Replace an Arduino UNO Microcontroller IC by yourself
You may need to replace your Arduino UNO Microcontroller IC with a new one,
if the old one has blown up due to over heating or due to any other cause it is not working. Arduino Uno is with an ATMEGA328P MCU IC in DIP[Dual Inline Package] form & you just need to replace it
with the same kind of IC. Just search over any online vendor, or even to the local market, you will surely get one in cheaper price. The Exact part number is "ATMEGA328P-PU".
The Video Iillustrate How to Replace your MCU IC in Arduino UNO.
While Extraction of the Old MCU IC
Even if you have an IC extraction tool as shown in this video, you
need to use a screwdriver with a flat sharp edge in order to take out
the old MCU chip.Use the screwdriver to gently lift an end of the IC at a time until
there is enough space to fit the IC extraction tool on both sides of the
IC.
CAUTION: Lifting either end of the IC too high will result in the pins at the opposite end getting bent.
Fixing the New Microcontroller IC
The new microcontroller pins are bent at an angle as shown on the left of the image below. |
| Comparing the Pins of New & Old IC, ATMEGA328P-PU |
The new IC on the left has pins bent outward, the used IC on the right has pins pointing straight down
Bend the pins inward one side at a time by lying the IC on its side,
pressing down and rolling slightly towards the tips of the pins. This
will make it possible to insert the IC into the IC socket.
When inserting the IC into the socket, make sure that you insert the
IC the correct way around. Pin 1 of the IC is shown in the photo below.
After placing the new microcontroller IC into the Arduino Uno board, it
is necessary to load the bootloader to the new Microcontroller. Just go to Arduino IDE & use the option of "Burn Bootloader". |
| Arduino UNO, with ATMEGA328P-PU Pin 1 indicated |
Click Here to view information about all other official Arduino boards available in the market.
