This document provides a categorized list of popular microcontrollers, their official documentation, and links to purchase them. The microcontrollers are grouped into families such as Arduino, ESP32, STM32, Teensy, and others for easier navigation. This is not an extensive list!
- Arduino
- ESP32
- STM32
- Teensy
- PIC
- MSP430
- NXP
- BeagleBone
- Renesas RX Family
- Infineon XMC Family
- ELAN Microelectronics
- Additional Resources
Arduino is a popular open-source electronics platform based on easy-to-use hardware and software. It is widely used for building digital devices and interactive objects.
| Microcontroller | Documentation | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|
| Arduino Uno | Arduino Uno Documentation | Buy on Arduino Store |
| Arduino Mega 2560 | Arduino Mega Documentation | Buy on Arduino Store |
| Arduino Nano | Arduino Nano Documentation | Buy on SparkFun |
| Arduino Leonardo | Arduino Leonardo Documentation | Buy on Adafruit |
| Arduino Due | Arduino Due Documentation | Buy on Arduino Store |
| Arduino Micro | Arduino Micro Documentation | Buy on Arduino Store |
| Arduino MKR1000 | Arduino MKR1000 Documentation | Buy on Arduino Store |
| Arduino MKR Zero | Arduino MKR Zero Documentation | Buy on Arduino Store |
| Arduino Nano 33 IoT | Arduino Nano 33 IoT Documentation | Buy on Arduino Store |
| Arduino Nano 33 BLE | Arduino Nano 33 BLE Documentation | Buy on Arduino Store |
| Arduino Nano Every | Arduino Nano Every Documentation | Buy on Arduino Store |
| Arduino Portenta H7 | Arduino Portenta H7 Documentation | Buy on Arduino Store |
| Arduino Pro Mini | Arduino Pro Mini Documentation | Buy on SparkFun |
ESP32 is a powerful Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled microcontroller developed by Espressif Systems, suitable for a wide range of IoT applications.
| Microcontroller | Documentation | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|
| ESP32 DevKitC | ESP32 DevKitC Documentation | Buy on Espressif Store |
| ESP32-WROOM-32 | ESP32-WROOM-32 Documentation | Buy on Digi-Key |
| ESP32 Pico Kit | ESP32 Pico Kit Documentation | Buy on Mouser |
| ESP32-S2 | ESP32-S2 Documentation | Buy on Espressif Store |
| ESP32-S3 | ESP32-S3 Documentation | Buy on Espressif Store |
| ESP32-C3 | ESP32-C3 Documentation | Buy on Espressif Store |
| ESP32-C6 | ESP32-C6 Documentation | Buy on Espressif Store |
STM32 is a family of 32-bit microcontrollers from STMicroelectronics, known for their performance and versatility in various applications.
| Microcontroller | Documentation | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|
| STM32F103C8T6 (Blue Pill) | STM32F103C8T6 Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| STM32Nucleo-64 | STM32Nucleo-64 Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| STM32L476 Discovery | STM32L476 Discovery Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| STM32F4 Discovery | STM32F4 Discovery Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| STM32H743ZI | STM32H743ZI Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| STM32F7 Discovery | STM32F7 Discovery Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
Teensy boards are compact, powerful development boards with a focus on performance and flexibility, suitable for audio projects and more.
| Microcontroller | Documentation | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|
| Teensy 4.0 | Teensy 4.0 Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| Teensy 4.1 | Teensy 4.1 Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| Teensy LC | Teensy LC Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| Teensy 3.6 | Teensy 3.6 Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| Teensy 3.2 | Teensy 3.2 Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
PIC microcontrollers from Microchip Technology are widely used in embedded systems for their reliability and extensive range.
| Microcontroller | Documentation | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|
| PIC16F877A | PIC16F877A Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| PIC18F4550 | PIC18F4550 Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| PIC32MX795F512L | PIC32MX795F512L Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| PIC24FJ64GA002 | PIC24FJ64GA002 Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| PIC16F877 | PIC16F877 Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| PIC18F26K22 | PIC18F26K22 Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
MSP430 microcontrollers from Texas Instruments are known for their ultra-low power consumption, making them ideal for battery-powered applications.
