Arduino in a Nutshell ― A Desktop Quick Reference

Rather than yet another project-based workbook, Arduino in a Nutshell is a reference and handbook that thoroughly describes the electrical and performance aspects of an Arduino board and its software.

This book brings together in one place all the information you need to get something done with Arduino. It will save you from endless web searches and digging through translations of datasheets or notes in project-based texts to find the information that corresponds to your own particular setup and question.

Reference features include pinout diagrams, a discussion of the AVR microcontrollers used with Arduino boards, a look under the hood at the firmware and run-time libraries that make the Arduino unique, and extensive coverage of the various shields and add-on sensors that can be used with an Arduino. One chapter is devoted to creating a new shield from scratch.

The book wraps up with detailed descriptions of three different projects: a programmable signal generator, a "smart" thermostat, and a programmable launch sequencer for model rockets. Each project highlights one or more topics that can be applied to other applications.

John M. Hughes is an embedded systems engineer with over 30 years of experience in electronics, embedded systems and software, aerospace systems, and scientific applications programming. He was responsible for the surface imaging software on the Phoenix Mars Lander and was part of the team that developed a novel synthetic heterodyne laser interferometer for calibrating the position control of the mirrors on the James Webb Space Telescope. Over the years he has worked on digital engine control systems for commercial and military aircraft, automated test systems, radio telescope data acquisition, 50+ gigapixel imaging systems, and realtime adaptive optics controls for astronomy. On his own time (when he has any) he likes to do cabinetry and furniture design, build microcontroller-based gadgets for use with greenhouses, bees, and backyard urban chickens, and write books.