The Arduino Mega 2560 Rev3 is the high-performance big brother of the Arduino family, built for projects requiring extensive I/O, memory, and processing power. With its ATmega2560 microcontroller, it delivers 4x more flash memory and 8x more EEPROM than the Uno, making it ideal for complex robotics, CNC machines, and large-scale automation.
Core Specifications
Microcontroller: ATmega2560
Operating Voltage: 5V
Clock Speed: 16MHz
Flash Memory: 256KB (8KB used by bootloader)
SRAM: 8KB
EEPROM: 4KB
I/O & Connectivity
Digital I/O Pins: 54 (15 provide PWM output)
Analog Input Pins: 16 (10-bit resolution)
Hardware Serial Ports: 4 (UART)
Communication Interfaces: UART, I2C, SPI
DC Current per I/O Pin: 20mA
Power & USB
Input Voltage (Recommended): 7-12V
Input Voltage (Limits): 6-20V
USB Connectivity: Type-B
Power Consumption: ~50mA (active mode)
Physical Dimensions
Size: 101.52mm × 53.3mm
Weight: ~37g
ICSP Headers: 2 (for ATmega2560 & ATmega16U2)
Key Advantages
✔ 54 Digital I/O Pins – Largest I/O count in Arduino lineup
✔ 16 Analog Inputs – For advanced sensor arrays
✔ 4 Hardware Serial Ports – Connect multiple devices without software hacks
✔ 256KB Program Storage – Handles sophisticated sketches
Performance & Memory
16MHz clock speed (same as Uno, but with far more resources)
256KB Flash for storing large programs (vs. Uno's 32KB)
8KB SRAM (vs. Uno's 2KB) handles complex variables
4KB EEPROM (vs. Uno's 1KB) for critical data storage
Connectivity & Expansion
15 PWM outputs (vs. Uno's 6) for precision motor control
Dedicated I2C & SPI pins for peripheral communication
Compatible with most Arduino shields (including Ethernet, LCD, motor drivers)
Power & Durability
6-20V input range via barrel jack or VIN pin
Type-B USB for reliable programming (with auto-reset)
Sturdy PCB design for industrial environments
Applications
3D Printers & CNC Controllers (e.g., running Marlin firmware)
Home Automation Hubs (multiple sensor/actuator networks)
Data Logging Systems (large EEPROM for long-term storage)
Robotic Arms & Drones (numerous PWM outputs for servos/ESCs)
Why Choose the Mega 2560?
When Uno Pins Aren't Enough: Need 40+ I/O? This is your board.
Future-Proofing: Extra memory headroom for feature expansion.
Industrial Reliability: Proven in 3D printers running 24/7.
Package Includes: 1 x Arduino Mega