| Microcontroller | Documentation | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|
| MSP430G2553 | MSP430G2553 Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| MSP430FR6989 | MSP430FR6989 Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| MSP430F5529 | MSP430F5529 Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| MSP430G2231 | MSP430G2231 Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| MSP430FR6987 | MSP430FR6987 Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| MSP430F149 | MSP430F149 Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
NXP offers a range of high-performance microcontrollers suitable for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications. This category includes various families such as LPC, Kinetis, i.MX, and S32.
The LPC family is based on ARM Cortex-M cores, offering a balance of performance and power efficiency.
| Microcontroller | Documentation | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|
| NXP LPC1768 | LPC1768 Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| NXP LPC4330 | LPC4330 Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| NXP LPC824 | LPC824 Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| NXP LPC54608 | LPC54608 Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| NXP LPC812 | LPC812 Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
The Kinetis family is known for its high-performance ARM Cortex-M processors, ideal for a wide range of applications from consumer electronics to industrial automation.
| Microcontroller | Documentation | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|
| NXP Kinetis K64 | Kinetis K64 Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| NXP Kinetis K22 | Kinetis K22 Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| NXP Kinetis K82 | Kinetis K82 Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| NXP Kinetis KL25Z | Kinetis KL25Z Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| NXP Kinetis K66 | Kinetis K66 Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
The i.MX family provides high-performance applications processors suitable for multimedia, automotive, and industrial applications.
| Microcontroller | Documentation | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|
| NXP i.MX RT1060 | i.MX RT1060 Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| NXP i.MX 8M Mini | i.MX 8M Mini Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| NXP i.MX 8M Nano | i.MX 8M Nano Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| NXP i.MX 8M Plus | i.MX 8M Plus Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| NXP i.MX 7Dual | i.MX 7Dual Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| NXP i.MX 6SoloX | i.MX 6SoloX Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
The S32 family is designed for automotive applications, offering high performance and safety features.
| Microcontroller | Documentation | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|
| NXP S32K144 | S32K144 Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| NXP S32V234 | S32V234 Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| NXP S32K118 | S32K118 Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| NXP S32V245 | S32V245 Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| Microcontroller | Documentation | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|
| NXP LPC845 | LPC845 Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| NXP LPC5500 | LPC5500 Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| NXP LPC800 | LPC800 Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| NXP i.MX RT1050 | i.MX RT1050 Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| NXP LPC54018 | LPC54018 Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
BeagleBone boards are open-source development platforms designed for developers and hobbyists to build complex projects.
| Microcontroller | Documentation | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|
| BeagleBone Black | BeagleBone Black Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| BeagleBone AI | BeagleBone AI Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| BeagleBone Blue | BeagleBone Blue Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| BeagleBone Green | BeagleBone Green Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| BeagleBone Green Wireless | BeagleBone Green Wireless Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
ATmega microcontrollers are popular for their use in various Arduino boards and other embedded applications.
| Microcontroller | Documentation | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|
| ATmega328P | ATmega328P Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| ATmega2560 | ATmega2560 Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| ATmega32U4 | ATmega32U4 Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| ATmega1284P | ATmega1284P Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
| ATmega4809 | ATmega4809 Datasheet | Buy on Mouser UK |
Raspberry Pi Pico is a low-cost, high-performance microcontroller board built on the Raspberry Pi RP2040.
| Microcontroller | Documentation | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|
| Raspberry Pi Pico | Raspberry Pi Pico Documentation | Buy on Mouser UK |
| Raspberry Pi Pico W | Raspberry Pi Pico W Documentation | Buy on Mouser UK |
| Raspberry Pi Pico H | Raspberry Pi Pico H Documentation | Buy on Mouser UK |
This table provides a comparative overview of various microcontroller platforms, highlighting key specifications to assist in selecting the appropriate board for your project.
