With Arduino, you can create amazing electronics projects yourself, without any prior experience. The Arduino consists of a physical programmable circuit board (microcontroller) and a software development environment (IDE) that runs on your computer. Arduino boards are able to read inputs from sensors, control motors, lights, and other electronic components, and turn them into outputs such as sounds or displays. There are many different Arduino boards available, each with its own set of features. In this blog post, we will compare the Arduino Micro vs. Nano board and help you decide which one is right for you!
What Is Arduino Micro?
The Micro is based on the ATmega32u4 microcontroller and comes with built-in USB connectivity, making it easy to connect to a computer or other USB devices. [1]
What Is Arduino Nano?
Arduino Nano is a small, complete, and breadboard-friendly board based on the ATmega328P (Arduino Nano 3.x) or ATmega168 (Arduino Nano 2.x). It has more or less the same functionality of the Arduino Duemilanove, but in a different package. It lacks only a DC power jack, and works with a Mini-B USB cable instead of a standard one. [2]
Differences between Arduino Micro and Arduino Nano
Microcontroller
Operating Voltage
The operating voltage of the Arduino Nano is 3.3V while the operating voltage of the Micro is 5V. This means that you can use lower voltages with the Nano which is good for using it with batteries or other low voltage power sources.
Clock Speed
The clock speed of both boards is 16MHz but this can be increased to 20MHz by replacing a ceramic resonator with a crystal oscillator.
Physical Dimensions
The Arduino Nano is smaller than the Arduino Micro. It measures 0.73” x 1.70” while the Micro measures 0.55” x 1.34”. This means that the Nano is more compact and can be used in smaller projects.
Size of Flesh Memory
The Nano has more flash memory than the Micro. It has 32 KB of flash memory while the Micro has only 16KB. This means that you can store more code on the Nano.
Number of Pins
The Arduino Nano has 14 digital I/O pins and 8 analog input pins while the Micro has 20 digital I/O pins and 12 analog input pins. This means that the Nano can be used with fewer sensors and actuators. [3]
SRAM
The Nano has 2KB of SRAM while the Micro has 4KB. This means that the Micro can store more data.
EEPROM
The Nano has 1KB of EEPROM while the Micro has no EEPROM. This means that you can store data on the Nano that will be retained even if the power is turned off.
Reset Button
The Nano has a reset button while the Micro does not. This means that you can reset the Nano without having to unplug it from the power source.
Ports
The Nano has a Mini-USB port while the Micro has a Micro-USB port. This means that the Nano can be used with a standard USB cable while the Micro requires a special cable.
Popularity and User-Friendly Interface
One of the reasons why Arduino is so popular is that it offers a user-friendly interface. Even if you’re not a programmer, you can still use Arduino to create simple circuits and projects. The Micro and the Nano both have the same user-friendly interface.
There are some slight differences between the Micro and the Nano when it comes to popularity. The Micro is more popular than the Nano, probably because it’s less expensive. But both boards are used by a lot of people, so you can’t go wrong with either one.
Functionality
Both the Micro and the Nano are powerful little boards that can be used for a variety of purposes. If you’re looking for a board that can do a lot, then either one would be a good choice.
One of the main differences between the Micro and the Nano is that the Micro has more pins. It has 20 digital pins and 14 analog pins, while the Nano has 14 digital pins and 8 analog pins. This means that the Micro can be used for more complex projects.
Another difference is that the Micro comes with a built-in USB port, while the Nano does not. This means that you’ll need to use an external USB port if you want to use the Nano.
Sustainability and Compatibility
One of the main differences between the Micro and the Nano is that the Nano is not as sustainable as the Micro. The reason for this is that it uses a less powerful processor. This means that it will use more power and it won’t last as long as the Micro.
The Micro is also more compatible than the Nano. It can be used with a wider range of accessories, including shields. Shields are add-ons that can be used to expand the capabilities of the board.
So, which one should you choose? If you’re looking for a powerful and sustainable board, then the Micro is the better choice. If you’re looking for a more compact board that’s still user-friendly, then the Nano is a good choice.
Suitable Projects
Both the Micro and the Nano can be used for a variety of projects. However, there are some projects that are more suited for one board than the other.
For example, if you’re looking to make a wearable device, then the Nano would be a better choice. This is because it’s smaller and it doesn’t have a built-in USB port.
On the other hand, if you want to make a complex project with a lot of sensors, then the Micro would be a better choice. This is because it has more pins and it’s more sustainable.
Pros and Cons of Arduino Micro vs Nano
Now that we’ve looked at the main differences between the Micro and the Nano, let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of each board.
