Introducing Our Pro Series Mega 2560 Pro MCU Proto Board

The Mega 2560 Pro MCU Proto Board is our latest addition to our series of solder prototype boards for those looking to build permanent projects.

While solderless breadboards are ideal for building temporary circuits, there comes a time in some projects where it is desirable to build a more permanent version that can be put into continuous use or to build a permanent test fixture.

The Arduino Nano and Micro Pro are popular for embedded projects, but they often fall short of the needed I/O and memory for larger projects.

The Arduino Mega 2560 is one of the most flexible MCU modules due to its large amount of I/O and larger memory than most of the Arduino family.

Mega 2560 Pro vs standard Mega 2560

The Mega 2560 Pro module is a compact version of the standard Mega 2560 that is designed to be embedded into a project.  Unfortunately the large amount of I/O is brought out into double-row headers on 3 sides of the board which makes it difficult to actually use.

We have created to the Mega 2560 Pro MCU Proto Board to finally allow these modules to be used to their fullest.  The board mounts the Mega 2560 Pro MCU module and brings all the I/O out to 3-hole patters for easily making connections.

The board includes a flexible power input and distribution setup.  It even includes a build-in DC-DC converter module location for powering servos or circuits that require a different or isolated operating voltage.

This 5.2” x 4.6” board utilizes high quality double-sided construction with ENIG (Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold) finish for maximum performance and good looks.

Standard 0.3” wide 3 or 4-hole proto sections provide mounting for standard DIP ICs, discrete components, modules of various types and SMD to DIP adapter boards.  The large 40mil hole / 70mil pad patterns accept even large TO-220 leads.

Standard 0.1” header and offset connector footprints with separate solder connection points are provided along the back edge for easy I/O connections.

A flexible DC power input section provides multiple options for powering the board from an AC adapter or battery.

There are two power rails.  The main V Rail can be powered by the MCU 5V regulator output or the output of the DC-DC converter module.  The other is a small S(ervo) Rail on the right side of the board that can be powered from the same power sources.  The S Rail is normally powered by the DC-DC converter and is perfect for powering Servo motors while the main V Rail is powered off the MCU 5V regulator.

The board is available as board only or optionally with a kit of components to fully populate the DC power input section of the board and socket the Mega 2560 Pro MCU module.  Check out the product page for more details

— Ken