This shield has pads arranged in a 0.1" (2.54mm) grid. They are configured as four rows consisting of groups of four pads each, interconnected in vertical strips-- a proven configuration that has been used in the electronics field for decades. This arrangement is useful for prototyping with both narrow and wide DIP packages, 7-segment displays, bargraph LEDs, LED matrix displays, DIP switches, and discrete components (e.g. resistors, capacitors, transistors, LEDs, switches, connectors) compatible with a 0.1" grid. A 2x3 header pattern is included, to support connection to the SPI pins of Arduino UNO/Leonardo and EsduinoXtreme. Fifth in a series of useful prototyping shields.

Motivation for creating this product:

Most existing prototyping shields support only very simple circuits-- they're not suitable for more complex designs. Besides, they're way over-priced! Additionally, this shield was created specifically to provide access to features found on the newer Arduino and Freedom Board platforms.

How to use it:

Print out the actual-size layout pattern included in the datasheet PDF as a template to plan your component layout and wiring. Then solder the components in place, and use ordinary wire-wrap wire (i.e. Kynar AWG30 wire) to make the interconnections. Component pins will have three extra pads associated with them, making it easy to make multiple connections to one signal (e.g. a capacitor lead, a resistor lead, and the lead of a crystal). Arduino and EsduinoXtreme signals appear on the outer rows of header pads, while the additional signals available on certain Kinetis Freedom boards appear on the inner rows. Access the signals you need by soldering one end of your point-to-point wiring to the designated pin. If you're using stackable headers, you'll have to solder to the header pins on the bottom. To accomplish point-to-point wiring, just cut wires to length, strip a little insulation off the ends, and solder directly to the desired pads on the bottom of the board. Wiring can be routed on the top of the board or the bottom-- or both! Many a high-density prototype has been reliably and efficiently constructed using this approach.

Compatibility:

This shield implements the Arduino UNO/Leonardo header configurations (i.e. 10-pin, 8-pin, and 6-pin), as well as the dual-row implementation of the Kinetis Freedom board. It is also perfectly usable with earlier Arduinos and compatibles.