Arduino Micro Pros:
- More pins means more complex projects can be made
- Built-in USB port is convenient
- More sustainable than the Nano
Arduino Micro Cons:
- More expensive than the Nano
Arduino Nano Pros:
- Smaller size makes it more suitable for wearable projects
- User-friendly interface is easy to use
- Less expensive than the Micro
Arduino Nano Cons:
- Not as sustainable as the Micro because it uses a less powerful processor
- Not as compatible as the Micro because it doesn’t have as many pins.
SBC vs Microcontroller
SBCs are more suited for complex projects, while microcontrollers are more suited for simple projects. If you’re not sure which one you need, then the Micro is a good choice. It’s powerful enough for most projects, but it’s still affordable.
How Does an SBC Work?
An SBC is a complete computer on a single board, with all the essential components to run a basic operating system. This includes a processor, memory, storage, and input/output (I/O) ports. You can connect an SBC to a keyboard and mouse to use it as a desktop computer, or connect it to other devices to use it as a controller or server.
There are many different types of SBCs available, but the two most popular are the Raspberry Pi and the BeagleBone. Both boards are similar in terms of price and performance, but there are some key differences that you should be aware of before deciding which one to buy. [4]
Things to Consider When Using SBC
Here are some things you should keep in mind when using an SBC:
- Do you need built-in WiFi or Bluetooth?
- Do you need more than one USB port?
- How much storage do you need?
- What operating system will you be using?
- What type of projects will you be working on?
If you’re just getting started with SBCs, the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B is a good choice. It’s affordable, has built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, and can run a wide range of operating systems. If you need more processing power or I/O ports, the BeagleBone Black is a good option. It’s slightly more expensive than the Raspberry Pi, but it has more RAM and is faster.
Things to Consider When Using a Microcontroller
When choosing a microcontroller for your project, there are a few things you should take into account. These include:
The Board’s Functionality
Arduino Micro and Arduino Nano both offer different sets of capabilities and functions. Decide what you need from a microcontroller before making your choice. Are you looking for more digital or analog pins? More memories? Faster speed? Specialized functionality?
The Board’s Size
The size of the board is important when considering where you will be using it. If space is tight, then the Nano might be a better option. However, if you need more room to add extra components, then the Micro would be a better pick.
The Board’s Price
Arduino Micro and Arduino Nano are both very affordable options. However, the Micro is slightly more expensive than the Nano. Consider your budget when making your decision.
The Board’s Availability
Both boards are widely available from a variety of retailers. However, the Nano might be easier to find in some areas than the Micro. If you’re having trouble finding the board you want, consider checking online or contacting your local electronics store.
Making a Decision
After considering all of these factors, you should have a better idea of which board is right for your project. If you need a powerful microcontroller with plenty of features and room to expand, then the Arduino Micro is a great choice.
Advantages of SBCs
- Flexibility: SBCs are much more flexible than microcontrollers. They can be used for a wider variety of tasks and applications.
- More powerful: SBCs are more powerful than microcontrollers, offering more processing power and memory. This makes them better suited for complex tasks and larger projects.
- Greater expandability: SBCs offer greater expandability than microcontrollers, making it easy to add new features and functionality as needed.
- Easier to use: SBCs are generally easier to use than microcontrollers, especially for beginners. This is because they come with a more extensive set of built-in features and functions.
- More widely available: SBCs are more widely available than microcontrollers, making them easier to find and purchase.
- Lower cost: SBCs tend to be less expensive than microcontrollers, making them a more affordable option for many projects. [5]
If you need a flexible, powerful, and expandable microcontroller for your project, then an SBC is the way to go. However, if you’re working on a smaller project or you’re on a tight budget, then a microcontroller might be the better choice. Whichever option you choose, make sure to consider all of the factors mentioned.
Advantages of the Microcontrollers
There are several reasons to use an Arduino microcontroller over other types. One reason is that the Micro has more processing power and memory than an 8-bit microcontroller. It also has a USB connection, which makes it easy to connect to a computer for programming and data transfer.
Another advantage of the Micro is its small size. The Micro is about one-third the size of the Arduino Nano, making it more suitable for projects where space is limited.
Finally, the Micro can be powered by either a USB connection or an external power supply. This makes it more versatile than the Nano, which can only be powered by an external power supply.
Disadvantages of the Microcontrollers
Despite its advantages, there are a few disadvantages to using an Arduino microcontroller. One is that it is more expensive than other types of microcontrollers.
Another disadvantage is that the Micro does not have as many I/O pins as the Nano. This can be a problem if your project requires a lot of input/output capabilities.
Finally, the Micro’s small size can also be a disadvantage. The Micro’s components are more tightly packed together, making it more difficult to work with than the Nano.
