Microcontrollers are an essential component in various electronic devices and projects. They provide the necessary processing power and control to enable the functionality of these devices. In 2023, several microcontrollers have gained popularity due to their features, performance, and versatility. Let's take a closer look at some of the top microcontrollers in 2023:
The Arduino Nano RP2040 Connect is a powerful microcontroller board based on the Raspberry Pi RP2040 chip. It offers a wide range of features, including built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, 8MB of flash memory, and a rich set of I/O interfaces. This microcontroller is highly suitable for IoT applications and projects requiring wireless communication capabilities. The pinout of the Arduino Nano RP2040 Connect is featured above. As a budget suitable alternative to the Connect the Raspberry Pi Pico RP2040 is an excellent choice and is based on the same CPU.
When it comes to microcontrollers, the ATmega32U4 stands out as a versatile and powerful chip with hundreds of different variants available from hundreds of manufactures it is very easy to get your hands on. SparkFun takes the ATmega32U4 to new heights with their Pro Micro development board. To start off, the SparkFun Pro Micro comes in multiple variations including a 5V/16MHz variant and a 3.3V/8MHz allowing you to choose one board for a variety of projects. The Pro Micro packs impressive processing power into its small form factor, making it ideal for space-constrained applications such as wearable electronics and robotics and has an abundance of GPIO Pins. The Pro Micro is Arduino-compatible, which means you can leverage the vast Arduino ecosystem, libraries, and community support for rapid development. The SparkFun Pro Micro opens up a world of possibilities for innovative projects.
The ESP32-S2 is a low-power microcontroller developed by Espressif Systems. It features a highly efficient 32-bit Xtensa LX7 CPU, Wi-Fi connectivity, and secure boot capabilities. The ESP32-S2 is suitable for battery-powered applications and IoT devices that require both processing power and wireless connectivity. It also offers a rich set of peripherals, including ADC, DAC, I2C, SPI, UART, and more.
Adafruit ESP32-S3 Feather with 4MB Flash 2MB PSRAM - STEMMA QT / QwiicPrice: $17.50
Eligible for Automatic 10% Member Discount. |
The ARM Cortex-M0 microcontroller provides excellent processing power and performance, enabling you to tackle complex tasks with ease. Specifically, The Adafruit Feather M0 comes in a variety of different flavors all with unique capabilities built on the M0. offers a host of compelling reasons to make it your microcontroller of choice. The Adafruit Feather M0, powered by the ARM Cortex-M0 microcontroller, is a game-changer in the world of microcontrollers. With built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or LoRa options, the Feather M0 simplifies wireless connectivity and enables seamless integration into IoT projects. Plus, the community behind the Feather platform makes finding support, even for obscure issues, a breeze. Join the ever-growing community of makers, developers, and innovators who have harnessed the potential of the Adafruit Feather M0 ecosystem. Unleash your imagination and unlock the limitless possibilities of the ARM Cortex-M0 microcontroller!
The Adafruit Feather nRF52 Bluefruit LE is an excellent example of the nRF52 series's power. Nordic nRF52 series microcontrollers are highly popular for their low power consumption and integrated Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) capabilities. They are based on the ARM Cortex-M4 core and provide excellent performance in wireless applications. The nRF52 series offers a rich set of features, including NFC support, USB connectivity, and a wide range of I/O interfaces. These microcontrollers are commonly used in wearable devices, smart home automation, and fitness trackers.
Adafruit Feather nRF52 Bluefruit LE - nRF52832Price: $24.90
Eligible for Automatic 10% Member Discount. |
These are just a few examples of the top microcontrollers in 2023. Depending on your specific requirements and project needs, there are many other excellent microcontrollers available in the market to explore.
Remember to consider factors such as processing power, memory, bus voltage, connectivity options, and community support when choosing the right microcontroller for your project. Please don't hesitate to contact us (support at kjdElectronics.com) with questions. Happy tinkering!
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Our Free and Economy Shipping ($3.99) options use USPS First Class mail. You have the option of upgrading to Priority Mail at checkout. We have experienced delays in both service levels although Priority Mail typically has a higher on time percentage.
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First Class packages can be delayed 10+ days while Priority Mail delays are typically only 1-4 days. These delays may increase further as the holidays get closer.
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]]>Some products are still out of stock due to supply chain disruptions, however, we are now receiving new shipments almost everyday and lead times are decreasing.
Please contact sales@kjdelectronics.com if you have any questions about availability.
