Smallest Arduino: What Is The Best

What is Arduino?

First, let’s quickly review what Arduino is. Arduino is an open-source electronics platform based on easy-to-use hardware and software. It consists of a programmable circuit board (microcontroller) and the Arduino IDE (Integrated Development Environment) software used to write and upload code to the board.

Arduino boards are able to read inputs – such as light on a sensor, a finger on a button, or a Twitter message – and turn it into an output – like activating a motor, turning on an LED, publishing something online, etc. You can tell your Arduino board what to do by sending a set of instructions to the microcontroller on the board using the Arduino programming language and the Arduino Software (IDE).

Over the years, the Arduino project has spawned a huge variety of boards in different shapes, sizes and with varying capabilities to fit different needs and projects. The smallest of these are well-suited for projects where size is a key consideration.

Why Choose a Small Arduino Board?

There are several reasons you might want to opt for one of the smallest Arduino boards for your project:

1. Space constraints: If you’re working on a project with limited physical space, such as wearables or small robots, a tiny Arduino board will fit much more easily.

2. Portability: Smaller boards are more portable and easier to integrate into mobile projects or take on the go.

3. Lower power consumption: Generally, the smaller the board, the lower its power requirements will be. This is ideal for battery-powered projects.

4. Lower cost: Smaller Arduino boards tend to be less expensive than their larger counterparts, which is great if you’re on a budget or building lots of projects.

5. Simplicity: Fewer components and features can mean a more straightforward and quicker project.

Of course, the downside is that you may sacrifice some features and performance for that tiny size. Smaller boards have less powerful processors, less memory, and fewer pins and features in general. But for many projects, a small Arduino is more than enough to get the job done.

Comparing the Smallest Arduino Boards

Now let’s take a look at some of the smallest Arduino boards and compare their key specs and features:

Board	Dimensions	Microcontroller	Clock Speed	Flash Memory	SRAM	EEPROM	Digital I/O Pins	Analog Input Pins	USB
Arduino Nano	45 x 18 mm	ATmega328P	16 MHz	32 KB	2 KB	1 KB	22	8	Mini USB
Arduino Micro	48 x 18 mm	ATmega32U4	16 MHz	32 KB	2.5 KB	1 KB	20	12	Micro USB
Adafruit Trinket	27 x 15.3 mm	ATtiny85	8 MHz	8 KB	512 bytes	512 bytes	5	4 (shared)	Micro USB
Adafruit Gemma	28 mm diameter	ATtiny85	8 MHz	8 KB	512 bytes	512 bytes	3	1 (shared)	Micro USB
Seeeduino XIAO	20 x 17.5 mm	SAMD21G18	48 MHz	256 KB	32 KB	No EEPROM	11	11	USB Type-C

Arduino Nano

The Arduino Nano is a classic compact board that packs a punch. At 45 x 18 mm, it’s small enough to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand while still offering a decent selection of pins and features.

The Nano uses the ATmega328P microcontroller, which runs at 16 MHz and provides 32 KB of flash memory for storing code, 2 KB of SRAM, and 1 KB of EEPROM. It has 22 digital I/O pins (6 of which can be used as PWM outputs) and 8 analog input pins. Communication is handled via Mini USB.

Due to its solid capabilities and breadboard-friendly design, the Nano is a popular choice for compact projects and a great introduction to the world of small Arduinos.

Arduino Micro

Similar in size to the Nano at 48 x 18 mm, the Arduino Micro offers a bit more oomph thanks to its ATmega32U4 microcontroller. This chip includes built-in USB communication, eliminating the need for a secondary processor and allowing the Micro to be used as a USB HID device.

Like the Nano, the Micro runs at 16 MHz and has 32 KB of flash memory, but bumps the SRAM up slightly to 2.5 KB. It provides 20 digital I/O pins (7 PWM) and 12 analog inputs. The Micro USB connection makes it easy to integrate with modern computers.

The Micro’s USB capabilities make it a great choice for building custom input devices like gamepads or MIDI controllers.

Adafruit Trinket

Moving into the realm of the truly tiny, the Adafruit Trinket measures just 27 x 15.3 mm. Don’t let its diminutive size fool you, though – this little board is still ready to bring your small projects to life.

