Arduino Pro Mini 328 - 3.3V/8MHz

Description:
The Arduino Pro Mini 328 3.3V/8MHz is a compact microcontroller board designed for low-power applications where a smaller size is needed. It uses the ATmega328P chip but operates at 3.3V and is clocked at 8MHz, making it ideal for low-voltage or battery-powered projects. Its minimal form factor and low power consumption are perfect for embedded systems and applications where space and energy efficiency are critical.

Specifications:

Key Features:

• Low Voltage Operation: Operates at a lower voltage of 3.3V, ideal for low-power devices, and works with sensors or peripherals that require 3.3V logic.
• Compact Form Factor: A small and lightweight design makes it well-suited for space-constrained projects such as wearable devices or IoT applications.
• 8MHz Clock Speed: Although slower than the standard 16MHz Arduino Pro Mini, the 8MHz clock makes it highly power-efficient, extending battery life in portable applications.
• Low Power Consumption: Due to the combination of 3.3V operation and 8MHz clock speed, it consumes less power, making it suitable for battery-powered projects or where energy efficiency is key.
• Arduino IDE Compatibility: Fully compatible with the Arduino IDE, allowing users to easily program and upload their code to the Pro Mini.
• External USB-to-Serial Adapter Required: Like other Pro Mini boards, this version does not include a built-in USB-to-serial interface, requiring an external adapter for programming.

Application:

• Battery-Powered Devices: The Pro Mini 328 3.3V/8MHz is ideal for battery-powered applications where power efficiency is essential.
• Low Power IoT Projects: Perfect for Internet of Things (IoT) devices that need to operate on low voltage and consume minimal power, such as smart sensors, environmental monitoring, and remote data collection.
• Wearables: Due to its small size and low power operation, it is well-suited for wearables, medical devices, or other compact electronics that require efficient power usage.
• Embedded Systems: The compact and low-power nature makes this board a great choice for embedded systems where space and power constraints are important.
• Prototyping: Suitable for prototyping small, low-power systems where traditional Arduino boards might be too large or power-hungry.
• Sensor-Based Projects: Ideal for projects involving sensors, where low voltage and power efficiency are required, such as temperature sensors, pressure sensors, or motion detectors.

Usage Tips:

• Programming: Use an external USB-to-serial adapter (FTDI) to upload your code to the Pro Mini.
• Power Supply: If using a battery, ensure the voltage is within the 3.35V-12V range to prevent damage to the board. The onboard regulator will handle the conversion to 3.3V.
• Current Limits: Each I/O pin can supply up to 40mA, so ensure you use external transistors or MOSFETs for high-current applications such as motors or LEDs that require more power.
• Power Efficiency: For maximum power savings, consider putting the board into sleep mode when not in use, or use low-power peripherals and sensors.
• External Components: When using sensors or devices that require 5V, use level shifting to ensure compatibility with the 3.3V logic of the Pro Mini.