solderic.com Pico microcontrollers offer greater memory and peripheral options compared to Nano microcontrollers, making them suitable for more complex projects and enhanced performance. Explore the differences to determine which microcontroller best fits your needs and project requirements.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Pico Microcontroller | Nano Microcontroller |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | RP2040 dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ at 133 MHz | ATmega328P 8-bit AVR at 16 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 2 MB onboard QSPI Flash | 32 KB Flash |
| RAM | 264 KB SRAM | 2 KB SRAM |
| GPIO Pins | 26 multifunctional GPIO pins | 14 digital I/O pins (6 PWM capable) |
| ADC Channels | 3 ADC channels (12-bit) | 6 ADC channels (10-bit) |
| USB Support | USB 1.1 Host/Device | USB 2.0 Device only |
| Power Consumption | Low power, approx. 120 mA max | Low power, approx. 19 mA running |
| Programming | C/C++, MicroPython, CircuitPython | C/C++, Arduino IDE |
| Use Case | High-performance applications, multitasking | Basic embedded projects, Arduino-compatible |
| Price Approx. | $4 - $6 | $20 - $25 |
Introduction to Pico and Nano Microcontrollers
The Raspberry Pi Pico and Arduino Nano are prominent microcontrollers used in embedded systems, with the Pico featuring the RP2040 chip, a dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ processor running at 133 MHz. The Arduino Nano is built around the ATmega328P microcontroller, an 8-bit AVR CPU operating at 16 MHz, ideal for compact and low-power applications. Both microcontrollers support extensive digital and analog I/O interfaces, but the Pico offers higher processing speed, more memory, and enhanced GPIO capabilities suited for complex projects.
Key Features Comparison: Pico vs Nano
The Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller features an RP2040 dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ processor running at 133MHz, 264KB of SRAM, and 2MB of onboard flash memory, supporting a wide range of flexible I/O options including UART, SPI, and I2C. Arduino Nano utilizes an ATmega328P 8-bit AVR microcontroller operating at 16MHz, with 2KB of SRAM and 32KB of flash memory, optimized for low power consumption and compact size. Pico offers superior processing speed and memory capacity, making it suitable for performance-intensive applications, whereas Nano is favored for simplicity and widespread compatibility in embedded projects.
Hardware Specifications Overview
The Raspberry Pi Pico features a dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ processor running at 133 MHz, 264KB of SRAM, and 2MB of onboard flash memory, providing robust performance for embedded applications. In contrast, the Arduino Nano offers an 8-bit ATmega328P microcontroller clocked at 16 MHz with 2KB of SRAM and 32KB of flash memory, suitable for simpler tasks. Your choice should consider the Pico's higher processing power and memory capacity versus the Nano's simplicity and lower power requirements.
Processing Power and Performance
The Raspberry Pi Pico features the RP2040 microcontroller with a dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ processor running at 133 MHz, offering efficient performance for a wide range of embedded applications. The Nano microcontroller, typically based on the ATmega328P, operates at 16 MHz with a single-core 8-bit AVR processor, providing adequate processing power for simpler tasks but limited multitasking capabilities. Your choice depends on whether you need higher clock speed and dual-core processing of the Pico for intensive computations or the lower power and simplicity of the Nano for straightforward projects.
Memory and Storage Capabilities
The Pico microcontroller offers 264KB of SRAM and 2MB of onboard flash storage, enabling efficient handling of complex programs and data logging. In contrast, the Nano typically provides 32KB of SRAM and 32KB of flash memory, suitable for simpler applications with limited memory requirements. Your choice between Pico and Nano should depend on the memory and storage needs dictated by the complexity of your embedded project.
Input/Output (I/O) Options
The Pico microcontroller offers 26 multi-function GPIO pins, supporting PWM, ADC, UART, SPI, and I2C protocols, making it versatile for complex projects. The Nano microcontroller provides 14 digital I/O pins and 8 analog inputs, suitable for simpler applications with standard sensor and actuator interfacing. Your choice depends on the I/O flexibility and the number of peripherals your project requires.
Programming Language Support
The Raspberry Pi Pico supports programming primarily in C/C++ and MicroPython, offering a flexible environment for developers familiar with these languages. The Arduino Nano typically uses the Arduino IDE with C/C++ based sketches but also supports languages like MicroPython and CircuitPython through additional firmware. Your choice between Pico and Nano can depend on which programming language ecosystem best fits your project requirements and expertise.
Community Support and Resources
The Raspberry Pi Pico benefits from a larger and more active community due to its widespread adoption in education and hobbyist projects, offering extensive tutorials, forums, and code libraries. In contrast, Nano microcontrollers, while supported by a dedicated user base, often have fewer resources and smaller communities, which can impact troubleshooting and project development speed. Your choice between these two may depend on the availability of community-driven guidance and learning materials tailored to your project's complexity.
Typical Use Cases and Applications
The Raspberry Pi Pico is widely used in embedded systems requiring moderate processing power and connectivity, such as IoT devices, robotics, and sensor monitoring. The Arduino Nano excels in projects demanding compact size and low power consumption, commonly found in wearable technology, small-scale automation, and portable gadgets. Both microcontrollers serve distinct niches by balancing performance, form factor, and ecosystem support for rapid prototyping and development.
Choosing the Right Microcontroller: Pico or Nano
Choosing between the Raspberry Pi Pico and Arduino Nano depends on your project requirements and ecosystem preference. The Pico offers a dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ processor with higher clock speed and more SRAM, ideal for advanced applications requiring efficient multi-threading and performance. The Nano's ATmega328P microcontroller excels in straightforward, low-power projects with extensive Arduino IDE support, making it suitable if your development focuses on simplicity and broad community resources.
Pico vs Nano microcontroller Infographic
