Seeeduino XIAO (SAMD21) Tiny Arduino Board, Getting Started Tutorial & Arduino IDE
Introduction: Exploring the Seeeduino Xiao
Today, we are going to delve into the world of the Seeeduino Xiao, a compact and powerful Arduino compatible board that operates on minimal power. Despite its small size, this little device has a lot to offer. In this article, we will take a closer look at its features and capabilities.
Discovering the Seeeduino Xiao
A few weeks ago, I stumbled upon the Seeeduino Xiao on Banggood.com and couldn’t resist giving it a try. With a price tag of around 6, it seemed like a bargain. My main motivation for purchasing this board was to explore programming it using CircuitPython, rather than the traditional Arduino language. Priced among the cheapest and smallest CircuitPython-compatible boards available, I was eager to see if it could live up to my expectations. However, after conducting a series of tests, I concluded that the Xiao board is better suited for use with Arduino, rather than CircuitPython. Nevertheless, I plan to create another video specifically on using the Xiao board with CircuitPython in the near future.
An Incredibly Tiny Board
Visibly, the Seeeduino Xiao is impressively small and compact. In fact, it is the tiniest Arduino compatible board that I have ever used, measuring a mere 2cms in length. The Xiao board truly showcases its diminutive size when compared to other popular boards in the market. When placed side by side with various well-known boards, it becomes evident just how small and compact the Xiao board truly is. One prime example is the Arduino Pro Mini, which appears significantly larger when placed next to the Xiao board. Its small size opens up a world of possibilities for projects that require a compact board.
Performance and Speed
Moving on to the performance aspect, it is essential to evaluate the processing speed of the Seeeduino Xiao. Despite its size, this little powerhouse proves to be mighty quick. Its impressive speed allows for speedy execution of tasks while consuming minimal power. This makes the Xiao board a great choice for projects that demand efficiency without sacrificing performance. Whether you are working on robotics, IoT devices, or simple DIY projects, the Seeeduino Xiao won’t disappoint in terms of speed and reliability.
Introducing the Seeeduino Xiao Board: A Powerful Alternative to Arduino
With its 32-bit ARM M0 core operating at 48MHz, the Seeeduino Xiao board is a powerful microcontroller that offers notable advantages over other popular Arduino boards. While it may lack WiFi or Bluetooth capabilities, it compensates with 32Kb of RAM and 256Kb of FLASH memory. Additionally, the board features 11 GPIO pins, 11 analog pins, I2C, SPI, and UART interfaces, a DAC output pin, and a USB Type-C connector for power and downloading code.
Outperforming the Competition
Compared to the Arduino Uno, Nano, and Mini, the Xiao board stands out in every specification. Despite its small size, this microcontroller offers impressive performance and functionality. Whether you need more memory, GPIO pins, or analog inputs, the Seeeduino Xiao board has got you covered. It truly is an amazing piece of technology.
Comparison with ESP32 and ESP8266 Boards
However, when comparing the Xiao board with the ESP32 and ESP8266 boards, it becomes evident that it is not as capable as these alternatives. The ESP32, in particular, is a beast in terms of performance and functionality, and it is priced similarly to the Xiao board. So, why should you choose the Seeeduino Xiao board instead? Let’s explore further to find out.
Using the Xiao Board with Arduino IDE
If you decide to give the Seeeduino Xiao board a try, using it with the Arduino IDE is a breeze. Here’s how to get started:
Add the Seeeduino Xiao board to the Arduino IDE. From the main menu, navigate to File > Preferences. In the Preferences window, add the following URL to the “Additional Boards Manager URLs”: .
Next, go to Tools > Board > Boards Manager and search for the “XIAO” board. Click “Install” to add the necessary software package to your IDE.
Once the installation is complete, you are ready to start using the Xiao board for your projects.
By following these simple steps, you can unleash the full potential of the Seeeduino Xiao board and begin exploring its capabilities within the Arduino ecosystem.
Despite not being as powerful as the ESP32 or ESP8266 boards, the Seeeduino Xiao board offers a compelling alternative for those in need of a compact and feature-rich microcontroller. Its impressive specifications, ease of use with the Arduino IDE, and competitive pricing make it a worthy contender in the world of embedded systems development. So, if you’re looking for a versatile and capable microcontroller, the Seeeduino Xiao board might just be the perfect choice for your next project.
Programming the Seeeduino Xiao Board
Using the Seeeduino Xiao board is an essential step in starting your Arduino projects. In this article, we will guide you through the process of selecting and programming the board, as well as provide useful tips for building your projects.
Board Selection
To select the Seeeduino Xiao board, follow these simple steps:
Click on the “Menu” option.
Select “Tools” from the dropdown menu.
Choose “gt Board” and then “SEEED” from the options.
Click on “SAMD” and then “gt Seeeduino Xiao”.
Uploading the Blink Sketch
Once you have successfully selected the board, it’s time to upload your first program. Let’s start by loading the “Blink” sketch:
Click on the “File” option from the menu.
Select “Examples” and then “Basics”.
Choose “Blink” to load the sketch.
After the sketch is loaded, simply press the “Upload” button to program the board. Within a few seconds, you will notice the LED on the Xiao board blinking. Congratulations! Your first program is now running successfully.
Modifying the Blink Sketch
If your board already runs a blink sketch, try modifying the duration of the LED staying on. This will test if everything is working as expected. By experimenting with different durations, you can get a better understanding of how the board functions.
Building a Simple Thermometer with Seeeduino Xiao
Now that we have successfully programmed the board, let’s move on to building a useful project with it. In this case, we will add an OLED display and a DS18B20 temperature sensor to create a simple thermometer.