The Trinket uses the ATtiny85 microcontroller, running at 8 MHz with 8 KB of flash memory, 512 bytes of SRAM, and 512 bytes of EEPROM. It offers 5 GPIO pins that can be used as either digital I/O or analog inputs. Programming is done via a Micro USB connection.

With its extremely compact design and low price point, the Trinket is perfect for tiny wearables, indoor IoT sensors, and other projects where size and simplicity are key.

Adafruit Gemma

The circular Adafruit Gemma takes tiny to a new level with its 28 mm diameter size. Like the Trinket, it uses the ATtiny85 chip at 8 MHz with the same memory specs.

However, the Gemma only offers 3 GPIO pins (2 digital I/O and 1 analog input). It also includes a built-in RGB LED that can be controlled by code. Micro USB is used for programming.

The unique round design and sewable pads make the Gemma a favorite for wearable electronics projects like smart clothing and LED jewelry.

Seeeduino XIAO

One of the newest and most impressive entries in the tiny Arduino arena is the Seeeduino XIAO. Measuring just 20 x 17.5 mm, it’s nearly as small as the Gemma but packs a serious punch.

The XIAO features a 32-bit SAMD21G18 ARM Cortex-M0+ processor running at 48 MHz, along with a whopping 256 KB of flash memory and 32 KB of SRAM. It provides 11 digital I/O pins (10 PWM), 11 analog inputs, and even a built-in accelerometer. The USB Type-C connection makes it easy to program and power.

With specs that rival much larger boards in an incredibly tiny package, the XIAO is a top choice for demanding compact projects like robotics, drones, and high-speed data logging.

Best Small Arduino For Your Project

So which of these tiny Arduinos is the best? As with most engineering decisions, it depends on the specific needs and constraints of your project. Here are some general recommendations:

• For beginners or simple compact projects, go with the Arduino Nano. Its features and community support make it a solid all-around choice.

• If you need USB HID capabilities in a small package, the Arduino Micro is a great option.

• For the absolute smallest basic projects or wearables, consider the Adafruit Trinket or Gemma.

• If you need maximum performance and features in the smallest possible size, the Seeeduino XIAO is hard to beat.

Ultimately, the best small Arduino for you will be the one that most closely matches the size, capabilities, and budgetary constraints of whatever you’re trying to build. But with options like these, there’s certainly no shortage of tiny powerhouses to choose from!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use regular Arduino libraries with these small boards?

In most cases, yes – these boards are all Arduino-compatible and can make use of the large ecosystem of existing Arduino libraries. However, some libraries may not work with the more resource-constrained boards like the Trinket and Gemma due to their limited memory. Always check the library requirements.

2. How do I connect additional components to such small pins?

Many makers solder wires or pins directly to the small pads to connect other components. For a less permanent connection, you can use conductive thread, alligator clips, or magnetic connectors. Some boards, like the Nano, are breadboard-friendly.

3. Can these small Arduinos be powered by a battery?

Yes, all of these boards can be powered by an appropriate battery with the correct voltage (typically 3.3V or 5V). Be sure to check the specs for your specific board. Rechargeable lithium polymer batteries are a popular choice for small, portable projects.

4. Are these boards suitable for beginners?

While some electronics experience is always helpful, beginners can definitely use these small Arduino boards. The Nano and Micro are good choices to start with due to their larger size and better specs. The Trinket, Gemma, and XIAO are best suited for those with a bit more experience working with constrained boards.

5. Where can I find project ideas and tutorials for small Arduinos?

The Arduino Project Hub is a great resource for finding all kinds of Arduino project ideas, including many specifically designed for compact boards. Adafruit Learning System also offers great tutorials for their Trinket and Gemma boards. Maker communities like Instructables and Hackaday are also full of inspirational small-scale Arduino projects.

Arduino: Best

In conclusion, the world of small Arduino boards offers an exciting range of possibilities for compact projects. Whether you prioritize ease of use, specific features, or the absolute smallest size, there’s a tiny Arduino out there that can bring your ideas to life.

For general compact projects, the Arduino Nano and Micro are great choices that balance size and capabilities. For the smallest of the small, boards like the Adafruit Trinket and Gemma are hard to beat. And for truly impressive specs in a minuscule package, the Seeeduino XIAO is a top performer.

No matter which board you choose, you’ll be joining a vibrant community of makers who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with these tiny but mighty devices. So get out there, start tinkering, and see what amazing things you can create with the smallest Arduinos!