmessungen
100 x 100 x 20 mm
Technische Daten (Arduino Nano)
Mikrocontroller
ATmega328P
Architektur
AVR
Betriebsspannung
5 V
Flashspeicher
32 KB, davon 2 KB vom Bootloader belegt
SRAM
2 KB
Taktfrequenz
16 MHz
Analoge IN-Pins
8
EEPROM
1 KB
DC-Strom pro I/O-Pin
40 mA an einem I/O-Pin, insgesamt maximal 200 mA an allen Pins gemeinsam
Eingangsspannung
7-12 V
Digitale I/O-Pins
22 (6 davon sind PWM-fähig)
PWM-Ausgänge
6
Stromverbrauch
19 mA
Abmessungen
18 x 45 mm
Gewicht
7 g
Lieferumfang
Elektor Arduino Nano MCCAB Trainingsboard
Arduino Nano
Buch: Mikrocontroller-Praxiskurs für Arduino-Einsteiger
In this book the author presents all essential aspects of microcontroller programming, without overloading the reader with unnecessary or quasi-relevant bits of information. Having read the book, you should be able to understand as well as program, 8-bit microcontrollers.
The introduction to microcontroller programming is worked out using microcontrollers from the PIC series. Not exactly state-of-the-art with just 8 bits, the PIC micro has the advantage of being easy to comprehend. It is offered in a DIP enclosure, widely available and not overly complex. The entire datasheet of the PIC micro is shorter by decades than the description of the architecture outlining the processor section of an advanced microcontroller. Simplicity has its advantages here. Having mastered the fundamental operation of a microcontroller, you can easily enter into the realms of advanced softcores later.
Having placed assembly code as the executive programming language in the foreground in the first part of the book, the author reaches a deeper level with ‘C’ in the second part. Cheerfully alongside the official subject matter, the book presents tips & tricks, interesting measurement technology, practical aspects of microcontroller programming, as well as hands-on options for easier working, debugging and faultfinding.
