If you're a maker, tinkerer, or developer, you must be familiar with the Arduino boards. The Arduino Due and Arduino Zero are two powerful boards that can bring your projects to life. But how do they compare, and which one is more powerful? In this blog post, we'll provide you an unbiased comparison of these two boards, covering various aspects of their performance.
Pin Configuration and Memory
One of the most significant differences between the Arduino Due and Zero is their pin configuration and memory. Let's take a look at some numbers.
| Arduino Board | Number of I/O Pins | Flash Memory | SRAM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Due | 54 | 512 KB | 96 KB |
| Zero | 27 | 256 KB | 32 KB |
Visibly, the Due board has twice the I/O pins, Flash memory, and SRAM than the Zero board. Hence, if your project requires an extensive amount of data storage and computations, the Due board is a clear winner.
Clock Speed and Voltage
Another important aspect to consider is the clock speed and voltage. The clock speed determines the processing power of a microcontroller, while the voltage regulates the amount of power that the board can handle.
| Arduino Board | Clock Speed | Voltage |
|---|---|---|
| Due | 84 MHz | 3.3V |
| Zero | 48 MHz | 3.3V |
As we can see, the Due board has a higher processing power with a clock speed of 84 MHz, whereas the Zero board runs at 48 MHz. However, both boards operate on 3.3V, making them equally capable of handling power.
Size and Price
Finally, let's take a look at the physical dimensions and cost of these two boards. The smaller size is generally ideal for more portable projects.
| Arduino Board | Size (mm) | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Due | 101.52 x 53.3 | $49.99 |
| Zero | 68.6 x 53.4 | $39.99 |
The Zero board is smaller and cheaper than the Due board, making it a good option if you have a tight budget or want a more compact board.
Conclusion
Both the Arduino Due and Arduino Zero boards are powerful microcontrollers with different purposes, depending on the project requirements. The Due board is a better option for memory-intensive projects that need maximum processing power, while the Zero board is more cost-effective and better suited for compact projects.
We hope this comparison has helped you understand the differences between these two boards and how to choose the one that's right for your project.
References
- "Arduino Due Specifications" Arduino Official Website. https://store.arduino.cc/usa/due
- "Arduino Zero Specifications" Arduino Official Website. https://store.arduino.cc/usa/arduino-zero