Technology is advancing in different directions.From solving environmental problems to taking care of our health, technology offers numerous possibilities. But one of the clearest paths forward is creating smaller and more convenient electronic components.
On the other hand, the development of free software is growing in tandem with the interest of users in getting involved in this world. These characteristics gave rise to two of the most popular computer components among developers.
In this post we will show you the best features of the arduino boards y Raspberry Pi. You will also find out if it is possible to use both electronic devices in the same project.
Arduino and Raspberry Pi: What are these components and what are they used for?
To better understand what each of these technologies is about, it is important to learn a little about its history and, with it, its philosophy. Let's start with Arduino. It began as an internal project of the Ivrea Institute for Interactive Design in 2005. However, faced with the inevitable closure of that institution, it was decided to release the project to the world.
From here begins one of the pillars of the Arduino project, that of being open in every sense, so that anyone can intervene in the evolution and improvement of the software and hardware. Regarding Raspberry Pi, It shares with Arduino the pedagogical origin of its purpose. Its beginnings date back to 2006. But it wasn't until 2009 that the Raspberry Pi Foundation was created.It would bring together academics and those interested in computer science to create a microcomputer.
However, it wasn't until early 2012 that the first final version of the board was released to the general public. In addition to its origins, We can say that both technologies share the common goal of being the basis for the development of computer and robotics projects. Both boards can be used in conjunction with a wide variety of external hardware components for different purposes. Furthermore, numerous software libraries have been developed for both boards.
What are the main differences between Arduino and Raspberry Pi?
These two developments share a similar objective, the goal is to stimulate the creation of systems based on free programming. Both offer an accessible hardware platform compatible with many components. But it's also important mention that they are not exactly the same.
Let's look at some of the most important differences:
Hardware philosophy
Although they share the openness of their software so that it can be modified, improved and shared, the truth is that Raspberry Foundation is the sole manufacturer of the boards. Raspberry. For its part, Arduino is also open source so that any user can build their own version for free.
Microcontroller vs. microprocessor
It is important to clarify that Arduino It is a design intended for control different processes a through their connections analog and digital signals and its integrated microcontroller. On the other hand, Raspberry Pi was designed from the beginning as a miniature computerTherefore, it has its own microprocessor, which gives it greater computing power, although less versatility.
Connectivity
Raspberry Pi boards have integrated Ethernet and WiFi portsThat is to say, unlike arduino, this plate It does not require any external components to achieve these functionsKeep in mind that, since these are small boards, every port counts.
Execution
Here we find two important aspects that differentiate both boards. On the one hand, Once connected, Arduino runs immediately. the task for which it was programmed. That is, for example, if it contains code that makes an LED blink, it will do so as soon as we start the hardware. In the case of Raspberry Pi, First, the native operating system needs to be booted, and then the execution command given. This makes any task we instruct the motherboard slightly slower.
This difference leads us to the second aspect, the complexity of the functions. Given their respective power outputs, Arduino is suitable for more basic electronics projects that don't require much processing power. Along these lines Raspberry Pi has an advantagesince it is a computer with its own operating system, capable of performing more complex tasks.
Can Arduino and Raspberry Pi be used in the same development project?
Despite the differences between Arduino and Raspberry Pi, they are a great complement to each other. While it is recommended to start with a simpler device to program, such as Arduino boards, Venturing into Raspberry Pi won't make you stop loving the microcontroller. On the contrary, you will find dozens of ways to use them together yourself.
The compatibility of both boards is such that there is a project called Arduberry. It combines both platforms to take full advantage of Raspberry Pi's power in conjunction with the wide range of Arduino-based shields and accessories currently available. Among some user-created devices, we can find the NFC card reader that combines a Shield Adafruit NFC.
Which can be used as an access security key or perhaps as a work schedule controller. In turn, many users have begun to utilize the capabilities of both boards simultaneously. That is, connecting them together to achieve a specific goal. A Raspberry Pi board, functioning as a small laptop, is typically used to control the code. Arduino IDEThis way, it is not necessary to have a desktop PC, maintaining the portable essence of the devices.
For example, it can be used to take a home garden to the next level. As we showed in one of the examples in this post. Arduino-Raspberry Pi Projects We can use Arduino to control the light and humidity sensors of our crop. But by also combining Raspberry Pi, it's possible to make adjustments.Inspect and execute commands remotely via the web, while simultaneously generating automatic, detailed reports.
In conclusion, not only is it possible Combining the best aspects of both boards and languages is not only one of the best steps you can take on your journey, but it's also one of the best things you can do. learning about electronics, programming and robotics.
