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How To Clear Arduino Memory?

An Arduino has three different types of memory: Flash, RAM, and EEPROM. The program is kept in the flash memory. Even when the Arduino loses power or is restarted, it remains preserved.

RAM contains all of the information and variables needed during runtime. RAM, on the other hand, is a volatile memory and is erased with each restart or power outage. Arduino offers an EEPROM to store information that is kept after a reset.

What is EEPROM?

Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory is known as EEPROM. It can be compared to a computer’s hard drive. The read/write times are significantly quicker when using an EEPROM, though.

The EEPROM allows for the writing, overwriting, and erasure of data. However, the user must explicitly do this. To access APIs that handle this task for you, utilise the EEPROM library for Arduino.

EEPROMs are typically used to store configuration data that must be retrieved after an Arduino restart or power-on. Let’s say the Arduino has to remember the lamp’s last known status as it turns on and off so it can restore it when the power is restored. The last known state can then be recorded into an EEPROM and read back once the Arduino has been restarted in this situation.

How Many Bytes Can you Store?

An 8-bit addressable memory is available in Arduinos. Each memory block can only hold 8-bit values. This means that any number between 0 and 255 can be stored in a memory block that can be individually addressed. Larger numbers need to be divided into 8-bit chunks and stored in numerous blocks.

Depending on the model of Arduino you are using, the EEPROM’s overall size varies. The Uno, Nano, and Mini each have 1024 bytes of RAM, whereas the Arduino Mega has 4096 bytes. Some Arduinos, including specific Nano and Mini models with an Atmega168 controller built-in, only feature an EEPROM of 512 bytes. Additionally, you can connect external EEPROMs to Arduinos to boost storage capacity.

Of course, an EEPROM has a finite lifespan. Therefore, you can only delete and rewrite data onto it a finite amount of times. EEPROMs in Arduino typically have a lifespan of about 100,000 write/erase cycles. Thankfully, reading operations on an EEPROM have no impact on its lifespan.

How To Clear Arduino Memory

Method 1

1. The USB cable must be unplugged

Disconnecting the Arduino’s USB cable should be your first action before beginning the procedure. In addition to turning off the power, this will free up the RX and TX pins needed for USB-Serial communication.

2. Connect the RX pin to the ground

The RX pin should then be connected to Ground as the next step. While you can accomplish this by joining a jumper between the RX and GND pins, keeping a 10K ohm resistor will be able to keep the current between the two pins at a safe level.

3. The USB cable must be plugged

Reconnect the USB cord to the Arduino to turn on power after pulling down the RX pin.

4. Upload a new program

Start the Arduino IDE, then upload any simple sketch to the board. To make things easy, you can upload either the “Blink” sketch or the “Bare Minimum” sketch.

5. Remove the cable

Next, disconnect the USB cable to once more turn off the Arduino’s power. This prevents any unintentional electrical shorts by safely removing the RX pull-down.

6. Remove the RX grounding

Once the USB cable has been unplugged, unplug the resistor or wire that was connected between the RX pin and the Ground pin.

7. Ensure that the Arduino is directly linked to the PC device, not through a hub.

Check how the Arduino is connected to your computer’s USB port if this procedure isn’t successful for you. Things might not function if it is linked and used a USB hub. The best option is to connect it straight to your PC’s USB port.

Method 2

Use the procedure outlined below if you are uncomfortable connecting the RX pin to the GND pin.

1. Unplug the USB cable

In order to use this technique, the USB cable must first be unplugged. This is due to the fact that the procedures that follow call for you to modify the port settings on the USB port that your Arduino will be connected to.

2. Select the Device Manager

When you right-click “This PC,” a pull-down menu will appear. Select “Manage” to open Device Manager.

3. Select Ports (COM & LPT)

Typically, the list of devices’ COM & LPT section contains a listing for the Arduino’s port. Pick “COM & LPT” from the drop-down menu.

4. Press the right click on your Arduino board (COMx)

You should be aware of which COM port number on all the linked COM ports relates to the Arduino.

5. Choose “Properties – Port Settings – Put flow control to Hardware” after that.

You must now change the port settings for the COM port that your Arduino uses. Select Properties from the drop-down option that appears to do this. Go to Port Settings, select Flow Control, and then select Hardware.

6. Draw a blank sketch (the example is below)

You can flash the “Bare Minimum” sketch to the Arduino using this approach as well. Open the Arduino IDE and load the sketch.

7. Again connect the USB cable

To reactivate the Arduino, plug in the USB cable.

8. Upload by pressing Ctrl + U

Put the “Bare Minimum” sketch online. You can accomplish this without using the toolbar menu by hitting Ctrl+U on your keyboard.

Here is an example of an Empty Sketch That You May Use

// Empty sketch
void setup()
{
}
// The loop routine goes over and over forever:
void loop()
{
    delay(1000);
}

Conclusion

I hope all of you had understand the basics of how to clear Arduino memory. We MATHA ELECTRONICS will be back soon with more informative blogs soon.

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