The next generation of Arduino microcontroller boards is now available for purchase from the official Arduino online store and is available in two different versions. the Arduino UNO R4 Minima and the Arduino UNO R4 WiFi. But aside from the obvious wireless connectivity hinted at by the name, the other differences between microcontrollers are. This quick article will take you through the key features and specifications of both.
Arduino UNO R4 Minima – 18 euros
Strength, compatibility and flexibility
Arduino UNO R4 Minima comes with a RA4M1 microprocessor from Renesas. This powerful microcontroller board delivers power-packed performance and an expanded set of capabilities, and is a valuable tool for both beginners and seasoned electronics enthusiasts.
Adhering to the UNO form factor, the UNO R4 Minima ensures hardware compatibility with its predecessors. This means that the transition from UNO R3 to R4 Minima will be seamless, saving you the hassle of changing hardware setup for your existing projects.
Aside from form factor compatibility, enhanced features of the UNO R4 Minima include expanded memory, faster clock speed, additional onboard peripherals such as a 12-bit DAC, CAN BUS, OP AMP, 24V extended tolerance, and a SWD connector for easier debugging, and HID support. With all these exciting features, the UNO R4 Minima brings a new level of power, precision, and flexibility to your projects.
Arduino UNO R4 Minima Specifications and Features:
- Microprocessor: RA4M1 from Renesas
- Voltage: 5V operating voltage – 24V extended tolerance
- Compatibility: Maintains UNO shape, pinout, ensuring smooth transition to existing shields and projects
- Memory: Expanded memory for more accurate calculations
- Clock Speed: Faster clock speed to effortlessly manage complex projects
- Onboard peripherals: Includes 12-bit DAC, CAN BUS, and OP AMP for expanded design possibilities
- Voltage Withstanding: Extends to 24V, allowing integration with various components such as drivers and LED strips
- Debugging: SWD connector for easy debugging with an external debugger
- HID Support: Emulates a mouse or keyboard when connected to a computer via USB
Arduino UNO R4 WiFi – 25 €
An all-in-one communication powerhouse
Arduino UNO R4 WiFi is more than just a microcontroller. It is a complete toolkit for the modern maker. Equipped with the same Renesas RA4M1 microprocessor found in the UNO R4 Minima, the UNO R4 WiFi also integrates it with ESP32-S3 from Espressif, providing Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities.
On top of offering the hardware compatibility, expanded memory, and faster clock speed offered by the UNO R4 Minima, the UNO R4 WiFi offers a built-in 12 x 8 LED matrix, Qwiic connector, VRTC pin, and OFF pin.
In terms of wireless connectivity, the ESP32-S3 module built into the UNO R4 WiFi allows makers to remotely monitor and control their projects. Furthermore, the inclusion of a Qwiic I2C connector allows users to easily connect to the overall Qwiic ecosystem, providing more creative and design opportunities.
With an innovative diagnostic feature that detects runtime errors, UNO R4 WiFi is not only a powerful tool for experienced makers but also an ideal teaching tool for beginners.
Arduino UNO R4 WiFi Specifications and Features:
- Microprocessor: RA4M1 from Renesas, ESP32-S3 from Espressif for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities
- Voltage: 5V operating voltage – 24V extended tolerance
- 12 x 8 bright red LED matrix
- Compatibility: Maintains UNO shape, pinout, ensuring smooth transition to existing shields and projects
- Memory: Expanded memory to handle complex tasks with precision
- Clock Speed: Faster clock speed to effortlessly manage complex projects
- Onboard Peripherals: Includes 12-bit DAC, CAN BUS, OP AMP, and 12 x 8 LED matrix on board
- Voltage Withstanding: Extends to 24V, allowing integration with various components such as drivers and LED strips
- HID Support: Emulates a mouse or keyboard when connected to a computer via USB
- Connectivity: Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities with ESP32-S3 module
- Qwiic I2C Connector: Easy connection to nodes from the Qwiic ecosystem
- Battery Powered RTC: Includes “OFF” and “VRTC” pins for board power management and internal RTC
- Diagnostics: The runtime error detection mechanism provides detailed explanations and hints on which line of code is causing the crash
While both the Arduino UNO R4 Minima and Arduino UNO R4 WiFi are powerful and versatile, they serve different purposes and audiences. If you are looking for enhanced capabilities, flexibility and compatibility with the UNO form factor, the UNO R4 Minima should be your choice.
However, if you’re aiming to venture into the Internet of Things and need a kit that offers processing power and connectivity options, the UNO R4 WiFi is an exceptional choice. With these boards, Arduino continues to empower its makers to turn their ideas into reality and take their projects to unprecedented heights.
Source: AS
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