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OddlyTimbot 57a3228465 adding microcontroller description, programming AVR mc
2025-04-26 13:12:02 -04:00
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microcontrollers.md adding microcontroller description, programming AVR mc 2025-04-26 13:12:02 -04:00
Readme.md adding microcontroller summary and kicad description 2025-04-22 14:37:53 -04:00

Readme.md

🔌 Microcontroller Comparison: ESP32 vs Arduino Nano vs RP2040

📡 ESP32

Overview:
A powerful and cost-effective microcontroller with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth — perfect for IoT and wireless projects.

✅ Key Features:

  • Processor: Dual-core Xtensa @ 240 MHz
  • RAM: 520 KB internal
  • Flash: 4 MB (external, typical)
  • Wireless: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n + Bluetooth 4.2 (classic & BLE)
  • GPIO & Peripherals: ADC, DAC, PWM, SPI, I2C, UART
  • Special: Capacitive touch, hall sensor, temperature sensor
  • Power: Low-power modes for battery operation

Common Uses:

  • Smart home automation
  • Wireless sensor networks
  • Web-controlled devices
  • Bluetooth-enabled wearables

📏 Arduino Nano

Overview:
A compact, beginner-friendly microcontroller ideal for basic electronics and education.

✅ Key Features:

  • Processor: 8-bit AVR ATmega328P @ 16 MHz
  • RAM: 2 KB
  • Flash: 32 KB
  • EEPROM: 1 KB
  • GPIO: 14 digital I/O, 6 PWM, 8 analog inputs
  • USB: Mini-B for programming/power
  • Size: 45 mm × 18 mm

Common Uses:

  • Simple embedded systems
  • Robotics and automation
  • Learning electronics and C/C++ programming

🧠 Raspberry Pi RP2040

Overview:
Raspberry Pi’s first microcontroller — versatile and high-performance, found in the Raspberry Pi Pico.

✅ Key Features:

  • Processor: Dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ @ 133 MHz
  • RAM: 264 KB SRAM
  • Flash: Up to 16 MB external (via QSPI)
  • GPIO & Peripherals: 26 GPIO, PWM, ADC, I2C, SPI, UART
  • Special: Programmable I/O (PIO) blocks for custom protocols
  • USB: USB 1.1 device support
  • Low Cost: ~$4 for Pico

Common Uses:

  • Performance-heavy embedded projects
  • USB device emulation (keyboards, MIDI)
  • Robotics and motor control
  • Custom protocols via PIO

🔍 Summary Comparison Table

Feature ESP32 Arduino Nano Raspberry Pi RP2040
CPU Dual-core @ 240 MHz 8-bit AVR @ 16 MHz Dual-core @ 133 MHz
Architecture Xtensa LX6 AVR ARM Cortex-M0+
RAM 520 KB 2 KB 264 KB
Flash 4 MB (external) 32 KB Up to 16 MB (external)
Wireless Wi-Fi + Bluetooth None None
GPIO/PWM/ADC Yes Yes Yes + PIO
USB Support Yes (program/debug) Yes (Mini-B) Yes (USB device mode)
Price ~$5–10 ~$3–5 ~$4 (Pico)
Best For IoT, wireless control Beginners, prototyping Flexibility, custom I/O