The release
Arduino Uno is introduced on 25 September 2010 at Maker Faire New York. The Uno name reflects the idea of number one, the consolidated version after the predecessors (Diecimila 2007, Duemilanove 2008). CC BY-SA schematics licence.
Specs
- Microcontroller: Atmel ATmega328P at 16 MHz
- 32 KB flash (0.5 KB reserved for bootloader)
- 2 KB SRAM, 1 KB EEPROM
- 14 digital pins (6 with PWM)
- 6 analog pins (10-bit ADC)
- USB handled by the ATmega16U2 chip (no longer FTDI as in previous versions → removes dependency on proprietary drivers)
- 7-12V DC or USB power
- Dimensions: 68.6 × 53.4 mm, standard form factor
Why it could become iconic
The combination of simplicity, reliability, excellent documentation and a growing shield ecosystem makes it a natural candidate to become the reference board for:
- Schools — from primary to university
- University STEM labs for introductory embedded courses
- Interactive artists and designers
- Hobbyist makers at every level
- Small producers for niche devices
Open licence
The CC BY-SA schematics licence lets third parties produce compatible boards — a choice consistent with the Arduino model that is bound to feed a broad ecosystem.
In the Italian context
Arduino Uno is entering Italian schools, technical institutes, universities and the first Fablabs. Distribution is handled by RS Components, Distrelec, Mouser and official Arduino resellers.
References: Arduino Uno (25 September 2010, Maker Faire NY). ATmega328P, ATmega16U2. CC BY-SA schematics licence. Successor to Arduino Duemilanove. Standard pin format inherited by successors.