Arduino or raspberry pi? learn which micro pc is best for your project

The Arduino and Raspberry Pi platforms gained the attention of technology enthusiasts by offering convenience in creating inventions and assisting in the teaching of programming languages, electronics, and robotics. They add the simplicity of two computers to their affordable prices and with their miniature sizes and the end result can only be better. But which device is better and what should you bet on if you are looking for a minicomputer? In ProfesionalReview we compare the main characteristics between Arduino and Raspberry Pi and we help you choose between platforms.

Arduino was created in 2005 in Italy as part of an educational project. The idea was to make it interact with the school applications. In its initial phase, 50, 000 units of the platform were sold. Basically, Arduino is a microcontroller, that is, it is indicated for control hardware for electrical and electronic projects, such as sensors and motors.

The basic Arduino board consists of an 8-bit Atmel AVR controller (even some 32-bit versions), analog and digital connections, and USB inputs for direct and easy connection to equipment. Arduino is done through the C language, which is compiled and executed by its own board, without the need for an operating system. How the platform works directly with the hardware, it supports and transmits an electric current of up to 40 mA. The board has 2 KB of RAM and consumes 175 mW.

The Raspberry PI was launched in 2012 by the Raspberry Foundation to help kids in the studio with low-cost programming. The card, the size of a credit card, is a complete set with microSD card input, audio, video and network cable. Raspberry Pi is, in fact, an ideal microprocessor for software development. The main version of the minicomputer has a 900 MHz ARM Cortex-A7 quadcore processor and 1 GB of RAM and is compatible with the full range of GNU / Linux based operating systems and will also work with Windows 10, which will be released soon by Microsoft. Its capacity to transmit electric current ranges from 5 to 10 mA and its consumption is 750 mW.

As stated, the Arduino microcontroller is ideal for projects with hardware. Since it has no operating system and supports a large electrical load, it is the ideal platform for home automation, remote garage door openers or lights, or robotics projects, for those who wish to further explore the ability of Computer.

There are several creations made with Arduino on specialized sites, almost always with a tutorial explaining step by step to get the paper project and make it work. The electronic encryption opens with a color scheme based on an Arduino board, RGB LEDs, and pots, creating variations on the keyboard where you must enter the correct combination to unlock the lock.

Another invention used in Arduino is a system that also uses colored LEDs, this time, to notify the arrival of e-mails and, depending on the color, the flag if the message is a professional, a newsletter or another type.

Arduino board

With an Arduino board and a few simple components such as LEDs, pots, transistors, resistors and audio connectors it is possible to mount a fully functional guitar pedal that will save you a lot of money in the instrument store

The Raspberry Pi also has a wide portfolio of inventions, but generally oriented to the use of the software and with several programming languages. The first telescope in a 3D printer is equipped with a Raspberry Pi board and its camera module is capable of enlarging the size of objects up to 160 times. It is possible to have excellent images of the Moon, to discover other distant planets and galaxies.

Raspberry first version board

Zach Freedman has created a version of Google Glass with Raspberry Pi, proving that the minicomputer can also be part of the technologies that will be used as fashion accessories. With a motherboard, a pair of glasses for iPod videos, a small keyboard and trackpad, and a charger, he practically became a cyborg with Wi-Fi.

And the Raspberry Pi also works on hardware projects, it is necessary to use only the components and the correct voltage so as not to damage the board. The Christimas Light sunrise and sunset timer, created by Robert Savage, is a sensor that turns the house's Christmas lights on or off, based on the time of day, and is based on Java code written on the microprocessor.

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Versions and plugins

So far, the Arduino has 21 versions. The differences between them are in processing power, operation voltage, memory and the number of connections. All of them can connect to computers and most have USB input. The boards can be freely modified according to the needs of each project, but the extensions that are called shields connected to the Arduino, the transformation, can be purchased. There are shields for internet connection with network cable, Wi-Fi, for motor control, to increase the number of USB ports, among others.

Arduino with Intel Edison

The basic version of the Arduino will cost € 20 and can be imported to various countries. There are also authorized distributors in the country and some people sell modified versions of the platform.

The Raspberry Foundation recently announced version 2 of the Raspberry Pi model B whose main differential connection via Ethernet port and is recommended for school use due to its versatility. Its price is 35 euros. Also, there is the A + model does not have any direct internet connection, but you can get it online through a Wi-Fi adapter and it is indicated for less complex and world class projects. The a-Plus model costs $ 20 (about 62 euros). Both versions are sold online and in stores. The low price and educational character of the product, you can import the platform without tax.

The new Raspberry Pi2 with 4 times more power than its predecessor.

The only add-on officially released for the Raspberry Pi is the camera module that makes videos up to 1080p shooting up to 5 megapixels and filmed in slow motion and timelapse.

You have to evaluate what kind of project you want to do before deciding between the Arduino and the Raspberry Pi. Both are extremely powerful tools and can even work together. It all depends on your ability to create.