robotic_arm_3dof

Creating an extension board for a 3-degree-of-freedom (DOF) Arduino robotic arm using servos involves several important steps to ensure a reliable and flexible setup. Each servo motor will be connected separately to the board, with each servo being controlled by a pulse-width modulation (PWM) pin on the Arduino. Here’s an extended explanation of how to design and implement this system:

Components and Design

1. Extension Board Design:

   • The extension board should have three separate connectors for each servo motor. These connectors typically consist of three pins: one for power (Vcc), one for ground (GND), and one for the signal (PWM).
   • Use male header pins on the board to allow easy connection and disconnection of servo motors. These headers should match the standard servo connectors.
   • Include power distribution traces on the PCB to ensure that each servo receives adequate power without significant voltage drops. It might be necessary to use thicker traces or even dedicated power lines if the servos draw significant current.

2. Power Supply:

   • Servos generally require more current than what the Arduino can supply directly. Therefore, an external power supply is recommended. This power supply should be connected to the Vcc pins of the servos through the extension board.