20 Types of Arduino Boards And Their Features

Arduino is an extraordinary open-source platform that has captivated millions worldwide with its expansive community and limitless potential. According to research, it has approximately 2 million active users. This hardware/software/content ecosystem enables tech enthusiasts to experiment and innovate in ways never thought possible.

In this blog, we will explore different types of Arduino boards for beginners and experienced programmers. These will help you master this platform and build your own robotic arm, temperature monitor, fingerprint sensor, and much more.

What is Arduino?

Arduino is a versatile, open-source electronics platform that allows users to create interactive projects easily. It is a development system designed for non-engineers who want to create their own electronics projects. The user can program the operation of these parts using integrated development environment software across different platforms, such as Windows, Linux, etc.

These boards are capable of reading data from various sources such as light sensors and buttons through their microcontroller to perform an output action, like turning on LEDs or motors.

20 Different Types of Arduino Boards

There are different Arduino types, each offering unique features and capabilities. From basic microcontrollers to more advanced modules, let’s explore some of the popular types of Arduino boards. 

1. Arduino Uno R3 

The Arduino Uno R3 is a popular board among DIY electronics that offers features, such as 14 digital input/output pins, 6 analog pins, and an ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) header. 

• It runs on the ATmega328P 16MHz microchip providing up to 5V voltage supply to attached components. 
• While it uses a USB-B connector for the computer interface, this doesn’t mean that projects requiring advanced skills cannot be built with it.
• The key specs include 2kB SRAM memory capability, 32kB flash storage space, and 1KB EEPROM chip along with UART, and I2C SPI communication capabilities which can also be replaced in case of any problem. 
• It is a great choice for anyone wanting to get into DIY electronics and programming. It can be used for projects both simple and complex.

2. Arduino Nano

The Arduino Nano is highly popular among developers due to its small size yet considerable capabilities. It shares many of the same features as the UNO, but in a smaller form, making it great for use on breadboards and other tight spaces. The main differences from the larger model include: 

• There is no onboard DC power jack connection. Instead, it relies on a mini USB port, which also handles UART bridge chip duties with FTDI’s dedicated FT232 converter included. This means there’s no need for the ATMega16U2 chipset. 
• This combination provides powerful control at both modest cost and minimum space requirements, allowing creative designs to come within reach.

Also Read: Types Of PCB

3. Arduino Micro

The Arduino Micro offers features similar to the Leonardo but is significantly smaller and only has 12 analog I/O pins together with its 20 digital ones. 

• This board measures just 18mm wide by 48mm long. It is one of the smallest boards ever created by Arduino. You can create a keyboard, mouse, or other HID devices that require minimal space with this Arduino board.  
• It comes equipped with an ATmega32U4 microcontroller containing 2.5kB SRAM, 32KB flash memory, and 1 KB EEPROM for data storage along with UART, IC2 & SPI communication protocols. It also has special built-in functions such as HID connectivity.

4. Arduino Leonardo

The Arduino Leonardo is different from the other boards. Given below are its specifications.

• It uses an ATmega32U4 chip in place of ATMega328P. It offers more pins for IO (20), PWM (7), and analog input signals (12). 
• Instead of needing a second processor or a USB to UART bridge chip, this board has built-in USB communication. This allows it to connect directly with computers as either Human Interface Devices or Virtual COM port serial/CDC ports. This virtual connection enables us to program our Leonardo via its bootloader. 

5. Arduino Micro

Arduino Micro is perfect for those who need the power of an Arduino Leonardo in a breadboard-friendly size. 

• It offers all of the same functionalities as its larger counterpart, with only one slight difference. 
• It doesn’t have a DC input jack. However, you can still use this tiny board to act like an HID or Virtual COM port device just as you would on any other Leonardo model.

To understand the concept of Arduino boards and the different types of Arduino even better, you can take this comprehensive Arduino course. 

6. Arduino Mega2560 Rev3

The Arduino Mega 2560 stands out amongst the other boards.

