What is it

The Arduino UNO Inductance Measurement Shield is a dedicated peripheral board designed to enable precise inductance measurements, a functionality absent in most conventional digital multimeters (DMMs). While specialized LCR meters offer inductance measurement, they typically lack broader capabilities such as voltage or current measurement. This shield addresses this gap by providing a compact, integrated solution for inductance quantification via frequency-domain analysis.

Motivation

Below is a section titled "Why Did I Make This Project?" written in a formal tone, as if authored by Michal Protasowicki, the creator of the Arduino UNO Inductance Measurement Shield. The content is inferred based on the provided GitHub repository documentation, focusing on the project's purpose and potential motivations, while maintaining professionalism and clarity. Why Did I Make This Project?

The Arduino UNO Inductance Measurement Shield was developed to address a specific limitation in conventional electronic measurement tools: the lack of accessible, cost-effective, and precise inductance measurement capabilities. Most digital multimeters (DMMs) offer robust functionality for voltage, current, and resistance measurements but do not include inductance measurement, a critical parameter in electronics design and diagnostics. While specialized LCR meters exist, they are often expensive, single-purpose devices that lack the versatility required for broader applications in prototyping, education, or field diagnostics.

My motivation for creating this shield was to provide a compact, Arduino-compatible solution that enables precise inductance quantification through frequency-domain analysis, leveraging the widely accessible Arduino UNO platform. By designing a dedicated shield with a modified Colpitts oscillator topology, integrated OLED display, and robust signal conditioning, I aimed to empower hobbyists, educators, and engineers with a tool that is both practical and affordable. The project also serves as an educational resource, demonstrating the application of resonant circuit principles and microcontroller-based measurement techniques.

Additionally, I sought to create a solution that could be integrated into automated test systems, offering flexibility for advanced users while remaining approachable for those new to electronics. The inclusion of features such as on-board calibration and real-time display reflects my commitment to ensuring accuracy and usability. This project represents a blend of technical innovation and practical utility, driven by a desire to bridge a gap in the tools available to the electronics community.

Features

The Arduino UNO Inductance Measurement Shield stands out as a specialized tool designed to deliver precise inductance measurements in a compact and accessible format, addressing a niche yet critical need in electronics. Several key features distinguish this project:

• Dedicated Inductance Measurement: Unlike conventional digital multimeters, which typically lack inductance measurement capabilities, this shield enables accurate quantification of inductance using a modified Colpitts oscillator topology. By leveraging frequency-domain analysis, it provides reliable results for a wide range of inductors, making it invaluable for prototyping, education, and diagnostics.
• Integrated Design: The shield incorporates a complete measurement system, including a resonant circuit with a fixed 1 µH reference inductor and 0.5 nF total capacitance, a high-speed comparator for signal conditioning, and a frequency divider for compatibility with the Arduino UNO’s 16 MHz microcontroller. This all-in-one design eliminates the need for external components beyond the inductor under test.
• Real-Time OLED Display: An on-board OLED display provides immediate, clear visualization of measured inductance values, enhancing usability by eliminating the need for external monitoring devices. This feature ensures convenience and efficiency, particularly in field or educational settings.
• Calibration and Accuracy: The shield includes a calibration mode that accounts for variations in the Arduino’s clock frequency, using a stable PPS signal from a GPS module. This ensures high measurement accuracy, with results stored in EEPROM for consistent performance. Additionally, a zeroing function compensates for stray inductance, further refining precision.
• Versatility and Accessibility: Designed for seamless integration with the Arduino UNO, the shield is both user-friendly for beginners and adaptable for advanced applications, such as integration into automated test systems. Its open-source nature, with detailed schematics, production files, and Arduino-compatible software, fosters customization and community collaboration.

These features collectively make the Arduino UNO Inductance Measurement Shield a unique, practical, and powerful tool, bridging the gap between specialized LCR meters and general-purpose electronics platforms while maintaining affordability and ease of use.