Product Description
Unlock advanced USB functionality with the Leonardo R3 Development Board. Unlike the standard Uno, the Leonardo features the ATmega32U4 microcontroller, which has built-in USB communication. This eliminates the need for a secondary processor and allows the Leonardo to appear to a connected computer as a mouse or keyboard, in addition to a virtual (CDC) serial/COM port. At Robogears, we recommend the Leonardo R3 for projects requiring Human Interface Device (HID) emulation, such as custom gaming controllers or automation macros. The board uses a convenient Micro USB connector and maintains the standard Arduino R3 pinout, ensuring compatibility with most existing shields and accessories.
Detailed Key Features
Native USB Support: The ATmega32U4 handles USB communication directly, allowing the board to behave as a native Keyboard or Mouse (HID) for any PC or Mac.
Increased I/O Capability: Offers 20 digital I/O pins, including 7 PWM channels and 12 analog inputs, providing more flexibility than the standard Uno R3.
Micro USB Interface: Modernized connectivity with a sturdy Micro USB port, making it compatible with standard mobile charging and data cables.
Separated Serial Communication: Because USB is handled natively, the hardware Serial (UART) on pins 0 and 1 is kept free for communication with other modules (like GPS or Bluetooth) without interfering with the USB connection.
R3 Header Compatibility: Features the standard 1.0 pinout (SDA, SCL, IOREF pins), ensuring it works seamlessly with the latest R3-standard shields.