Gianluca Martino Introduces the Jolly Module: Enhancing Arduino Uno with Wi-Fi Connectivity
Gianluca Martino, co-founder of Arduino, has unveiled the Jolly module, a groundbreaking upgrade for Arduino Uno enthusiasts. This innovative module not only preserves the original functionalities of the Arduino Uno but also integrates Wi-Fi connectivity, unlocking new horizons for your projects.
The Evolution of Arduino Uno
Martino acknowledges the immense popularity of the Arduino Uno, attributing its success to its user-friendly interface and cost-effectiveness. He mentions that the Arduino Uno and its compatible boards have become the preferred choice for a diverse range of projects, fostering a vibrant community of creators from various backgrounds.
According to Martino, the next logical progression for these platforms is the integration of Wi-Fi capabilities, which will expand their utility and introduce them to the realm of IoT (Internet of Things).
Introducing the Jolly Module
The Jolly module serves as a drop-in replacement for the DIP-packaged Microchip ATmega328P chip at the heart of the Arduino Uno. By simply swapping out the original chip with the Jolly module, users can instantly equip their Arduino Uno with Wi-Fi connectivity. Moreover, the Jolly module can function as a standalone device when paired with a carrier board to unleash its full potential.
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Exploring the Jolly Module
The Jolly module is a cutting-edge electronic upgrade tailored for makers and Arduino Uno enthusiasts. By integrating Wi-Fi capabilities, this module transforms the Arduino Uno into a powerful IoT device, expanding the scope of your projects.
Unlocking New Capabilities
With the Jolly module, the Arduino Uno transcends its original functionality to become a versatile IoT device. All existing Arduino Uno projects seamlessly transition to wireless communication with the integration of this module.
The Innovative Board Design
The Jolly board is meticulously crafted to enhance the functionality of the Arduino Uno while preserving its core features and user experience. The primary modification involves replacing the original ATMega328P with the more compact ATMega328PB, an SMD version that maintains full compatibility with the pinout, firmware, and hardware architecture of the original chip in a smaller form factor.
To enable Wi-Fi functionality, the board incorporates an ESP8285, a Wi-Fi chip with integrated 2MB flash memory, selected for its compact size and robust capabilities.
Furthermore, to facilitate seamless operation between the two microcontrollers operating at different voltage domains (5V for ATMega328PB and 3.3V for ESP8285), a voltage regulation and interfacing circuit is integrated.
This design ensures that users can effortlessly replace the ATMega328P with the Jolly module without requiring any circuit modifications, guaranteeing compatibility with all existing Arduino Uno projects. The board features a built-in LED and an integrated antenna for enhanced wireless performance.
Communication between the two microcontrollers occurs through SPI (for data exchange) and UART (for programming). The UART interface is dedicated to programming and is isolated from regular operation to prevent interference with the ATMega328PB’s serial communication. Programming of the ESP8285 chip is accomplished using a boot key and specialized firmware within the ATMega328PB.
The single-sided assembly and castellated holes make the Jolly board ideal for both replacing the ATMega328P on the Arduino Uno and serving as a standalone module for other projects. A dedicated Arduino platform has been developed for programming the board, enabling users to update firmware for both microcontrollers through the Arduino IDE.
