The Arduino board is a “mini-computer” in an integrated circuit that serves as a foundation for microcontroller programming. Since there are so many different variants of the board, deciding which one is better for your project can be difficult.
That’s why we’ve put together this quick guide to assist you in selecting the best Arduino board for your needs. Let’s get this party started!
Table of Contents
The Arduino Uno Rev 3 (also known as the Super Star!) is a microcontroller board designed by Arduino.
The Arduino Uno Rev3 is the most well-known and widely used Arduino board.
On the internet, there are a plethora of tools and tutorials as well as project examples. This fact alone qualifies it as an excellent board for beginners.
However, due to the restricted number of ports (6 analogue and 14 digital I/O plus 6 PWM), it’s best suited to small projects.
This board is available in many variations, including:
- The Arduino SMD (Surface Mount Device) (with surface-mounted components)
- The Arduino Ethernet is an Arduino Uno board with an Ethernet port for wired network communication. It has an Ethernet + PoE extension, allowing it to be operated by the Ethernet link as well.
If you’re starting a project with autonomous or connected mobile robots, or if you’re planning a home automation project in a single space, this board is for you.
Arduino Mega (the Challenger!)
After the Arduino Uno, the Arduino Mega is the most common board. The only difference is the number of available ports (16 analogue and 54 digital with 14 PWM vs 6 analogue and 14 digital I/O with 6 PWM). It’s perfect for complicated assemblies with a lot of sensors and actuators.
The Arduino Mega board is perfect for complex assemblies with a lot of sensors and actuators!
There are many variants of the board available here as well, including:
- The Arduino Mega is a timeless classic.
- The Arduino Mega ADK (Android development kit) has many of the same features as the standard Arduino Mega board and has a USB port (which is huge!). When your board is attached to an Android smartphone, for example, it can access the phone’s sensors.
This board opens up a world of new possibilities, but it’s not for beginners because communicating with a smartphone necessitates a good understanding of Java programming. Enough to start developing your apps!
Arduino Due (artificial intelligence and algorithms)
You can use this board in projects to create artificial intelligence for mobile robots because it has the same number of ports as the Arduino Mega, but it is much more powerful. The Arduino Due is the board to use to manage complex algorithms or make your robots more sensitive.
Please notice that this version runs on 3.3V. (instead of 5V).
If you’re new to programming( Click here for the best programming course: https://www.kuriosity.sg/coding-course-singapore) , we don’t suggest using this board.
Artificial Intelligence and complex algorithms are implemented on the Arduino Due board.
Arduino nano (a safe choice for mini-projects)
Despite its limited size, this board has more ports than the Arduino Uno (8 analogue and 14 digital I/O, including 6 PWM, compared to 6 analogue and 14 digital I/O, including 6 PWM).
The Arduino Nano is a good option for small projects.
Despite its limited size, this board has more ports than the Arduino Uno (8 analogue and 14 digital I/O, including 6 PWM, compared to 6 analogue and 14 digital I/O, including 6 PWM).
It’s ideal for projects requiring miniaturization, such as a quadcopter, light pistol, or smart clothing. But be aware that you’ll have to do some welding on the pins.
