The following are the same as the "MEGA2560 2012 R3 version is the latest version of MEGA series controller, and the 2011 version of the difference is as follows:
1. ATMEGA16U2 chip with the replacement of the 2011 version of the ATMEGA8U2, ISP FLASH capacity doubled to facilitate more powerful expansion of the function, development needs. ATMEGA16U2 in addition to providing the traditional USB to serial function, but also allows users to define their own programming other functions, such as USB port can be configured into a mouse, keyboard, game joystick, camera, etc., of course, these applications have yet to be published Specific implementation plan.
2. The external interface adds SDA, SCL (on the left side of the AREF) on the 2011 version. The IOREF interface can be supplied to Shield for a voltage reference. And consider a port on the left side of IOREF for future product compatibility considerations.
3.RESET circuit than the 2011 version has improved. To prevent RESET accidental reset, RESET circuit is more stable.

Introduction:
Is a piece of ATmega2560 as the core of the microcontroller development board, itself has 54 groups of digital I / O input / output (14 of which can do PWM output), 16 sets of analog than the input, four groups of UART (hardware serial ports) , Using a 16 MHz crystal oscillator. With a bootloader, it is possible to download programs directly via USB without going through other external writers. The power supply section can be powered directly from the USB, or use an AC-to-DC adapter and a battery as an external power supply.
Because of the open source code, and the use of Java concepts (cross-platform) C language development environment, so that the surrounding modules and applications of rapid growth. The main reason for attracting Artist is the ability to quickly communicate with software such as Flash or Processing ... to make multimedia interactive works. Development IDE interface based on the principle of open source code, you can download free for use in the production, school teaching, motor control, interactive works and so on.
Power supply design:
Power supply system has two options, USB direct power supply or external power supply. The power supply options will be switched automatically. External power supply can choose AC-to-DC adapter or battery, the control board limit voltage range of 6V ~ 12V, but if the voltage is less than 6V, I / O port may not be able to provide 5V voltage, Stable; if the voltage is greater than 12V, the regulator will be possible overheating protection, more likely to be damaged. Therefore, the recommended operation power supply is 6.5 ~ 12V, the recommended power supply is 7.5V or 9V