Introduction
In this tutorial, let’s learn how to use simulators for building Arduino projects for beginners. In addition to it, We shall learn how to configure it and how to get started with simulation tools. Here, We shall take an example of blinking an led using Arduino in the simulator.
1. Tinkercad(Online simulator)
Introduction
Tinkercad is an online collection of software tools from Autodesk that enable complete beginners to create 3D models and building circuits. In addition to it, It’s completely free of cost. Since it’s a cloud-based platform(Online editor), users need not install any additional software.
Lets learn to simulate a simple led blinking using arduino.
Configuration steps
- Firstly, Create a Free account here.
2.Next, choose circuits and select Create the new circuit
3. Furthermore, Select required components from the search tab.
4. Design the circuit
5. Finally, Lets code In tinkercad, there are two ways to code microcontroller. One is using code blocks another one is code text. However, I shall go with code text.
6. Once the code is written, start the simulation. Besides If they are errors in code it displays else it will execute normally.
7. Finally, you can observe led blinking on the simulator.
2. Proteus
Introduction
Further now we shall learn another simulation software called proteus. The Proteus Design Suite is a proprietary software tool suite used primarily for electronic design automation. Along with that this software helps to create schematics and electronic prints for manufacturing printed circuit boards. All embedded systems, analog circuits, and PCB designing can be done using this software.
Configuration steps
- Firstly, Download the demo version from here.
2. Then Install the software. Along with this download Arduino library and paste it in library folder.
3. Now create New project and name it.
4. Keep all the default conditions as it is until any changes are required.
5.Now select required components
6.Similarly, now design the circuit as given below
7. Finally, code in Arduino IDE as given below
8. However now its necessary to convert the code into Hex file by choosing export compiled binary
9. Now double click on microcontroller and choose Hex file.
10. Lastly, run the simulation and you can observe led blinking
3. Cisco Packet Tracer(IOT Simulator)
Introduction
Lastly, now let’s discuss a simulation software where we can simulate IoT-related projects as well. Packet Tracer is a cross-platform visual simulation tool designed by Cisco Systems that allows users to create network topologies and imitate modern computer networks.
Configuration Steps
- Firstly, Download Cisco packet tracer from here.
2. Login yourself using your Email and password.
3. Now go to Resources and choose packet tracer resources.
4. Further, now you can choose Packet tracer according to your system configuration and download.
5. After the download is successful, install it.
6. Now launch your packet tracer software and thus login using same credentials or login as Guest.
7. As an example, we shall blink an led using a microcontroller.
8. Thus, now select components at the left bottom corner.
9. Finally we design the circuit as given below.
10. Hence now double click on microcontroller to program it.
11. Select programming tab and create a new project.
11.Configure new project as a template. Again we have an option to choose a program using code blocks or python script. I shall go with code blocks.
12. Finally design code blocks as given below
13.Lastly, run the code block and observe the led blinking. However, make sure that that you have selected Real-time.
Conclusion
Finally, we have discussed three simulators where we can work on Arduino-related projects for beginners. In further tutorials, we shall develop simulations on IoT projects using the Cisco packet tracer.
