I Accidentally Bought the New Arduino UNO R4 (And It's INSANE)

Summary

In this video, the host discusses the evolution of the Arduino Uno, focusing on the differences between the R2, R3, and the newest R4. From minor tweaks in the R3 to a complete overhaul in the R4, which features a 32-bit processor, increased memory, and new capabilities like onboard CAN support and USB-C, the Arduino Uno R4 takes a giant leap forward. The R4 also introduces new features like a digital-to-analog converter, human interface device emulation, and more. The video wraps up with a quick look at the Arduino Uno R4 Wi-Fi and an invitation to engage with the channel.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Arduino Uno R2 to R3 transition brought some useful but not revolutionary updates, like new pins and a better USB chip.
• 😀 The jump from Arduino Uno R3 to R4 is significant, with major upgrades in hardware and capabilities.
• 😀 The Arduino Uno R4 Minima uses a 48 MHz 32-bit processor, a big improvement from the R3's 16 MHz 8-bit processor.
• 😀 Flash memory on the Arduino Uno R4 increased from 32 KB to 256 KB, and SRAM from 2 KB to 32 KB, allowing for more complex projects.
• 😀 The EEPROM memory expanded from 1 KB to 8 KB, giving the Arduino Uno R4 the ability to store more data.
• 😀 The R4 also features a higher resolution ADC (14 bits), improving precision in measurements.
• 😀 New features in the R4 include CAN support, a 12-bit DAC, human interface device emulation (keyboard and mouse), and an integrated real-time clock.
• 😀 The Arduino Uno R4 Minima supports USB-C, making it more future-proof and easier to connect.
• 😀 The maximum current per pin in the Arduino Uno R4 is reduced to 8 mA, down from 20 mA in previous versions, and total current per board is now limited to 60 mA.
• 😀 The R4 has no more chip swapping, as the new microcontroller is directly integrated into the board, making it a permanent setup.
• 😀 The onboard LED in the R4 is now connected to pin 13 again, and it's less efficient, consuming around 8 mA, meaning users should avoid using pin 1.

Q & A

What was the main change from Arduino Uno R2 to R3?

The change from Arduino Uno R2 to R3 was mostly incremental, with improvements like the addition of a new IO reference pin connected to 5V for better shield compatibility, and two dedicated ICE/GY pins that were just connected to existing analog pins. Additionally, the onboard LED received its own OPM driver, decoupling it from pin 13.

What are some key differences between Arduino Uno R3 and R4?

The leap from Arduino Uno R3 to R4 is much more significant. The R4 introduces a 32-bit processor (RA 4M1) with a clock speed of 48 MHz, compared to the 8-bit 16 MHz processor in R3. The flash memory has expanded from 32 KB to 256 KB, and SRAM increased from 2 KB to 32 KB. The R4 also adds new features like CAN support, a 12-bit DAC, USB-C, and integrated real-time clock capabilities.

What processor is used in the Arduino Uno R4?

The Arduino Uno R4 uses the Renaissance RA 4M1, a 32-bit processor running at 48 MHz, a significant upgrade from the 8-bit processor used in previous models.

How has the memory of the Arduino Uno R4 improved compared to earlier models?

The Arduino Uno R4 has seen significant memory upgrades. Flash memory has increased from 32 KB to 256 KB, SRAM expanded from 2 KB to 32 KB, and EEPROM has grown from 1 KB to 8 KB, making it capable of handling much larger programs and data.

What new features does the Arduino Uno R4 offer that the R3 does not?

The Arduino Uno R4 introduces several new features, including CAN bus support for vehicle communication, a 12-bit DAC for generating analog signals, human interface device (HID) emulation for acting as a mouse or keyboard, and an integrated real-time clock. It also has USB-C for better connectivity.

What is the maximum current per pin in the Arduino Uno R4, and how does it compare to the R3?

The maximum current per pin in the Arduino Uno R4 is 8 milliamps, down from 20 milliamps in the Arduino Uno R3. The total current for all pins combined has also dropped from 200 milliamps in R3 to 60 milliamps in R4.

Why should you avoid using pin 1 on the Arduino Uno R4?

Pin 1 on the Arduino Uno R4 should be avoided because the onboard LED is connected to it, and the LED consumes around 8 milliamps of current. This limits the available current for other devices connected to that pin.

What is the significance of the USB-C port on the Arduino Uno R4?

The USB-C port on the Arduino Uno R4 is a significant upgrade, offering more reliable and faster data transfer compared to the older USB-B connection, and making it compatible with modern USB-C charging and connectivity standards.

Can the Arduino Uno R4 be used for data logging with time stamps?

Yes, the Arduino Uno R4 includes an integrated real-time clock, making it ideal for applications like data logging where accurate time stamps are required.

What changes were made to the power supply system in the Arduino Uno R4?

The Arduino Uno R4 now uses a back converter instead of the traditional LDO (Low Dropout Regulator), allowing the board to run on 24V without overheating or causing damage, a major improvement over previous models.