With embedded connectivity and low power consumption, Arduino's open-source accessories are ideal for battery-powered IoT edge applications. The three MKR add-on boards combine a standardized modular form factor with the power of a 32-bit ARM microcontroller and integrated connectivity options including Wi-Fi, GSM, NB-IoT, SigFox, or LoRa.
The new products now available on the Farnell website include:
• The Arduino MKR Motor Carrier: A companion to Arduino MKR boards, enabling users to quickly prototype and build projects. With the MKR Motor Carrier, users can connect various motors and sensors to their mechatronics project and control servo, DC, and stepper motors. It can also be used to connect other actuators and sensors via a set of three-pin male connectors.
• The Arduino MKR ENV Environmental Companion Board: With its compact design of 61 mm x 25 mm, weight of 32 g, and 3.3 V input voltage, the ENV companion board allows an MKR board to collect and store environmental data gathered by a variety of sensors. The sensors monitor atmospheric pressure, temperature, and humidity, light intensity (LUX), and ultraviolet intensity (UVA and UVB). The companion board is equipped with a microSD card reader and includes a ready-to-use library programmed to read values from various sensors to ensure seamless integration and data collection.
• The Arduino MKR RGB Add-on Board: Users can now write messages and incorporate graphics to display values from an MKR board using the RGB Add-on Board, controlled from the Arduino IoT cloud. It features 84 dense, bright LEDs, providing the full RGB color gamut. With its simple design, the RGB Add-on Board can be easily attached to an MKR board without soldering or special adapters. This powerful 61.5 mm x 27 mm add-on board has a 5 V input voltage, a maximum current of 2.5 V, and weighs 32 g.
• The Arduino MKR Therm Add-on Board: With a 3.3 V input voltage and the ability to operate in temperatures ranging from 200 °C to 700 °C, this add-on board enables an MKR board to provide a wide range of extremely accurate temperature measurements from a type K thermocouple and a DS18Bxx single-conductor digital sensor. Two connectors on the add-on plate allow the type K thermocouple to be used with or without a pin connected to the metal conductors, while the unit benefits from the MAX31855 digital thermocouple interface. The MKR Therm and ENV add-on plates have the same surface area.
