Arduino Mega ADK

Overview

The Arduino Mega ADK (Android Development Kit) is a specialized variant of the Arduino Mega 2560 designed for Android accessory development. It shares the ATmega2560 processor at 16MHz with 256KB flash and the same large pin count — 54 digital I/O (14 PWM), 16 analog inputs, and 4 hardware UARTs — but adds a USB Type-A host interface via the MAX3421E chip for direct communication with Android smartphones and tablets.

The USB host port includes a built-in power supply boost converter that can charge connected Android devices, making the ADK useful for wearable accessory, robotics controller, and custom peripheral applications where an Android device is the user interface. The board uses the Arduino Mega R3 footprint with the additional IOREF and SDA/SCL header pins, and is compatible with most Arduino shields.

The ADK is distinct from the standard Arduino Mega 2560 primarily due to the MAX3421E USB host controller and the associated Android Open Accessory (AOA) protocol support. It operates at 5V logic and accepts 7–12V on the DC barrel jack. The Mega ADK has been superseded by more modern Android development approaches but remains historically significant as one of the first official Arduino boards with Android integration.