SPIDER Automation Adafruit METRO Mini ATmega328 Development Board | 16MHz Arduino-Compatible Controller | For Embedded & Automation Applications
Description
The Adafruit METRO Mini is a compact, breadboard-friendly development board based on the ATmega328 microcontroller. It combines the familiar Arduino-compatible AVR architecture with integrated USB-to-Serial communication in a small form factor for embedded development, prototyping and compact control systems.
The ATmega328 operates at 16MHz and provides 32KB Flash memory, 2KB RAM, hardware UART, SPI and I2C interfaces, timers and PWM functionality. The board provides 20 GPIO pins, including 6 analog inputs and 6 PWM-capable outputs, giving developers flexible connectivity for sensors, actuators, displays and other electronic peripherals.
The METRO Mini can be programmed using the Arduino IDE by selecting the Arduino UNO board option. A genuine FTDI USB-to-Serial converter provides communication between the board and a computer and supports firmware programming through the installed Optiboot bootloader.
Power can be supplied through the polarity-protected Vin input at 6–16V DC or through the USB interface from a 5V source. The standard GPIO logic level is 5V, while the onboard jumper can be configured for 3.3V logic. Four onboard indicator LEDs provide useful visual feedback during development and troubleshooting.
The board is supplied assembled and tested with a 0.1-inch header strip. Headers can be soldered for breadboard installation, or wires can be connected directly to the breakout pads for custom embedded assemblies.
Key Features
- ATmega328 Microcontroller: Provides the core 8-bit AVR processing platform for Arduino-compatible applications.
- 16MHz Clock: Operates at the specified 16MHz processor clock frequency.
- 32KB Flash Memory: Provides onboard program storage with 0.5KB reserved for the bootloader.
- 2KB RAM: Provides runtime memory for embedded programs and data.
- 20 GPIO Pins: Provides flexible digital I/O for external circuits and peripherals.
- 6 Analog Inputs: Supports analog sensor and measurement applications.
- 6 PWM Outputs: Provides PWM functionality through three hardware timers.
- Hardware UART: Supports serial communication through the onboard USB-to-Serial interface.
- Hardware SPI: Supports SPI-connected peripherals and devices.
- Hardware I2C: Supports I2C sensors, displays and other compatible peripherals.
- Genuine FTDI USB-to-Serial Converter: Provides computer connectivity for programming and serial communication.
- Arduino IDE Compatible: Can be programmed using the Arduino IDE with the Arduino UNO board selection.
- Optiboot Bootloader: Comes pre-loaded for convenient firmware programming.
- 5V Logic: Standard GPIO logic operates at 5V.
- 3.3V Logic Option: Logic level can be converted to 3.3V through the onboard jumper.
- 5V Regulator: Onboard regulator provides up to 150mA output according to the supplied specifications.
- 3.3V Auxiliary Output: Provides up to 50mA through the FTDI supply path.
- Polarity-Protected Vin: Supports 6–16V DC input through the Vin connection.
- USB Power: Can be powered from a 5V USB source.
- Four Indicator LEDs: Includes green power, RX, TX and red pin-13 LEDs.
- Compact Form Factor: Measures approximately 44 × 18 × 4mm.
- Header Support: Supplied with a 0.1-inch header strip for optional soldered installation.
- Fully Assembled: Supplied assembled and tested with the bootloader installed.
Benefits
- Compact Arduino Platform: Provides familiar ATmega328 functionality in a smaller development-board format.
- Integrated USB Communication: Eliminates the need for a separate USB-to-Serial adapter during normal development.
- Flexible Installation: Supports breadboard mounting or direct wiring through the breakout pads.
- Multiple Peripheral Interfaces: UART, SPI, I2C, analog, PWM and GPIO interfaces support diverse electronics.
- Flexible Power Options: Supports both external Vin power and USB power.
- Visual Diagnostics: Dedicated LEDs simplify development and troubleshooting.
Applications
- Embedded Controllers: Developing compact ATmega328-based control systems.
- Sensor Interfaces: Connecting analog and digital sensors through the available I/O.
- Automation Systems: Implementing compact controllers for embedded automation equipment.
- Actuator Control: Using GPIO and PWM outputs for compatible actuators and control circuits.
- Data Acquisition: Reading analog sensors and communicating measurements through serial interfaces.
- Industrial Prototyping: Developing compact control and monitoring systems.
- Arduino-Compatible Applications: Running compatible firmware developed through the Arduino IDE.
- Embedded Instrumentation: Interfacing displays, sensors and communication peripherals in compact equipment.
Package Includes
- 1 × Adafruit METRO Mini 328 Development Board
- 0.1-inch Header Strip
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Development Board |
| Board Type | METRO Mini |
| Manufacturer | Adafruit Industries |
| Microcontroller | ATmega328 |
| Architecture | 8-bit AVR |
| Clock Speed | 16MHz |
| Flash Memory | 32KB, with 0.5KB reserved for bootloader |
| RAM | 2KB |
| Logic Level | 5V, configurable to 3.3V via onboard jumper |
| Input Voltage | 6–16V DC via Vin; 9V DC recommended |
| USB Power | 5V USB Source |
| Digital I/O Pins | 20 |
| Analog Input Pins | 6 |
| PWM Outputs | 6, using 3 hardware timers |
| Hardware Interfaces | UART, SPI, I2C |
| USB Interface | USB-to-Serial via Genuine FTDI Converter |
| USB Connector Variant | Micro USB or USB Type-C, supplied randomly |
| Voltage Regulator | 5V Regulator, 150mA Output |
| 3.3V Auxiliary Output | 50mA via FTDI Supply |
| Bootloader | Optiboot Pre-Loaded |
| Indicator LEDs | Green Power, RX, TX and Red Pin-13 LED |
| Board Dimensions (L × W × H) | 44 × 18 × 4mm |
| Product Weight | 3g |
| Header | 0.1-inch Header Strip Included |
| Arduino IDE Compatibility | Arduino UNO Board Selection |
| Shipping Weight | 0.006kg |
| Shipping Dimensions | 9 × 7 × 1cm |