• It is designed for those situations which require many I/O or peripherals. 
• With a powerful ATMega2560 processor, this board boasts an impressive 54 I/O pins (15 of them can be used as PWM outputs), 16 analog inputs, and 4 UARTs. 
• Furthermore, there is more flash storage and SRAM on this basic Arduino than any other. 
• Due to its capability, it has grown in popularity among open-source CNC makers and 3D printer builders.
• It can be easily implemented into various open-source Programmable Logic Controllers projects.

7. Arduino Nano 33 BLE

The Arduino Nano 33 BLE is an incredibly powerful board with the same form factor as its predecessor, the Arduino Nano.

• Featuring Nordic Semiconductors’ advanced NRF52480 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4 processor running at 64MHz and 1MB flash plus 256KB SRAM memory capacity, it’s a great choice for applications that need more processing power and storage capabilities than traditional boards provide. 
• The most impressive attribute of this device has to be Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) support. 
• It allows users to leverage both client/host configurations with their compatible devices while taking advantage of energy efficiency benefits offered by connected wearables development. 

8. Arduino Due

The Arduino Due is a more powerful upgrade of the popular Arduino Mega with its 54 Digital I/Os and 12 Analog inputs. 

• Running at 84MHz, this 3.3V-only board offers an Atmel SAM3x8E Arm Cortex-M3 processor along with USB OTG, DAC, and JTAG interfaces for extra connectivity options. 
• It’s important to note that this device’s I/O pins are not 5V tolerant so be sure you keep that in mind when getting started on your project.

9. LilyPad Arduino Board

Leah Buechley and SparkFun collaborated to create the LilyPad Arduino board, a wearable e-textile technology. This creative design comes complete with large connecting pads and a flat back, allowing it to be easily sewn into clothing using conductive thread. Alongside this are I/O, power, and sensor boards created for use in e-textiles. 

10. Arduino Bluetooth

Arduino Bluetooth is one of the popular types of Arduino boards. The Arduino BT board is powered by the ATmega168 microcontroller and includes components such as digital pins (16), analog pins (6), a crystal oscillator (16MHz) reset button, screw terminals for power connections, and an ICSP header. Programming with this Bluetooth-enabled controller can be done wirelessly via a Bluetooth connection.

11. Arduino MKR FOX 1200

This board is an ideal choice if your project requires Sigfox connectivity. The Arduino MKR FOX 1200 provides a cost-effective solution that can be used in the European region, allowing you to collect data 24/7 without needing any maintenance or supervision. Using a SAMD21 MCU and Microchip’s Smart RF ATA852o for its SIGFOX connection, this board offers seamless integration with projects requiring SIGFOX capabilities.

12. Arduino MKR WAN 1300/1310

The Arduino MKR WAN 1300 and MKR WAN 1310 boards are designed to use LoRa for wireless communication. 

• The newer model, 1310, features a SAMD21 low-power processor and Murata CMWX1ZZABZ module technology with an ECC508 Crypto chip included for enhanced security measures. 
• It also includes a battery charger, 2MB SPI flash storage capacity, and improved energy efficiency capabilities compared to its predecessor the 1300 board. 
• Lastly, both models support 433/868/915 MHz frequency bands that can be used in different areas depending on where you’re located.

13. Arduino MKR GSM 1400

The Arduino MKR GSM 1400 is an excellent choice when you need to send and receive data over the cellular network. Powered by a SAMD21 ARM Cortex M0 MCU, this board has all the features of other MKR boards plus connectivity provided through u-blox’s SARA-U201 module. It supports several frequency bands, such as GSM 850MHz, E-GSM 1900MHz, DCS 1800 MHz, and PCS1900MHz. Security measures are built-in with the ECC508 crypto chip for secure communication. This makes it ideal for portable projects where power comes from LiPo batteries.

14. Arduino MKR WIFI 1010

The Arduino MKR WiFi 1010 is a great option if you are looking for something small and simple to build your own basic IoT (Internet of Things) project or pico-network. It has the NINA-W102 module, which allows it to communicate with other systems, as well as an ECC5087 crypto chip that keeps data secure. The board also comes complete with an RGB LED. All of this can be powered by nothing than a LiPo battery. 

