Boards

3 minute read

Summary

Arduino UNO: Basic microcontroller for entry-level electronics and control of simple components.

Arduino Nano: Compact version of the UNO, best for small, embedded projects.

Raspberry Pi: Full-fledged computer for versatile tasks needing an OS, like IoT, multimedia, and network applications.

DragonBoard 410c: High-performance SBC for intensive IoT and AI projects needing connectivity and multimedia processing.

Type: Microcontroller board (not a full computer)
Microcontroller: ATmega328P (8-bit AVR)
Operating Voltage: 5V
Memory: 32 KB flash memory, 2 KB SRAM, 1 KB EEPROM
Clock Speed: 16 MHz
I/O Pins: 14 digital pins (6 can provide PWM), 6 analog input pins
Power Supply: USB, DC power jack, or VIN pin
Programming Language: Arduino (C/C++)
Connectivity: Lacks built-in networking, but shields can add Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.
Use Cases: Simple tasks like robotics, home automation, sensor projects, and basic IoT setups.
Best Use: Projects that need simple control of components, like LEDs, motors, or sensors, without needing complex processing or an OS.

Type: Microcontroller board (smaller form factor than the UNO)
Microcontroller: ATmega328P (same as UNO) or ATmega328 (on newer models)
Operating Voltage: 5V (newer models can also operate at 3.3V)
Memory: Same as the UNO (32 KB flash, 2 KB SRAM, 1 KB EEPROM)
Clock Speed: 16 MHz
I/O Pins: 14 digital pins (6 can provide PWM), 8 analog input pins
Size: Smaller than the UNO, making it ideal for breadboards and space-constrained projects
Power Supply: Can be powered via USB or VIN pin
Connectivity: Similar to UNO, lacks built-in networking but can use shields for added connectivity.
Use Cases: Similar to UNO, but ideal for compact or embedded projects due to its small size.
Best Use: Small, space-limited projects requiring a microcontroller for controlling sensors, LEDs, or other components.

Type: Single-board computer (SBC)
Processor: ARM Cortex-based (varies by model; e.g., Raspberry Pi 4 has a quad-core ARM Cortex-A72)
Operating System: Runs full OS like Raspberry Pi OS (Linux-based), Ubuntu, etc.
Memory: 512 MB to 8 GB RAM (depending on model)
Storage: microSD card for OS and file storage
I/O Pins: 40 GPIO pins for controlling sensors, LEDs, etc.
Connectivity: Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB, HDMI, and audio
Use Cases: Suitable for complex tasks like desktop computing, IoT projects, media centers, and AI projects. Can run applications requiring an OS, making it a versatile choice for projects needing multimedia or networking.
Best Use: When you need a full computer that can run an OS, handle more complex code, and support networking tasks or multimedia.

Type: Single-board computer (SBC) designed by Qualcomm
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 (Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53)
Operating System: Runs Linux (e.g., Debian), Android, or Windows 10 IoT Core
Memory: 1 GB LPDDR3 RAM
Storage: 8 GB eMMC, expandable with a microSD card
I/O Pins: 40 GPIOs, supports UART, SPI, I2C, and other interfaces
Connectivity: Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS
Use Cases: High-performance IoT and edge computing, AI applications, and multimedia streaming. It’s powerful enough for computer vision, speech processing, and machine learning tasks.
Best Use: Advanced IoT and edge computing projects requiring multimedia processing, machine learning, or significant computation power in a compact form factor.

Analog Input: Reads analog signals from various sensors, which is essential for measuring environmental data.
Native Hardware PWM: Provides precise control over devices like LEDs and motors with pulse-width modulation.
Motor Control: Ideal for controlling DC motors, servos, and other actuators.
Real-Time Control: Offers immediate response, making it suitable for real-time applications.
Overall: Arduino is optimized for hardware control tasks, especially in projects that require direct manipulation of physical components.