The year 2008 was an important milestone for the Arduino brand. The Arduino Nano — which is still widely used today — was released as the "smallest and most versatile Arduino board yet."
With a footprint of just 45 x 18 mm, or .73 x 1.170 in, the Nano soon became a favorite for embedding in small robotics projects. The device has spawned an ecosystem that includes code and several breakout boards. You can find a vast number of compatible shields and accessories for the Diecimila — the "Uno-style" device of the time — though users often pair the Nano with entirely custom external hardware.
New Arduino Nano Development
Since its introduction, the Nano has progressed to a 'revision 3' level, moving from its original ATmega168 microcontroller to an ATmega328 microcontroller. While this little board's capabilities are nearly identical to the Uno, the Nano actually features two more analog inputs than the larger board.
As of 2016, it appeared that Arduino was turning towards its MKR line for small — about 65 x 25mm — but very capable dev boards. However, they've now decided to give the Nano line a refresh with four new models. These new boards include:
- Nano Every. Acts as a sort of upgraded drop-in for the classic Nano.
- Nano 33 IoT. Includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth communication.
- Nano 33 BLE. Features Bluetooth 5.0 communication and a 9-axis accelerometer.
- Nano 33 BLE Sense. Features the '33 BLE as well as a host of extra sensors.
The original Nano is still available, and you can purchase any of these new boards with or without headers included. The header option will add on an extra $2.
Breadboard or PCB with Castellations
The Nano's header flexibility brings up an interesting point when we compare it to the R3 Nano, which comes with male headers by default. More than simply a cost-saving effort, the outside connections feature a hybrid castellated/through-hole hybrid design. This design allows users to attach headers for traditional breadboard use or omit the headers altogether and attach it to another larger PCB as a solder-mounted module.
Similarly, Arduino originally designed the Nano for breadboard use, as opposed to the standalone/shield-based Uno/Diecimila, though we're now seeing the Nano morph into a more flexible design. For example, users might attach headers for prototyping. When it's time to make a production run or finalize your design into a more compact form-factor, you can fuse the entire Nano into your PCB, saving on development costs.
Nano of the Future
It's been fascinating to see the advancements in the Nano over the last 11 years, and we're thrilled to see Arduino further developing this form factor. With a lowered list cost, the Every and several new abilities, the new Nanos appear poised to propel this form-factor into new and exciting applications. For more details on this new series and how each board stacks up, check out this comparison post.