Arduino Due

Overview

The Arduino Due is the first Arduino board to feature a 32-bit ARM core, built around the Atmel AT91SAM3X8E ARM Cortex-M3 processor running at 84 MHz. It offers 512KB of flash and 96KB of SRAM (split across two 64KB and 32KB banks), providing substantially more computational power than 8-bit AVR-based boards while maintaining the Arduino Mega shield form factor.

The board includes two USB interfaces: a native USB port (for USB host, supporting mice, keyboards, cameras, and Android ADK) and a programming port (for sketch uploads and serial monitor). The Micro USB programming port simplifies development, while the native USB OTG port expands connectivity options for peripheral-interfacing projects.

Hardware highlights include two 12-bit DAC outputs for true analog audio or signal generation, 12 PWM channels, 4 hardware UARTs, 2 I2C buses, and a high-speed CAN interface. Operating at 3.3V, the Due is not 5V-tolerant on its I/O pins — a critical consideration when interfacing with legacy 5V shields or sensors.

The 12-bit ADC provides finer analog resolution than the 10-bit ADC on 8-bit Arduino boards, and the dedicated total DC output current of 130mA across all I/O lines requires attention in power-dense designs. The Due is particularly suited for audio processing, scientific instrumentation, drone control, and other computationally intensive applications.