
Overview
The Arduino Prototyping Shield makes it easy for you to design custom circuits. You can solder parts to the prototyping area to create your project,or use it with a small solderless breadboard (not included) to quickly test circuit ideas without having to solder. It's got extra connections for all of the Arduino MEGA I/O pins, and it's got space to mount through-hole and surface mount integrated circuits. It's a convenient way to make your custom Arduino circuit into a single module.
Getting Started
You can find in the Getting Started section all the information you need to configure your board, use the Arduino Software (IDE), and start tinker with coding and electronics..
Need Help?
- On the Software on the Arduino Forum
- On Projects on the Arduino Forum
- On the Product itself through our Customer Support
Tech specs
General
PCB Size | 101.5 x 53.3 mm |
Weight | 0.013 Kg |
Conformities
Resources for Safety and Products
Manufacturer Information
The production information includes the address and related details of the product manufacturer.
Arduino S.r.l.
Via Andrea Appiani, 25
Monza, MB, IT, 20900
https://www.arduino.cc/
Responsible Person in the EU
An EU-based economic operator who ensures the product's compliance with the required regulations.
Arduino S.r.l.
Via Andrea Appiani, 25
Monza, MB, IT, 20900
Phone: +39 0113157477
Email: support@arduino.cc
Documentation
OSH: Schematics
The Arduino Mega Proto Shield is open-source hardware! You can build your own board using the following files:
EAGLE FILES IN .ZIP SCHEMATICS IN .PDF
Description
Board features as follows:
- 1.0 Arduino pinout
- 1 Reset button
- 1 ICSP connector
- 14 pins SMD footprint (50 mils pitch)
- 32 double row through Hole pads, standard Arduino breakout layout
- Proto aerea with multiple THT pads, 100 mils pitch
Power
The Proto Shield bring the power from the Arduino standard 5V and GND pins to the two power bus rows placed between the Through Hole package footprint, which can be used for powering the DIP sockets, or for power and ground rows.
Physical Characteristics
The maximum length and width of the Proto Shield PCB are 2.7 and 2.1 inches respectively. Three screw holes allow the shield to be attached to a surface or case. Note that the distance between digital pins 7 and 8 is 160 mil (0.16"), not an even multiple of the 100 mil spacing of the other pins.
SPI Connection
On the ICSP connector only 5V, GND and RST are wired to the respective pins on the header. MOSI and MISO are present only on the connector pads. For more information about the SPI communication see the SPI library.
Get Inspired
Robot using Arduino Nano 33 BLE Camera Shield.

A lot of newer cars have a really nifty feature called “proximity unlock,” which automatically unlocks the doors when the driver approaches while carrying their key fob. When paired with a push-to-start ignition switch, the driver never has to take their keys out of their pocket. But Nick’s 2004 Subaru STI is too old to have come with that feature from the factory, so he used a couple of Arduino boards to create a DIY proximity unlock system. Car manufacturers need to pay serious attention to security when designing their access and ignition systems, but Nick had a bit more freedom. It is unlikely that any thieves would suspect his car of possessing a feature like this and so they wouldn’t even bother trying to hack it. Nick’s proximity unlock works by evaluating the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of Bluetooth® Low Energy connection. If all else is equal, RSSI is inversely proportional to distance and that makes it useful for rough proximity detection. An Arduino Nano 33 BLE inside the car unlocks the doors when it has an active BLE connection with an RSSI over a set threshold. It unlocks the doors by shorting the switch with a 12V relay and it receives power from the car’s 12V system through a buck converter. The driver-carried device (equivalent to a key fob) can be either another Nano 33 BLE or Nick’s smartphone. In fact, it can be any device with a BLE adapter, so long as it can connect to the in-car Arduino with the proper device name. Now, Nick can enjoy his classic car and the convenience of proximity unlock.