For this project, you will need the following parts:
Seeeduino Xiao board
OLED display
DS18B20 temperature sensor
These parts are easily available and inexpensive, with a total cost of approximately $12.
Connecting the components is straightforward. The display utilizes the I2C interface, so simply connect the power and two wires to the I2C pins of the Xiao board. The temperature sensor only requires power and a signal wire, which should be connected to digital pin 10 on the board.
By following this setup, you can quickly build a simple thermometer using the Seeeduino Xiao board. It’s an excellent opportunity to test if your Arduino libraries are compatible with this board as well.
With these steps and guidance, you are now well on your way to exploring the possibilities of the Seeeduino Xiao board and creating exciting Arduino projects.
The XIAO Board: A Powerful and Efficient Microcontroller
In the world of microcontrollers, there are endless possibilities for creating innovative projects. One particular board that has been making waves in the community is the XIAO Board. This small but powerful microcontroller is perfect for projects that require low power consumption and a compact size.
Creating a Temperature Display
One impressive project that showcases the capabilities of the XIAO Board is a temperature display. By utilizing the Adafruit GFX library, the Adafruit SSD1306 library, and the Dallas Temperature Library, this project can accurately measure and display the temperature from a sensor.
You can find the code for this project in the video description, along with a schematic diagram that shows you exactly how to connect the components. Thanks to the compatibility of the libraries with the XIAO Board, everything works seamlessly.
Accurate Readings
To ensure the accuracy of the temperature readings, it is essential to compare them with a commercial thermometer. The results are astounding – the readings from our XIAO Board project align perfectly with those from the commercial thermometer. This level of accuracy is truly impressive and speaks to the capabilities of the board.
Minimal Power Consumption
One aspect that sets the XIAO Board apart from others is its low power consumption. With a 3.3V power supply, the board operates efficiently in Sleep mode, drawing only 0.95mAs of current. This is an incredibly low amount of power required for operation.
When the board is awakened by pressing a button, the current consumption increases to around 12.4mA. However, there is a way to further reduce the power consumption by removing the power LED that remains on continuously. This small modification can help conserve even more power.
Future Developments
The XIAO Board proves to be an amazing tool for projects that prioritize low power consumption and a small size. It eliminates the need for WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity, making it perfect for specific applications.
In the future, I will be exploring the sleep mode of the board and sharing my findings in a detailed video. Be sure to stay tuned for more information on how to optimize the power efficiency of your XIAO Board projects.
Choosing the Perfect Development Board: ESP32 for All Your Projects
The world of electronics and programming has been revolutionized by the introduction of development boards. These small yet powerful devices provide a platform for enthusiasts and professionals alike to bring their creative ideas to life. One such board that has gained immense popularity is the ESP32. With its impressive features and versatility, the ESP32 has quickly become a go-to choice for many developers.
Unleashing the Power of the ESP32
The ESP32 development board is a highly capable device that offers a wide range of functionalities. It is based on the popular ESP32 Wi-Fi + Bluetooth microcontroller. With its integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, this board opens up endless possibilities for projects ranging from IoT applications to robotics. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced developer, the ESP32 is a great tool to have in your arsenal.
Versatility at Its Best
One of the key factors that sets the ESP32 apart from other development boards is its versatility. It can be programmed using various programming languages, including C, C++, and MicroPython. This flexibility allows developers to choose the language they are most comfortable with, making the development process much smoother.
Additionally, the ESP32 supports a wide range of development environments, such as Arduino IDE and ESP-IDF. These environments provide a comprehensive set of tools and libraries that streamline the development process, making it easier to create complex projects.
Connectivity That Matters
The integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities of the ESP32 make it an ideal choice for projects that require wireless connectivity. Whether you want to create a smart home system or develop a wearable device, the ESP32 has got you covered. Its strong connection stability and compatibility with various wireless protocols ensure seamless communication between devices.
Furthermore, the ESP32 board offers excellent power management features, allowing it to operate on low power while still maintaining a reliable connection. This makes it perfect for battery-powered projects where energy efficiency is crucial.
Affordable and Accessible
Another reason the ESP32 has gained immense popularity is its affordability. Compared to other development boards with similar features, the ESP32 comes at a much lower price point without compromising on quality. This makes it accessible to a wide range of developers, including hobbyists and students.
Furthermore, the ESP32 is readily available in the market. Numerous online retailers and local electronics stores stock this board, making it easy to get your hands on one. This accessibility ensures that developers can start working on their projects quickly, without any delays.
To conclude, the Seeeduino Xiao offers a lot in a compact package. Its small size, combined with its impressive capabilities, makes it a versatile board for various projects. While it may be better suited for use with Arduino rather than CircuitPython, it still proves to be a valuable asset for any programmer or hobbyist. So, if you are on the lookout for a tiny yet powerful board, the Seeeduino Xiao is definitely worth considering.
The XIAO Board is a remarkable microcontroller that offers impressive capabilities in a compact size. It is ideal for projects that require low power consumption or have space constraints. With its compatibility with various libraries and accurate readings, it is an excellent choice for any aspiring maker or developer. Explore the possibilities of the XIAO Board and see what wonders you can create.
The ESP32 development board offers a plethora of features and functionalities that make it an excellent choice for any project. Its versatility, connectivity options, affordability, and accessibility make it a go-to option for both beginners and experienced developers. With the ESP32 by your side, you can unleash your creativity and bring your ideas to life. So, why wait? Get yourself an ESP32 board and embark on your journey of innovation and discovery.