15. Arduino MKR NB 1500

The Arduino MKR NB 1500 is the ideal solution for projects requiring narrowband communication in remote locations where internet access isn’t available or when power to your device can be a challenge. The onboard SARA-R410M-02B module works with an array of Cat M1/NB1 bands. This makes it suitable for field deployments and monitoring devices that rely upon solar energy sources. Additionally, its onboard battery charger plus connector creates an easy way to add external antenna support. 

Other Types of Arduino Boards

The following are some of the other Arduino types.

16. Arduino Diecimila

The Arduino Diecimila microcontroller board enables users to connect their device to a computer via a USB cable while also using batteries or AC-DC adapters to activate it. It is powered by the ATmega168 and has a range of features including:

• 14 digital I/O pins (6 of which can be used for PWM outputs) and 6 analog inputs 
• A USB connection
• 16 MHz crystal oscillator and an ICSP header
• Reset button and power jack

The name ‘Diecimila’ literally means 10,000 in Italian. This particular version of the USB Arduino reflects the production of over 10 thousand boards. It signifies that these boards were constructed from the same set within its group. This makes it one of the most up-to-date products.

17. RedBoard Arduino Board

The RedBoard Arduino board is an easy-to-use device that can be programmed with the Arduino IDE using a Mini-B USB cable. It is compatible with Windows 8, so you don’t need to modify your security settings for it to work properly. Furthermore, its flat design and constant performance because of the FTDI or USB chip make it perfect for any project. 

18. Arduino Robot

Arduino Robot is the first robotic platform to feature two microcontroller boards, a motor board for controlling motors and a control board utilized as an interface to read sensors. 

• This small all-in-one computer is programmed with code via the same language used by Arduino Leonardo, ATmega32u4. 
• With several strategically placed pins connected directly to onboard actuators/sensors, this robot has limitless possibilities of use. 
• Additional features, such as speakers, color screens, buttons (5), digital compass (1), SD card reader(1), potentiometers (2) or floor sensors can be hooked up.

19. Arduino Esplora

The Arduino Esplora is a special type of computer board full of different kinds of inputs and outputs. 

• It is designed to look like a videogame controller, so it already has light sensors, buttons, microphones, and other features built-in. This makes it easy for you to connect components, such as actuators or sensors with ease. 
• The output includes an LED that lights up three colors and multiple buzzers which are controlled using the same software used for most Arduinos (an IDE). 
• It also has its own library. This simplifies how data from both sensory devices and mechanical parts can be read/written quickly.

20. Arduino Ethernet

The Arduino Ethernet board is powered by the ATmega328 microcontroller, which has 5 analog pins, 14 digital I/O pins (including a reset button), and an RJ45 connection for hooking up to the internet via an Ethernet shield. It also has other components, such as a crystal oscillator, power jack, and ICSP header.

Features of Arduino Boards

The following are some of the key features of Arduino boards.

• Microcontroller: It acts as Arduino’s “brain” by handling all processing tasks and providing access to input/output pins (I/O). 
• Power Supply Source: An external power source, such as a battery or USB port is needed. Some models also offer alternative methods, like solar panels or AC adapters that allow more flexibility when powering up. 
• Digital & Analog I/O Pins: General-purpose digital inputs and outputs read signals from sensors or buttons while analogs enable complex elements like distance sensors or motor controllers to connect easily.  
• USB Interface (e.g., FTDI): The serial communication protocol used by most Arduinos is UART over a mini-USB port. It enables connection with computers for simple data transfer tasks and programming.
• Clock Speed & Memory Capacity: Higher clock speeds result in faster performance while larger memory capacities enable more complex projects. These are important considerations when selecting an appropriate Arduino model.

Conclusion

With a vibrant community backing its continuous development, Arduino remains the go-to tool for electronics enthusiasts worldwide. It offers users an open-source platform to create interactive projects. In this blog mentioned types of Arduino boards are user-friendly and suitable for beginners as well as experts in the field.