Arduino Pro Mini 328 5V/16MHz Development Board

The Arduino Pro Mini 328 5V/16MHz is a compact Arduino-compatible development board based on the ATmega328P microcontroller. It is designed for applications where a standard Arduino board may be too large or where the controller needs to be permanently integrated into a finished product.

Running at 5V and 16MHz, the Pro Mini provides the familiar ATmega328P platform used in many Arduino-based projects. It features 14 digital I/O pins, including 6 PWM-capable pins, and 8 analog input channels. The additional analog pins A6 and A7 are input-only and cannot be used as general-purpose digital I/O.

The board includes 32KB Flash memory, with approximately 0.5KB typically reserved for the bootloader, along with 2KB SRAM and 1KB EEPROM. This provides sufficient memory for many sensor, automation, robotics, and embedded-control applications.

Compact Design

One of the main advantages of the Pro Mini is its small footprint of approximately 33 × 18mm. The compact design allows it to be installed inside small enclosures, wearable devices, miniature robots, sensor modules, and custom electronics where PCB space is limited.

The board is supplied without pre-soldered pin headers, allowing users to install straight headers, right-angle headers, or direct wires according to their project requirements.

External Programming Required

The Arduino Pro Mini does not include an onboard USB connector or USB-to-Serial converter. Programming therefore requires an external FTDI Basic, CP2102, or compatible USB-to-TTL serial adapter.

For automatic reset during programming, the programmer should support the appropriate DTR connection. When connecting the serial adapter, carefully check the pin arrangement and ensure the connections are correctly matched:

• GND → GND
• VCC → VCC
• RX → TX
• TX → RX
• DTR → DTR

For the 5V version, make sure the external serial adapter is configured for 5V logic before programming.

Power Requirements

The board operates from a 5V supply and includes an onboard voltage regulator. The RAW input can accept approximately 5–12V DC, depending on the specific board implementation.

When powering through RAW, excessive voltage or continuous high current can cause the onboard regulator to generate significant heat. For reliable operation, use an appropriate regulated power source and avoid exceeding the board's recommended electrical limits.

Analog Input Consideration

The Pro Mini provides eight analog input channels from A0 to A7. While A0–A5 can also be used for digital functions, A6 and A7 are analog-input-only pins on the ATmega328P and should not be treated as standard digital I/O pins.

Applications

The Arduino Pro Mini 328 is suitable for:

• Miniature line-following robots
• Small autonomous robots
• Wearable electronics
• Battery-powered IoT devices
• Remote sensor nodes
• Telemetry systems
• Data logging devices
• Smart home projects
• Environmental monitoring systems
• Compact automation projects
• Museum and exhibition installations
• Educational and academic electronics projects
• Custom embedded products

Important Notes

• Product images are for illustration purposes only and may differ from the actual product.
• An external USB-to-TTL/FTDI programmer is required because there is no onboard USB interface.
• Pin headers are not pre-soldered on this board.
• Always verify the pinout and polarity before connecting power or an external programmer.
• A6 and A7 are analog-input-only pins.
• Use a 5V-compatible serial adapter when programming the 5V/16MHz version.
• Avoid excessive voltage or current through the onboard regulator to prevent overheating.
• Specifications may vary slightly between manufacturers or board revisions. Please verify the actual product labels and technical documentation before use.
• As a DIY development board, damage caused by incorrect wiring, reverse polarity, excessive voltage, short circuits, or improper installation may not be covered by the applicable warranty or replacement policy.

Package Includes

• 1 × Arduino Pro Mini 328 5V/16MHz Development Board