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jimblom IntroductionIf you're ready to step up your Arduino game from older 8-bit/16MHz microcontrollers, the ATSAMD21 is an awesome alternative. The ATSAMD21G18 is an ARM Cortex M0+, 32-bit microcontroller that can run at up to 48MHz, and it comes complete with 256KB of flash memory and 32KB of SRAM. Plus, best of all, it's fully supported in the Arduino IDE!
SparkFun has come up with two new breakout boards for the ATSAMD21G18, both coming in familiar shapes. There's the full-size, Arduino-shaped SAMD21 Dev Breakout. And the minuscule, Pro Mini-shaped SAMD21 Mini Breakout.
SparkFun SAMD21 Dev Breakout DEV-13672If you’re ready to step your Arduino game up from older 8-bit/16MHz microcontrollers, the SparkFun SAMD21 Dev Breakout is a…
SparkFun SAMD21 Mini Breakout DEV-13664If you’re ready to step your Arduino game up from older 8-bit/16MHz microcontrollers, the SparkFun SAMD21 Mini Breakout is …
Both boards have similar feature sets -- they equip the ATSAMD21G18 with a USB interface for programming and power, then surround it with an RTC crystal, 600mA 3.3V regulator, and a variety of other components. The Dev Breakout's extra PCB real-estate leaves room for extra GPIO and an integrated LiPo charger.
Tutorial ScopeThis tutorial covers, from the ground up, all things ATSAMD21 and the SparkFun Mini and Dev Breakout boards. It's split into a number of pages, including:
Serial
, Serial1
, and SerialUSB
.In addition to either of the SAMD21 Breakout Boards, you'll also need a Micro-B Cable (as if you don't already have dozens in your USB cable drawer!). That's all you'll need to get started. But...
Eventually you'll want to solder something to the board. If you don't already have soldering tools, a soldering iron and some solder may also come in handy. You can choose your own adventure when it comes to soldering connectors into the boards. Any of these headers (or wire) may come in handy:
Break Away Headers - Straight PRT-00116A row of headers - break to fit. 40 pins that can be cut to any size. Used with custom PCBs or general custom headers.
Female Headers PRT-00115Single row of 40-holes, female header. Can be cut to size with a pair of wire-cutters. Standard .1" spacing. We use them exte…
If you have a SAMD21 Dev Board, you can take advantage of its LiPo charger with a single-cell Lithium Polymer battery, and/or solder a PTH Barrel Jack in to power it with a 5V Wall Adapter.
Suggested ReadingBefore continuing on with this tutorial, you may want to familiarize yourself with some of these topics if they’re unfamiliar to you:
What is an Arduino?What is this 'Arduino' thing anyway? This tutorials dives into what an Arduino is and along with Arduino projects and widgets.
Installing Arduino IDEA step-by-step guide to installing and testing the Arduino software on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
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