Arduino
Arduino Nano 3.0
Best compact microcontroller for space-constrained electronics projects.
The Arduino Nano 3.0 is a compact, fully functional microcontroller board built around the ATmega328 processor. It offers nearly identical capabilities to the larger Arduino Duemilanove but in a significantly smaller, breadboard-friendly footprint. This board operates at a 16 MHz clock speed and includes 32KB of Flash memory, 2KB of SRAM, and 1KB of EEPROM. It features 14 digital I/O pins, six of which support PWM output, alongside 8 analog input pins. Unlike some larger boards, it omits the DC power jack and requires a Mini-B USB cable for power and programming.
$28.40
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
606
/ 1541
#606 in Development Boards
Price vs Category Average
-68%
Below average
Microcontroller
328
/ ATmega
Who it's for
- Students and hobbyists on a strict budget
- Makers building compact projects in tight enclosures
- Developers leveraging existing code libraries and community support
Who should skip it
- Users preferring modern USB-C connectivity standards
- Engineers designing complex projects requiring high processing power
- Beginners wanting a plug-and-play experience without driver troubleshooting
Performance breakdown
Form Factor
Ultra-compact footprint makes it perfect for space-constrained breadboard prototyping.
I/O Versatility
Generous pin count provides ample flexibility for most hobbyist sensor projects.
Processing Power
The ATmega328 is reliable but shows its age in complex applications.
Connectivity
The aging Mini-B USB port feels outdated compared to modern standards.
Ease of Integration
Seamless compatibility with the vast Arduino ecosystem simplifies the development cycle.
Memory Capacity
Limited flash and SRAM restrict the scale of more ambitious code.
Key Specs
Microcontroller
ATmega328
Operating Voltage
5 V
Input Voltage (recommended)
7-12 V
Input Voltage (limits)
6-20 V
Digital I/O Pins
14 (6 PWM)
Analog Input Pins
8
DC Current per I/O Pin
40 mA
Flash Memory
32KB (2 KB used by bootloader)
Features
- Compact, breadboard-friendly design
- Same core functionality as Arduino Duemilanove
- Includes 6 PWM output pins
- Powered and programmed via Mini-B USB
- Authentic Arduino product
- ATmega328 Microcontroller
- 16 MHz Clock Speed
- 32KB Flash Memory
What customers say
The Arduino Nano 3.0 earns strong approval primarily for its exceptional reliability and highly efficient design. Consumers appreciate how the genuine board delivers stable, consistent performance, making it a trusted choice for integrating into finished projects where space is limited. Its straightforward setup and robust build quality ensure ease of use right out of the box, solidifying its standing as a dependable and essential tool for both serious hobbyists and professional developers.
Know before you buy
Yes, the Nano is specifically designed with a compact footprint that fits perfectly into a standard solderless breadboard, making it ideal for prototyping.
The Arduino Nano 3.0 requires a Mini-B USB cable for both power and data communication with your computer.
Yes, because the Nano 3.0 uses the same ATmega328 processor as the Duemilanove, it shares identical core functionality and code compatibility.
The Nano 3.0 features 8 analog input pins, which is two more than the standard Arduino Uno, providing extra flexibility for sensor-heavy projects.
While the board operates at 5V, it is recommended to provide an external input voltage between 7V and 12V for stable performance.
No, the Nano 3.0 omits the DC power jack to maintain its small size. You must power it via the Mini-B USB port or by connecting an external power source directly to the VIN pin.
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$28