Assignment 1

Microcontroller and Development Board Comparative Analysis

Helder Pinheiro
Mechatronics -1(MECH339-248349P)
21st September, 2023

Objective

Explore and compare various microcontroller and development board platforms,

understand their features that are important in making informed decisions when selecting.
one for a specific project.

Part 01.

Introduction

1) Teensy

The Teensy is a microcontroller development system that is entirely USB-base.

Despite its tiny size, it can execute a wide range of projects. It is available in different
versions with pins for solderless breadboard. Teensy 2.0 is widely used
microcontroller of frequency 16 mhz. The main application of teensy is nothing but it
helps to download the new programs and run them effectively.

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 2) Arduino Uno

The open-source microcontroller board, Arduino Uno, was developed by Arduino.cc

and is based on the Microchip ATmega328P microcontroller. Arduino Uno is the
of microcontroller which is known for low cost as well as its flexibility. Moreover, it
is the open-source microcontroller board is associated with different ranges electroic
projects. This type of microcontroller is used for multipurpose task, such as
weighing machine, traffic light timer and it is used for medical instrument.

3) Arduino Mega

Arduino mega is the microcontroller board, which is based on the ATM mega
256,which contain 54 digital input and output pin in which 15 are used for output of
PWM while others are used for analog output. It is connected with both AC to DC
adaptor or battery. There are various application of Arduino mega such as 3D printers,
temperature sensing instruments as well as time monitoring applications.

4) Arduino Nano
These types of microcontroller boards is tiny in size but complete, bread-board
friendly in nature, it is also widely available in market with different version of it. It is
also known with same function and specification of the Arduino uno board
connectivity. This type of microcontroller is widely used in digital clock and locator
of any lost items.

5) Raspberry Pi
Raspberry Pi is a small, inexpensive, credit card-sized computer that connects to a
monitor or television and uses a basic keyboard and mouse. It is usable from small to
large industry, as well as it is suitable for every aged people.

6) ESP8266

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 The ESP8266 is a wife module that allow microcontroller which has a direct access to
WIFI network. This module is also known as self- contained which mean that doesn’t
necessarily need a microcontroller to manipulate inputs and outputs as you would
normally do with an Arduino. These types of microcontroller board is applicable for
Wi-Fi connectivity as a host.

7) ESP32
This ESP32 is a great all-purpose microcontroller that comes with a variety of of cool
peripherals, like WIFI and Bluetooth wireless. These types of microcontroller board
is cheap in price and easily available in market. The main purpose of these types of
microcontroller board is large types of industrial production, such as home
automation as well as robotics.

8) Microchip Curiosity HPC

This type of microcontroller board is specially designed to take advantage of the
advantages of microchips. It is suitable for the development environment of MPLAB
x, curiosity and does not require any additional hardware such as an integrated
programmer. This type of microcontroller has low voltage programming ability. The
core area of this microcontroller board is used for high performance in data
manipulation and complex calculation with high speed.

1. Hardware Specifications and Capabilities:

 Arduino UNO: Typically offer a range of clock speeds, GPIO pins, and memory
options depending on the model. Hardware capabilities can vary significantly. Reference:
Arduino Official Website.
 Raspberry Pi: Offers a more computer-like experience with higher clock speeds, more
RAM, and HDMI output. GPIO pins are available for hardware interfacing. Reference:
Raspberry Pi Official Website.
ESP32: Designed for IoT applications with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Vary in terms
of clock speeds, GPIO pins, and memory. Reference: ESP32.

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  Arduino Nano Boards: Known for their high-performance ARM Cortex-M processors,
offering various clock speeds, GPIO pins, and memory options. Reference:
STMicroelectronics' STM32.
 Teensy Boards: Offers high clock speeds and memory options, making them suitable for
demanding applications. Reference: PJRC Teensy.

 ESP8266 : Include more powerful processors with ample RAM and GPIO pins for
embedded projects. Reference: BeagleBoard.org.
 Arduino MegaVary in terms of clock speeds, GPIO pins, and memory based on the
specific PIC microcontroller used. Reference: Microchip PIC Microcontrollers.
 Microchip Curiosity HPC; Offer a range of clock speeds, GPIO pins, and memory
options, often with built-in connectivity options for IoT projects. Reference: Particle IoT
Hardware.

2. Programming Languages and Development Environments:

 Arduino UNO; Primarily programmed using the Arduino IDE, which supports C/C++
with an easy-to-use framework. Reference: Arduino IDE.
 Raspberry Pi: Supports multiple programming languages, including Python and C/C++,
with various IDEs available. Reference: Raspberry Pi Programming.
 ESP32: Programmed using the Arduino IDE or ESP-IDF (Espressif IoT Development
Framework), which supports C/C++. Reference: Espressif IoT Development Framework.
 Arduino Nano Boards: Typically programmed using the STM32CubeIDE or other
ARM development environments, supporting C/C++. Reference: STMicroelectronics'
STM32 Development.
 Teensy : Programmed using the Arduino IDE with support for C/C++. Reference: PJRC
Teensy Arduino IDE.
 ESP8266 Typically programmed using Python, C/C++, or other languages. Reference:
BeagleBoard.org Development.
 Arduino Mega Programmed using the MPLAB IDE and support C/C++. Reference:
Microchip MPLAB X IDE.
 Microchip Curiosity HPC;: Programmed using the Particle Workbench, which supports
C/C++ and is based on Visual Studio Code. Reference: Particle Workbench.

3. I/O Capabilities and Expansion Options:

 The number of GPIO pins, analog inputs, and available communication interfaces
(UART, SPI, I2C) varies across all boards. The specific capabilities depend on the model
within each category.

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4. Connectivity Options:

 Arduino UNO : Primarily rely on external modules for connectivity (e.g., Wi-Fi or
Bluetooth shields).
 Raspberry Pi: Offers onboard Ethernet, USB ports, and built-in Wi-Fi/Bluetooth (on
some models).
 ESP32: Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
 Arduino Nano: Typically include UART, SPI, I2C, and more for communication but
require external modules for Wi-Fi/Bluetooth.
 Teensy Boards: Connectivity options depend on the specific model but often include
UART, SPI, I2C, and USB.
 ESP8266; Offers Ethernet connectivity and USB ports; wireless options require external
modules.
 Arduino Mega: Connectivity options depend on the specific PIC model but typically
include UART, SPI, and I2C.
 Microchip Curiosity HPC: Built-in Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity options.

5. Cost Considerations:

 Based on a specific model and features, rates within each category could vary
dramatically. In general, Arduino and PIC boards are not as costly though Raspberry Pi
and BeagleBone boards are often higher in price due to their greater capabilities..

6. Ecosystem and Community Support:

 Arduino UNO : Has a vast and active community, extensive libraries, and plenty of
resources online.
 Raspberry Pi: Enjoys a large and supportive community, with numerous tutorials and
projects available.
 ESP32: Has a growing community and good documentation.
 Arduino Nano: Benefits from an extensive ecosystem and resources provided by
STMicroelectronics.
 Teensy: Supported by PJRC's community and forums.
 ESP8266; Has an active user community and documentation.
 Microchip (HPC Microcontrollers): Offers various resources and a developer
community.
 Arduino Mega: Provides a community forum and ample documentation for IoT projects.