What is Arduino Nano

What is Arduino Nano

Summary

If you're an electronics enthusiast or a hobbyist looking to dive into the world of microcontrollers, the Arduino Nano is a name you should become familiar with. In this informative and engaging blog, we explore the Arduino Nano, uncovering its features, pinout, and key differences from its popular sibling, the Arduino Uno. We also delve into the exciting applications of the Arduino Nano, from robotics and automation to IoT projects. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced maker, this blog is your gateway to understanding and harnessing the power of the Arduino Nano for your creative endeavours.

The Arduino Nano is a small breadboard-friendly board whose design is based on the ATmega328P released in 2008. It offers the same connectivity and specs as the Arduino Uno board in a smaller form factor.

The Arduino Nano has 30 male I/O headers, in a DIP-30-like configuration, which can be programmed using the Arduino Software IDE, which is common to all Arduino boards and runs both online and offline. The board can be powered by a type-B mini-USB cable or a 9 V battery.

 

read more : What is Arduino UNO

Arduino Nano Features

  • Microcontroller: Microchip ATmega328P
  • Operating voltage: 5 V
  • Input voltage: 5 to 20 V
  • Digital I/O pins: 14 ( with 6 optional PWM outputs)
  • Analog input pins: 8
  • DC per I/O pin: 40 mA
  • EEPROM: 1 KB
  • DC for 3.3 V pin: 50 mA
  • Flash memory: 32 KB, of which the bootloader uses 2 KB
  • SRAM: 2 KB
  • Mass: 7 g
  • Clock speed: 16 MHz
  • Length: 45 mm
  • Width: 18 mm
  • DC Power Jack: No
  • USB: Mini-USB Type-B
  • ICSP Header: Yes

read more : Arduino Pin Configuration

Arduino Nano Pinout

The pinout of the Arduino nano is as follows

1 

A0 - A7 

Analog Input / Output Pins. 

2 

D0 - D13 

Digital Input / Output Pins. 

 

 

 

3 

Pin # 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11 

Pulse Width Modulation ( PWM ) Pins. 

4 

Pin # A4, A5 

I2C Communication Pins. 

5 

Pin # 0 (RX) , Pin # 1 (TX) 

Serial Communication Pins. 

6 

Pin # 13 

Built-In LED for Testing. 

7 

Pin # 10, 11, 12, 13 

SPI Communication Pins. 

8 

D2 & D3 

External Interrupt Pins. 

 

Difference between Arduino UNO and Arduino Nano 

Arduino Nano 

Arduino Uno 

An integrated development environment is used in Nano to make it work with the users. 

As there is no user interface, fewer interfaces are used. The architecture is light. 

Nano is used by fabricators who start fabrication of the system with a smaller size of breadboard to learn and analyze the working of Arduino. 

Arduino Uno is the popular Arduino due to its smaller size and compatibility with software and hardware in the system. 

There is no power regulator in the controller and if external power is needed, a 5V-regulated power source has to be used in the system while using Nano. 

Uno has a power regulator on the board to control the power coming to the controller.  

The size is small and smaller than all other Arduino breadboards which helps it to restrict itself to any space-centered applications or projects in the system. 

Its size is quite big when compared with Nano but is used mostly due to its working in the system and the features used. If the application is not space centered, it is better to go with Uno. 

The microcontroller used is AT Mega 328 and AT Mega 168 and it depends on the usage of the project and the programmer using it. 

The microcontroller is always AT Mega 328 in Uno. 

Ethernet shields are not used here and this is better for small programs with automation that can be done easily. 

If the applications are simple with sensors, GPS, motor controls, or alarms, it is better to go with an Uno microcontroller. 

The programmable microcontroller is not used but a USB UART interface is available in Nano to manage the tasks. The UART interface is FT232RL. 

A programmable microcontroller is used so that the tasks could be modified easily in the system with ATMega 16U2. 

40 micro Ampere power is given per I/O in Nano and the power is not great to deliver big projects. 

20 micro Ampere power is given per I/O in Uno and hence the power delivery is less. 

Nano does not have Arduino shields but a pin header is set up in the breadboard so that prototypes can be made easier with the help of sockets available. 

Uno can connect to Arduino shields and has a pin header arrangement to make it compatible with any other breadboards in the system. 

Permanent storage memory is 0.51kB EEPROM with working storage and memory storage being added to the system. 

Permanent storage memory is 1kB EEPROM and there is other working storage and flash memory storage. 

 

 

read more : Arduino Sensor types and Applications

 

Applications of an Arduino Nano

Arduino Nano projects can be built by reading inputs of a sensor, a button, or a finger and giving an output by turning the motor or LED ON, etc. Some of the domains it can be used are as follows:

  • Samples of electronic systems & products
  • Automation
  • Several DIY projects
  • Control Systems
  • Embedded Systems
  • Robotics
  • Instrumentation

read more : Interfacing Proximity Sensors with Arduino

Conclusion

Arduino Nano is a compact yet powerful microcontroller board packed with features. Its small size, versatility, and extensive community support make it an excellent choice for both beginners and advanced users. Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional, the Arduino Nano opens up a world of possibilities for your creative projects. Start exploring today and unleash your imagination with the Arduino Nano!

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Arduino Nano used for?

The Arduino Nano is a compact and versatile board that is widely employed in electronics projects for different applications. It is specifically designed to fit well on a breadboard and provides a complete set of features.

Built around the ATmega328 microcontroller, the Arduino Nano delivers functionality similar to that of the Arduino Uno board but in a smaller size, making it convenient for various purposes.

The Arduino Nano finds frequent usage in prototyping, do-it-yourself (DIY) projects, and educational endeavors. It supports programming through the Arduino programming language, which is a variation of C/C++. Additionally, the board incorporates digital and analog input/output pins, Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) outputs, serial communication capabilities, and the ability to be powered either via USB or an external power source.

read more : How do I Power my Arduino?

2. What is the difference Arduino Nano and micro?

Here are the differences between Arduino Nano and Arduino Micro

FeatureArduino NanoArduino Micro
PWM-enabled pins67
Analog pins812
Digital input/output pins2220
EEPROM1 KB1 KB
ProcessorATmega328ATmega32U4
USB connectionYesYes
External voltage sourceUSB connectionPower jack
Flash memory32 KB16 KB

read more : Interfacing ACS712 with Arduino

3. Can Arduino Nano connect to WiFi?

Yes, the Arduino Nano has the capability to connect to WiFi. Specifically, the Arduino Nano 33 IoT board is equipped with WiFi connectivity and is compatible with the Arduino IoT Cloud, enabling you to develop Internet of Things (IoT) applications in your projects.

Moreover, the Nano 33 IoT board supports Bluetooth functionality, allowing you to interact with peripheral devices via Bluetooth and implement Bluetooth Low Energy applications.

To simplify the process of utilizing the Arduino Nano 33 IoT NINA-W102 module, you can make use of the WiFiNINA library, which eliminates the need for complex programming. Arduino has made connecting to a WiFi network as straightforward as making an LED blink. You can easily configure your board to connect to an existing WiFi network or even create your own Arduino Access Point. There are multiple methods available for accessing the board over WiFi, providing flexibility in how you interact with and control your Arduino Nano.

read more :Interfacing MAX30100 Pulse Oximeter with Arduino

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