The Uno R4 boasts significant upgrades in processing power and added features, simplifying the creation of intricate projects
Arduino, the renowned open-source electronics platform that has been empowering hobbyists and makers for over a decade, has just revealed its latest addition to the Uno line – the Arduino Uno R4. This new board, slated for release this May, marks a significant upgrade to the beloved R3 model, which has been in use since 2010.
The new Uno R4 features a brand new SoC from Renesas and is poised to revolutionize the way you tackle intricate projects. With its advanced 32-bit RA4-series MCU, this board is a true game-changer. But what exactly makes it so groundbreaking?
The New Arduino Uno R4 Boasts a Powerful Processor for Enhanced Performance
If you’re familiar with the Arduino platform, you know that there are various microcontrollers available with differing capabilities and connectivity options. With the hardware improvements introduced in the Uno R4, it could become the go-to board for makers.
One of the most significant upgrades is the new Renesas RA4M1 processor, a 32-bit Arm Cortex-M4 chip that operates at an impressive 48MHz. This represents a remarkable 3x to 16x increase in processing power compared to the Uno R3. The Cortex-M4 processor provides higher performance with faster clock speeds and more advanced instruction sets, resulting in more efficient and faster code execution than the previous 8-bit AVR MCU found in the Uno R3.
Compared to smaller boards such as the Raspberry Pi Pico featuring a Cortex M0+, the Cortex-M4 performance is approximately six times superior. As a result, you may be able to run more sophisticated projects that involve capturing and processing high-speed data from sensors, such as data from high-frequency analog signals.
Storage Upgrade
Bid Farewell to Memory Woes: Arduino Uno R4 Comes with Expanded Memory and Faster Clock Speed
If you’ve ever struggled with head-scratching moments while working with Arduino, wondering why your code isn’t functioning, only to realize that your code’s verbosity exceeded the sluggish MCU’s Serial.print() capabilities, or your huge array consumed all of the available memory, the Uno R4 is set to alleviate these concerns.
According to Arduino’s announcement blog post, the Uno R4 will feature significantly expanded SRAM and flash memory, providing enhanced memory capabilities to tackle complex projects with ease. Additionally, the new board’s faster clock speed will further aid in efficient code execution.
“SRAM went from 2kB to 32kB, and flash memory went from 32kB to 256kB to accommodate more complex projects.”
Looking further into this, it opens the door to the creation of more feature-rich applications, such as those involving data logging or data processing in IoT projects.
Complete Revamp of Hardware
The latest addition to the Arduino Uno line features long-awaited hardware upgrades that are designed to fit into a compact form factor, ensuring compatibility with existing shields and components. The upgraded onboard components provide enhanced capabilities that were previously only achievable with custom boards, opening up a whole new world of possibilities for makers and hobbyists.
Compatibility with USB-C and Vin
The upcoming Uno R4 board boasts several notable hardware improvements, including a USB-C port that serves as a power source and enables programming with a computer. This represents a significant upgrade from the previous USB-B port and was introduced in response to the demands of the maker community. Furthermore, the board’s compatibility with a wider range of power sources is ensured by its support for 24 volts on Vin.
CAN Bus
The Controller Area Network (CAN) bus is a widely used communication protocol in embedded systems that offers the ability to minimize wiring and execute multiple tasks in parallel by connecting multiple shields. The Arduino Uno R4 board is equipped with a CAN bus in addition to a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) port, facilitating more efficient communication between different components of a project.
Enhanced Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC)
The upcoming Uno R4 will feature a 12-bit analog-to-digital converter (DAC), offering improved accuracy and precision for analog output. With this enhanced feature, projects that demand precision over analog signals, like sensor interfacing and motor control, will be elevated to new levels.
Onboard Wi-Fi module
The Uno R4 will be available in two versions, catering to different project requirements. The Uno R4 WiFi will come with an Espressif S3 Wi-Fi module, making it suitable for projects requiring wireless connectivity, particularly in the IoT space. On the other hand, the Uno R4 Minima will be a more affordable option for those who need the enhanced processing power of the new microcontroller but don’t require additional connectivity features.
Program for Early Adopters and Software Compatibility
Although the hardware upgrades of the Uno R4 are significant, its software compatibility is just as crucial. Arduino has introduced an Early Adopter Program to tackle any software compatibility issues that may emerge due to the shift to an Arm-based 32-bit processor. Libraries and examples created exclusively in the Arduino language should function smoothly with the new board. However, libraries optimized for a particular processor or architecture may require porting.
Thankfully, Arduino is providing free Uno R4 boards to developers who need to update their libraries for the new hardware. This assistance from Arduino guarantees that the large collection of shields, tutorials, and code created for the Uno R3 will remain accessible for the Uno R4.
The Latest Board for Makers
The Arduino Uno R4 represents a significant advancement in the already impressive line of Arduino boards. Its improved hardware capabilities make it more powerful and versatile while retaining compatibility with previous hardware components.