Alternatives to Arduino Micro and Nano
If you’re looking for an Arduino board that’s smaller than the Micro or Nano, your options are somewhat limited. The Mini and the Pro Mini are both about the same size as the Nano, but don’t have nearly as many features. The LilyPad line of wearable electronics is also quite small, but it uses a different kind of processor and isn’t compatible with all Arduino shields.
If you need more power than what the Micro or Nano can provide, you’ll want to step up to a larger board like the Arduino Uno or Mega.
So, which one should you choose? It really depends on your needs. If you need a lot of I/O pins and don’t mind sacrificing some space, go with the Arduino Mega. If you need a small board with low power consumption, go with the LilyPad. If you just need a basic board to get started with, either the Arduino Uno or Mini will do. [6]
FAQ
Is Arduino Nano and Micro the same?
They are very similar, but there are some important differences to be aware of. The Arduino Micro has a few more pins than the Nano, as well as a debug header and a reset button. It also has an onboard voltage regulator which allows it to be powered by voltages up to 12V. The Arduino Nano can only be powered by voltages up to 5V. The Arduino Micro is also slightly larger than the Nano.
What are the advantages of using an Arduino Nano?
There are several advantages to using an Arduino Nano over other types of microcontrollers. One advantage is that the Nano is very inexpensive. Another advantage is that it is very small and easy to use in projects where space is limited. The Nano also has a very low power consumption, making it ideal for battery-powered projects.
What are the disadvantages of using an Arduino Nano?
One potential disadvantage of using an Arduino Nano is that it has fewer pins than some other microcontrollers. This can make it difficult to use in projects that require a lot of input/output capabilities. Another potential disadvantage is that the Nano does not have an onboard voltage regulator, so it can only be powered by voltages up to 5V. This may limit its usefulness in some applications.
Can Arduino Nano run a motor?
Yes, the Arduino Nano can run a motor. However, it is important to note that the Nano does not have an onboard voltage regulator. This means that it can only be powered by voltages up to 5V. If you are using a higher voltage motor, you will need to use an external voltage regulator. Additionally, the Nano has a limited number of pins, so you may need to use a multiplexer if your project requires more than a few input/outputs.
Can Arduino run off the car battery?
No, the Arduino cannot run off the car battery. The Arduino Nano can only be powered by voltages up to 5V. If you are using a higher voltage motor, you will need to use an external voltage regulator. Additionally, the Nano has a limited number of pins, so you may need to use a multiplexer if your project requires more than a few input/outputs.
Can Arduino Nano run without a computer?
Yes, the Arduino Nano can run without a computer. The Nano is a stand-alone microcontroller and does not require a computer to function. However, in order to program the Nano you will need to use a computer. The Nano can be programmed using the Arduino IDE, which is available for free online.
How much power does an Arduino Nano use?
The Arduino Nano has a very low power consumption, making it ideal for battery-powered projects. When running on batteries, the Nano can run for several months before needing to be replaced. Additionally, the Nano can be powered by solar panels or other alternative energy sources.
What is the programming language of Arduino?
The programming language of Arduino is based on C++. However, Arduino also provides a simplified version of C++, which is easier to learn for beginners. Arduino also supports a wide variety of programming languages, including Python, Processing, and assembly.
Is Arduino Micro good for beginners?
Yes, the Arduino Micro is a good choice for beginners. The Micro is very similar to the Nano, but it has a few more pins and a reset button. Additionally, the Micro has an onboard voltage regulator which allows it to be powered by voltages up to 12V. The Micro is also slightly larger than the Nano, making it easier to use in projects where space is limited.
How much does an Arduino Micro cost?
The Arduino Micro typically costs around $20. However, prices may vary depending on where you purchase it. Additionally, the Micro is sometimes available as part of a starter kit, which can cost around $50.
Useful Video: COMPARING ARDUINO (UNO, NANO & PRO MINI)
Conclusion
When choosing between an Arduino Micro and an Arduino Nano, it really comes down to your needs and preferences. The Micro is a great choice for projects that require a small, compact board, while the Nano is a good choice for projects that require more pins and features. Ultimately, the best board for your project will depend on your specific requirements.
References
- https://www.farnell.com/datasheets/1685581.pdf
- https://docs.arduino.cc/hardware/nano
- https://components101.com/microcontrollers/arduino-nano
- https://www.ir.com/guides/a-complete-guide-to-session-border-controllers
- https://www.makeuseof.com/microcontrollers-single-board-computer-differences/
- https://forum.arduino.cc/t/arduino-wiring-guidance-needed-please/548396