| Microcontroller | Processor | Clock Speed | Flash Memory | RAM | Operating Voltage | Digital I/O Pins | Analog Inputs | Connectivity | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arduino Uno | ATmega328P | 16 MHz | 32 KB | 2 KB | 5V | 14 | 6 | None | USB Interface |
| Arduino Mega 2560 | ATmega2560 | 16 MHz | 256 KB | 8 KB | 5V | 54 | 16 | None | Multiple Serial Ports |
| Arduino Nano | ATmega328P | 16 MHz | 32 KB | 2 KB | 5V | 14 | 8 | None | Compact Size |
| Arduino Leonardo | ATmega32U4 | 16 MHz | 32 KB | 2.5 KB | 5V | 20 | 12 | None | USB HID Support |
| Arduino Due | ATSAM3X8E | 84 MHz | 512 KB | 96 KB | 3.3V | 54 | 12 | None | 32-bit ARM Core |
| Arduino Micro | ATmega32U4 | 16 MHz | 32 KB | 2.5 KB | 5V | 20 | 12 | None | Small Form Factor |
| Arduino Pro Mini | ATmega328P | 8 MHz (3.3V) / 16 MHz (5V) | 32 KB | 2 KB | 3.3V / 5V | 14 | 6 | None | Low Power Consumption |
| Arduino Yún | ATmega32U4 + Atheros AR9331 | 16 MHz + 400 MHz | 32 KB + 16 MB | 2.5 KB + 64 MB | 5V | 20 | 12 | Wi-Fi, Ethernet | Linux-Based System |
| Arduino Zero | ATSAMD21G18 | 48 MHz | 256 KB | 32 KB | 3.3V | 20 | 6 | None | 32-bit ARM Cortex M0+ |
| ESP32 DevKitC | Tensilica Xtensa LX6 Dual-Core | Up to 240 MHz | Up to 16 MB (external) | 520 KB | 3.3V | 34 | 18 | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Low Power Modes |
| ESP32-WROOM-32 | Tensilica Xtensa LX6 Dual-Core | Up to 240 MHz | 4 MB | 520 KB | 3.3V | 30 | 18 | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Integrated Antenna |
| ESP32 Pico Kit | Tensilica Xtensa LX6 Dual-Core | Up to 240 MHz | 4 MB | 520 KB | 3.3V | 40 | 18 | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Compact Size |
| STM32F103C8T6 (Blue Pill) | ARM Cortex-M3 | 72 MHz | 64 KB | 20 KB | 3.3V | 37 | 10 | None | USB OTG, CAN Interface |
| STM32 Nucleo-64 | ARM Cortex-M4 | Up to 80 MHz | Up to 512 KB | Up to 96 KB | 3.3V | 76 | 16 | None | Arduino-Compatible Headers |
| STM32L476 Discovery | ARM Cortex-M4 | 80 MHz | 1 MB | 128 KB | 3.3V | 50 | 6 | None | Ultra-Low Power Consumption |
| STM32F4 Discovery | ARM Cortex-M4 | 168 MHz | 1 MB | 192 KB | 3.3V | 80 | 16 | None | Audio Interface, Accelerometer |
| Teensy 4.0 | ARM Cortex-M7 | 600 MHz | 2 MB | 1 MB | 3.3V | 40 | 14 | None | High Performance, Audio Interface |
| Teensy 4.1 | ARM Cortex-M7 | 600 MHz | 8 MB | 1 MB | 3.3V | 55 | 18 | Ethernet | SD Card Slot, USB Host |
| Teensy LC | ARM Cortex-M0+ | 48 MHz | 62 KB | 8 KB | 3.3V | 27 | 13 | None | Low Cost, USB Support |
| PIC16F877A | PIC16 | 20 MHz | 14 KB | 368 Bytes | 5V | 33 | 8 | None | EEPROM, Multiple Timers |
| PIC18F4550 | PIC18 | 48 MHz | 32 KB | 2 KB | 5V | 35 | 13 | USB | Enhanced Flash Memory |
| PIC32MX795F512L | PIC32 | 80 MHz | 512 KB | 128 KB | 3.3V | 85 | 16 | Ethernet, USB | High Performance, CAN Interface |
