DFRobot Beetle

by DFRobot

The new generation "Beetle" microcontroller from DFRobot based on the Atmel AtMega32u4

To further make it user-friendly, it is compatible with Micro USB so that direct programming and testing is no longer a headache. Select "Arduino Leonardo (tools >board > Arduino Leonardo in Arduino IDE), the ATmega32U4 comes preburned with a bootloader that allows you to upload any new code that is applicable to Arduino Leonardo.

As a minimized version of the Arduino Leonardo, it enjoys similar powerful functionalities. The Beetle aims to solve problems of low-cost controller, ease-of-using properly, and to provide a low cost solution for DIY projects, workshops, gift projects, E-Textiles and education.

Features

  • 20mm X 22mm compact size
  • Direct downloading and testing via Micro USB
  • V-shaped large-size gold-plated IO ports make it convenient for the user to twist wires upon, and can also be directly sewn on clothes with conductive thread.
  • Two honeycomb shape gold-plated power interface
  • Magic light blue soft BLINK indicator

Specification

  • Microcontroller: ATmega32u4
  • Clock Speed: 16 MHz
  • Operating Voltage: 5V DC
  • Digital I/O Pins: 10 
  • PWM Channels: 4 
  • Analog Input Channels: 5 
  • UART: 1 
  • I2C: 1 
  • Micro USB: 1 
  • Power Ports: 2 
  • Flash Memory: 32 KB of which 4KB used by bootloader
  • SRAM:  2.5 KB
  • EEPROM:  1 KB

Documents

9 customer reviews

a year ago
This tiny board fits beautifully inside the case I’ve made for my project - a large squishy Enter button which can be squeezed or thumped. It’s easily programmed in the Arduino IDE and appears like a Leonardo. Ideal for what I wanted.
by Andrew about DFRobot Beetle via REVIEWS.io
4 years ago
Powerful module, works the exact same as an Arduino Leonardo. Capable of small screens. Only around 2x2cm big, so can fit into virtually anything.
by Anonymous about DFRobot Beetle via REVIEWS.io
6 years ago
This tiny board is truly remarkable - a board functionally identical to an Arduino UNO, in a package which is smaller than my thumb nail. The gold plated contacts are a nice touch too. Great product.
by George about DFRobot Beetle via REVIEWS.io
6 years ago
A tiny and therefore light Arduino. Great for my RC plane project.
by Hugh about DFRobot Beetle via REVIEWS.io
8 years ago
First I gotta say that I#m quite new to prgramming, I#ve been playing around with the Arduino Leonardo before and so I thought I'd like to try out this super small version of it, the DFRobot Beetle. Unfortunately I ran into some connection problems, due to my lack of skills I guess. So here is the question: how do I connect a speaker or headphones to this tiny dude, so I can make it play sounds when I trigger one of the ports f. ex. ? It would be awesome, if someone could give me some helpfull advice.
by Lolo about DFRobot Beetle via REVIEWS.io
9 years ago
Not used this beetle in anger yet. I have connected it to my laptop with short usb to micro usb cables with no joy. My cable was wrong. I used a longer usb to micro usb cable with success. The first time it connected it updated or loaded a driver. When completed I could use the Arduino ide and select Arduino Leonardo and my port. The soft blue LED is connected, as shown in the schematic, to pin 13 so 'blink' works. I use an app called ArduinoDroid on my Galaxy S3 to program the Beetle with success. I also needed an on the go (OTG) usb cable. It asks to short pins 5 & 6 on the ICSP pads. Bit of an inconvenience but no great hassle. I noted that the ICSP has changed orientation between versions of Beetle. So far it's looking very exciting. To power it I am going to use a 3v coin battery with an Adafruit 5v usb powerboost.
by Richard about DFRobot Beetle via REVIEWS.io
10 years ago
The beetle is a surprisingly versatile beast sporting a respectable number of I/O as well as all communication protocols supported by the Atmel chip at its core. I have had a great deal of success assembling a variety of projects built around it and using the optional custom mini shield let you connect actuators/sensors without fuss. It really is a must-have compact 'Arduino' that I have yet to outgrow and its size and price make it my to-go board. The inexpensive IO shield is the icing on the cake and will help you hit the ground running, I can't recommend it enough!
by RM about DFRobot Beetle via REVIEWS.io