Arduino Nano vs Arduino Nano 33 IoT: Pinout and Features

If you’re getting started with Arduino projects, one of the key decisions you’ll face is choosing the right Arduino board. In this guide, we’ll compare the Arduino Nano vs Arduino Nano 33 IoT, both of which are compact and versatile. However, they differ in functionality and are suited for different types of projects. Whether you’re looking to build simple circuits or embark on a smart IoT project, understanding the pinouts and features of these boards will help you make an informed decision.

What is Arduino Nano?

The Arduino Nano is a small, breadboard-friendly version of the Arduino Uno, using the ATmega328P microcontroller. This board is highly compact and ideal for projects that require basic input/output functionalities, and its low cost makes it an excellent choice for hobbyists and beginners alike.

Key Features of Arduino Nano:

Microcontroller: ATmega328P (the same as the Arduino Uno)
Operating Voltage: 5V
Digital I/O Pins: 14 (of which 6 are PWM-enabled for tasks like motor control or LED dimming)
Analog Input Pins: 8 (useful for reading data from analog sensors)
Flash Memory: 32 KB (with 2 KB used by the bootloader)
SRAM: 2 KB
EEPROM: 1 KB
Clock Speed: 16 MHz
Size: 18 mm x 45 mm (highly compact and ideal for breadboard setups)

Common Use Cases:

Simple sensor-based projects (e.g., temperature, light sensors)
Control systems for LEDs, motors, and displays
Projects with limited memory and processing needs

What is Arduino Nano 33 IoT?

The Arduino Nano 33 IoT is a powerful, compact board with built-in wireless capabilities. It is designed to bring connectivity to your projects through Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Powered by the SAMD21 Cortex-M0+ microcontroller, the Nano 33 IoT offers a significant upgrade over the classic Nano, especially for projects involving the Internet of Things (IoT).

Key Features of Arduino Nano 33 IoT:

Microcontroller: SAMD21 Cortex-M0+ 32-bit ARM processor
Operating Voltage: 3.3V (lower voltage to avoid damaging the board)
Digital I/O Pins: 14 (of which 6 are PWM-enabled)
Analog Input Pins: 8
Flash Memory: 256 KB (suitable for larger programs)
SRAM: 32 KB
EEPROM: No built-in EEPROM (but you can use an external EEPROM if needed)
Clock Speed: 48 MHz (much faster than the Arduino Nano)
Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Based on the u-blox NINA-W102 module for wireless communication
Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU): Built-in 9-axis IMU for motion sensing
Cryptographic Chip: Secure data handling for IoT devices

Common Use Cases:

IoT projects (e.g., smart home devices, remote sensors)
Projects that require wireless communication (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth)
Motion sensing and tracking (thanks to the built-in IMU)
Secure data transmission (due to the cryptographic chip)

Detailed Pinout Comparison: Arduino Nano vs Arduino Nano 33 IoT

Let’s take a closer look at the pinout of these two boards, which determines what kinds of components you can connect and control with each.

1. Power Pins

Arduino Nano:
- Uses a 5V power supply from USB or an external power source.
- Power pins include Vin (for external power), 5V, 3.3V (regulated), and GND (ground).
- The 3.3V pin can supply up to 50 mA to external devices.
Arduino Nano 33 IoT:
- The board runs on 3.3V, and applying 5V to the I/O pins can permanently damage the board.
- The Vin pin can be used to supply power to the board with a voltage range of 5V to 21V.
- The board features a 3.3V power output pin for powering external devices.

Key Difference: The Nano runs at 5V, while the Nano 33 IoT operates at 3.3V, which is critical to consider when connecting external sensors and components.

2. Digital I/O Pins

Arduino Nano:
- Features 14 digital I/O pins, with 6 PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) pins that allow for controlling devices like servos or dimming LEDs.
Arduino Nano 33 IoT:
- Also includes 14 digital I/O pins, with 6 PWM pins. However, due to its more advanced microcontroller, it can support additional functions such as touch inputs and more sophisticated communication protocols.

Key Difference: Both boards offer 14 digital I/O pins, but the Nano 33 IoT is more versatile due to its more modern architecture and the ability to handle advanced tasks.

3. Analog Input Pins

Both boards come with 8 analog input pins, which are crucial for reading analog sensor values (such as temperature, light, or humidity sensors). The Nano 33 IoT has more advanced analog capabilities, benefiting from its 32-bit architecture and allowing for more precise readings.

4. Communication Pins

Arduino Nano:
- Supports UART (Serial) communication via pins 0 (RX) and 1 (TX).
- SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) communication is handled via pins 10 (SS), 11 (MOSI), 12 (MISO), and 13 (SCK).
- I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) communication is on A4 (SDA) and A5 (SCL).
Arduino Nano 33 IoT:
- In addition to UART, SPI, and I2C, the Nano 33 IoT also includes a USB interface for programming and debugging.
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless communication without the need for additional modules.

Key Difference: The Nano 33 IoT has built-in wireless communication, making it a better choice for projects that need to connect to other devices or the internet without extra hardware.

5. IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit)

Arduino Nano: Lacks any built-in IMU, so you’d need to connect an external sensor if you wanted to track motion or orientation.
Arduino Nano 33 IoT: Features a built-in 9-axis IMU, enabling you to measure acceleration, gyroscope, and magnetometer data directly on the board. This is particularly useful for robotics, drones, and wearable tech projects.

Performance Comparison

1. Processing Power

Arduino Nano: The ATmega328P runs at 16 MHz. It’s sufficient for basic tasks like reading sensors and controlling motors.
Arduino Nano 33 IoT: The SAMD21 Cortex-M0+ runs at 48 MHz, offering three times the clock speed, making it ideal for more complex projects, including IoT applications and real-time data processing.

2. Memory

Arduino Nano: Limited to 32 KB of flash memory and 2 KB of SRAM.
Arduino Nano 33 IoT: Has 256 KB of flash memory and 32 KB of SRAM, allowing you to run larger and more complex programs.

Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?

If you’re working on basic projects or need a simple, affordable board, the Arduino Nano is a solid choice. It’s ideal for sensor-based projects, simple motor control, or LED displays.
For IoT projects where connectivity is essential, or if you need more processing power and memory, the Arduino Nano 33 IoT is the better option. With built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a 9-axis IMU, it’s well-suited for projects like smart home devices, remote sensors, or even wearable tech.

FAQ

Can the Arduino Nano 33 IoT be powered via USB?
Yes, just like the Arduino Nano, the Nano 33 IoT can be powered through a micro-USB cable connected to your computer or USB power source.
Can I use 5V sensors with the Arduino Nano 33 IoT?
No, the Nano 33 IoT operates at 3.3V, and connecting 5V sensors to it directly may damage the board. You will need a level shifter or sensors that operate at 3.3V.
Is the Arduino Nano 33 IoT backward compatible with Arduino Nano shields?
While both boards share similar pin layouts, you must ensure that the shield or components are compatible with the 3.3V logic of the Nano 33 IoT.
Which board is better for wireless communication?
The Arduino Nano 33 IoT is built for wireless communication, with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, making it superior for IoT projects.
Do I need external modules for wireless connectivity on the Arduino Nano?
Yes, the classic Arduino Nano does not come with built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. You would need to attach modules like the ESP8266 for wireless communication.
Can I run the same code on both Arduino Nano and Arduino Nano 33 IoT?
Yes, many basic Arduino sketches will work on both boards, but code that interacts with wireless communication or uses the IMU will need to be adjusted for the Nano 33 IoT.

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