The ProtoShield Expansion Board is a versatile prototyping add-on designed for Arduino UNO R3 and compatible development boards. It provides a dedicated space for building custom circuits directly on top of your Arduino, bridging the gap between temporary breadboard experiments and permanent soldered projects.
The shield features a standard 0.1-inch prototyping grid with plated through-holes, allowing you to solder components permanently for a secure, reliable connection . For users who prefer solderless prototyping, the included 170-point mini breadboard attaches directly to the shield’s surface with its self-adhesive backing, enabling quick circuit changes without any soldering . This dual approach means you can start with a breadboard prototype and transition to a soldered build when your design is ready.
Two on-board LED indicators provide visual feedback for power status or custom signals, making it easy to monitor your circuit’s state at a glance . The shield also breaks out all Arduino control and power pins, including 5V, 3.3V, and VIN rails, ensuring you have full access to your board’s capabilities .
A dedicated surface-mount IC area supports up to 14-pin SOIC chips, and the prototyping area accommodates DIP ICs up to 20 pins, giving you flexibility to integrate a wide range of integrated circuits . The shield is fully stackable, and the ICSP header is accessible for advanced programming or bootloader recovery without removing the shield .
Whether you are a student learning electronics, a hobbyist building a permanent project, or a business deploying custom hardware, this ProtoShield provides a practical, organized platform for turning your circuit ideas into working hardware.
Features
-
Dual prototyping modes – Solder components directly to the plated through-holes, or use the included 170-point mini breadboard for solderless experimentation.
-
170-point mini breadboard included – Self-adhesive backing allows it to attach securely to the shield’s prototyping area .
-
Two on-board LED indicators – For power status or custom signal monitoring .
-
Full pin breakout – All Arduino digital, analog, and power pins are extended for easy access .
-
SOIC SMD support – Dedicated surface-mount area for up to 14-pin SOIC chips .
-
DIP IC accommodation – Prototyping grid fits DIP ICs up to 20 pins .
-
Stackable design – Compatible with other shields; ICSP header remains accessible .
-
Reset button included – Convenient for restarting programs without removing the shield .
Technical Specifications
| # | Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Compatibility | Arduino UNO R3 and compatible boards |
| 2 | Prototyping Grid | Standard 0.1″ (2.54mm) pitch |
| 3 | Breadboard Tie Points | 170 points (2 × 17 rows) |
| 4 | Breadboard Dimensions | 45 × 35 × 9 mm |
| 5 | SOIC IC Support | Up to 14 pins |
| 6 | DIP IC Support | Up to 20 pins |
| 7 | LED Indicators | 2 on-board LEDs |
| 8 | Breadboard Adhesive | Self-adhesive backing |














