In short - the FT232RL has been replaced with an ATMEGA8U2 chip which allows installation without a separately downloadable driver package. This auxiliary processor can also be programmed via its own ICSP connector. Great!

The Arduino concept is a promising open platform for embedded AVR microcontrollers. Getting started is easy. You download the ready-made development environment (Win, Mac, Linux) and connect the Arduino board to your computer using the USB port. There are many examples, ready code snippets and great hacks. Be sure to try it out.

And above all - ready programming libraries for all the board's features and more! "Shields" can be stacked on top of the board. Ready-made solutions are available for example for Ethernet, Xbee, Bluetooth ...

Shields designed for the smaller board also fit the Arduino Mega equally well!

Brief technical specifications of the platform:

• ATMEGA2560 microcontroller
  • preinstalled Arduino bootloader (8KB)
  • FLASH code memory for programs 256KB
  • SRAM working memory 8KB
  • EEPROM parameter memory 4KB
  • 4 x UART
• 54 digital I/O pins
  • 40mA per pin
  • 14 PWM outputs
• 16 analog inputs
• 16MHz clock frequency (external crystal)
• reset button
• USB programming interface (Atmega8U2)
  • B-type shell connector
  • +5V supply voltages for the board
  • program uploading
  • also works as a serial communication interface to the computer
  • new: a USB auxiliary chip that the user can program as desired, e.g. as an HID controller
• ICSP programming header
  • for traditional serial programming of the chip
  • 6 pins without series resistors
• DC power jack (2.1mm)
  • input voltage 7-12VDC
  • on-board regulator providing +5VDC supply voltages for the board (if USB is not connected)
  • on-board regulator providing +3.3V 50mA
• board dimensions 102 x 53 mm (4" x 2.1")
  • 4 x Ø 3 mm mounting holes