The MunoX is a low cost embedded platform based on the popular open source development platform, the Arduino UNO. The MunoX is as good as the Arduino UNO, with some improvements, and additional features, which we feel are necessary for any beginner to enter immediately into the world of robotics without the need of any further primitive shields. With onboard motor-driving and wireless support capabilities [and much more], a MunoX user can straight-away start with both basic and advanced robotic projects owing to its support of various embedded technologies, all in one board.

 

To begin with, the MunoX has 14 digital input/output pins (of which 6 can be used as PWM outputs), 6+2 analog inputs, a 16 MHz ceramic resonator, a mini USB connection, a power jack, an ICSP header, and a reset button. Apart from these basic features, it has a 4 Channel Motor driver which can drive up to 2 DC motors at 500mA current each [with current over load protection]. It contains a micro SD card connector for easier large data set storage, and comes bundled with an on-board Xbee adapter for easier interfacing and reducing the need of multiple shields. With both 5V and 3.3V logic switch over, it is easier to interface with 3.3V logic devices

without damaging them. Comes with one pair of user programmable switch and LED. It is compatible with both Arduino and AVR environment simultaneously. It contains everything needed to support the microcontroller; simply connect it to a computer with a USB cable or power it with an AC-to-DC adapter or a battery to get started. The acceptable DC input voltage range is 7 to 12 Volts.

 

"MunoX" signifies, that the Arduino UNO development board has been improved upon heavily which is signified by the “M” and “X”, while keeping all its great basic features and still providing more. The “M” signifies that this board comes with an on-board motor driver IC and circuit to support up to 2 DC motors and 1 stepper motors with 500mA current in each channel, while the “X” projects at the fact that the board has a ready to go Xbee wireless trans-receiver adapter, thus providing support for “on-the-go” wireless communication without the need of any external connections or shields.\

 

Arduino UNO like physical characteristics

 

TThe MunoX features an Arduino UNO like physical pin positioning, thus allowing the stackability of all standard Arduino board compatible shields. It also houses

duplicate [unsoldered] pinouts as well, for easier prototyping and pin accessibility even after you stack one or more shields over the board.

 

The board with all its features fits in a very small form factor of only 96.77 x 63.50 sq. mm, thus allowing it to be the perfect size for any small or large project. It comes in a very high quality glass epoxy PCB with 3 layer electrical testing.

 

On-board 4 channel Motor Driver

 

The MunoX houses a 4 channel L239DD motor driver [500mA current per channel], which can run up to 2 DC motors or 1 stepper motor. This makes the board ideal for robotic applications, as one can control the locomotion of any basic robot using the same platform, thus reducing the need for any external circuit or expensive

shields

 

On-board Micro-SD card connector

 

The MunoX features an impressive micro SD card connector as well, with a support of additional memory of 8GB, thus giving programmers a huge secondary storage/memory option, and fulfilling all your data storage needs while on a project.

 

USB and Motor Driver over current protection

 

Apart from the single resettable PTC used by Arduino developers at the USB end of the board, the MunoX also sports a resettable polyfuse of 500mA on 2 channels [out of the 4 available] of the motor driver, to protect the driver IC from any kind of overcurrent surge or motor stall. Thus the IC becomes technically indestructible.

 

5V and 3.3V interchangeable logic with stabilizer

 

The MunoX features an impressive change over switch to shift the IO voltage level of the board from standard 5V logic to 3.3V and back. This is highly useful to interface 3.3V logic devices with the microcontroller without the risk of damaging the external device, or the need of IO level converters.

 

The board also has the capability to souce out 800mA of current from each of its 5V and 3.3V voltage regulators

 

The board also features a logic voltage stabilizer for the micro SD card and Xbee, thus allowing you to interface other 5V logic devices with the board while simultaneously communicating with both micro SD and Xbee which work on 3.3V

 

Arduino and AVR compatible

 

The board sports pin labels for not just Arduino, but basic AVR connections too, hence making it very easy for hobbyists to use it under the AVR environment [Atmel Studio] as well and not just Arduino.

 

User Programmable

 

The board comes with 1 set of usable tact switch and LED. These are helpful for basic programs. One can move forward with testing without having the need to setup an external switch and or an LED on a bread board.

 

Summary