| MSP430G2553 | MSP430 | 16 MHz | 16 KB | 512 Bytes | 1.8-3.6V | 24 | 8 | None | Ultra-Low Power Consumption |
| MSP430FR6989 | MSP430 | 16 MHz | 128 KB | 2 KB | 1.8-3.6V | 83 | 12 | None | LCD Driver, Low Energy Accelerator |
| MSP430F5529 | MSP430 | 25 MHz | 128 KB | 8 KB | 1.8-3.6V | 63 | 14 | USB | High Performance, Multiple Timers |
| NXP LPC1768 | ARM Cortex-M3 | 100 MHz | 512 KB | 64 KB | 3.3V | 70 | 8 | Ethernet, USB | High-Speed GPIO |
| NXP Kinetis K64 | ARM Cortex-M4 | 120 MHz | 1 MB | 256 KB | 3.3V | 100 | 16 | Ethernet, USB | Floating Point Unit |
| NXP i.MX RT1060 | ARM Cortex-M7 | 600 MHz | 1 MB | 512 KB | 3.3V | 150 | 20 | Ethernet, USB | High Performance, GPU |
| BeagleBone Black | ARM Cortex-A8 | 1 GHz | 4 GB eMMC | 512 MB DDR3 | 3.3V I/O | 65 | 7 | Ethernet, HDMI | Linux Support, PRU Subsystem |
| BeagleBone AI-64 | Dual 64-bit Arm Cortex-A72 | Up to 2.0 GHz | 16 GB eMMC | 4 GB LPDDR4 | 5V DC input | 65 | 7 | Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | AI and Machine Learning Capabilities, M.2 PCIe Slot |
| Renesas RX65N | RXv2 Core | Up to 120 MHz | Up to 2 MB | Up to 640 KB | 2.7-3.6V | Up to 120 | Up to 24 | Ethernet, USB | Enhanced Security Features, TFT LCD Controller |
| Infineon XMC4500 | ARM Cortex-M4 | 120 MHz | 1 MB | 160 KB | 3.3V | 120 | 4 | Ethernet, USB | DSP Instructions, Floating Point Unit |
| ELAN EM78P153 | 8-bit MCU | 12 MHz | 4 KB | 192 Bytes | 2.5-5.5V | 13 | 8 | None | Low Voltage Detection |
| Raspberry Pi Pico | Dual ARM Cortex-M0+ | 133 MHz | 2 MB | 264 KB | 3.3V | 26 | 3 | None | Programmable I/O, USB 1.1 Host/Device |
| Raspberry Pi Pico W | Dual ARM Cortex-M0+ | 133 MHz | 2 MB | 264 KB | 3.3V | 26 | 3 | Wi-Fi | Programmable I/O, USB 1.1 Host/Device |
Notes:
- Operating Voltage: Refers to the voltage level at which the microcontroller operates. Ensure compatibility with other components in your project.
- Connectivity: Indicates built-in communication interfaces. Additional modules may be required for extended connectivity.
- Special Features: Highlights unique capabilities that may benefit specific applications.
For comprehensive information on various microcontroller families, refer to the following official documentation and resources:
- Arduino: Official Arduino Documentation
- ESP32: Espressif Systems Documentation
- STM32: STMicroelectronics Documentation
- Teensy: PJRC - Teensy Documentation
- PIC Microcontrollers: Microchip Technology Documentation
- MSP430: Texas Instruments MSP430 Documentation
- NXP Microcontrollers: NXP Semiconductors Documentation
- BeagleBone: BeagleBoard.org Documentation
- Renesas RX Family: Renesas RX Family Documentation
- Infineon XMC Family: Infineon XMC Family Documentation
- ELAN Microelectronics: ELAN Microelectronics Documentation
- Raspberry Pi Pico: Raspberry Pi Pico Documentation