]]>Some products are still out of stock due to supply chain disruptions, however, we are now receiving new shipments almost everyday and lead times are decreasing.
Please contact sales@kjdelectronics.com if you have any questions about availability.
]]>The Screenly Pro cloud software is a must for easily setting up and managing your Screenly Players. The Player is the physical device connected to your screen that displays content. The Screenly Box 0 is the plug and play Player to get you started (For more players and unboxing of the Box 0 check out this post). Connect your Player to power, Ethernet, and your TV and you are almost ready to start displaying dynamic content with the Screenly Pro software.
The Screenly Pro cloud software is a must for easily setting up and managing your Screenly Players. The Player is the physical device connected to your screen that displays content. The Screenly Box 0 is the plug and play Player to get you started (For more players and unboxing of the Box 0 check out this post). Connect your Player to power, Ethernet, and your TV and you are almost ready to start displaying dynamic content with the Screenly Pro software.
When you Purchase a Screenly Box 0 and a Screenly Pro Subscription get $10 off automatically applied during checkout.
Dedicated support for Screenly Pro and Screenly Players.
Note this dedicated support plan is offered by kjdElectronics and is not affiliated with the Plan Offered by Screenly.
We are happy to announce the introduction of our Adafruit Student Discount program. All students actively enrolled in a US high school or college/university are eligible for the 15% Adafruit Student Discount.
]]>We are happy to announce the introduction of our Adafruit Student Discount program. All students actively enrolled in a US high school or college/university are eligible for the 15% Adafruit Student Discount.
To activate your account please email sales@kjdelectronics.com from your .edu email address. If you are a High School student without a .edu email address please provide a copy of your student ID.
Your Student Account will also include access to our Arduino Student Discount.
* Note: Not all product sold by Adafruit are eligible for the discount. Exclusions apply to non-Adafruit brand products like Raspberry Pi
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The Box 0 from Screenly is an all in one Raspberry Pi based solution for digital signage. The hardware (specs/pics below) coupled with Screenly's subscription based management software enables true one to many scalability for digital signage. They also offer Screenly OSE as completely free (and open source) version of their web management software.
]]>The Box 0 from Screenly is an all in one Raspberry Pi based solution for digital signage. The hardware (specs/pics below) coupled with Screenly's subscription based management software enables true one to many scalability for digital signage. They also offer Screenly OSE as completely free (and open source) version of their web management software.
Un-boxing the Screenly Box 0 reveals a slick black case with the Screenly logo etched on the top. A generic power adapter for anywhere in the word is also included (I've only pictured the US plug)
The Screenly case conveniently exposes all of the Raspberry Pi's ports: 4 USD, 1 Ethernet, mico usb for powering the device, and of course HDMI for connecting to your digital sign.
Diving further into inside the Screenly you will find a Raspbery Pi 3 Model B+ with a pre-flashed SD Card with Screenly Pro that is turn key plug and play ready. Just add power, Ethernet, and HDMI.
The Screenly Box 0 ships with Screenly Pro pre-installed and is designed to be used with Screenly's paid subscription. The base price is currently $29.95/mo including 2 Screens and 15 GB of storage.
Additional screens and storage can be purchased as needed. Storage is used to upload content (static images and videos) to be displayed on your screens. Unless you have some large videos to display the base storage option should be enough. For full pricing details see https://www.screenly.io/pricing
The Screenly Box 0 can also be reconfigured to use with Screenly OSE (Open Source Edition). This free version of Screenly requires much more manual configuration and setup. However, your screens are still managed though a web interface and full 1080HD output is supported.
Screenly has excellent documentation for setting up Screenly OSE. You can see their Getting Started guide or Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Get your Screenly Box 0 from kjdElectronics Today. Also available on Amazon.
]]>KjdElectronics works with educators one on one to provide the most valuable custom kitting service and curriculum design in the industry.
"It's a passport to the world. Engineering is that base qualification that can take you anywhere."
-Regina Moran, CEO of Fujitsu Ireland and president of Engineers of Ireland
In an ever changing global economy it has never been more important to expose children to engineering at a young age. That is why kjdElectronics is committed to providing the educators of today with the best tools to educate the engineers of tomorrow.
KjdElectronics works with educators one on one to provide the most valuable custom electronics kitting service and curriculum design in the industry. We have expertise in designing custom electronics kits including curriculum for students in K-12.
Beginning in kindergarten and moving through the early elementary school years we recommend basic kits producing fun and vibrant outputs guided by the instructor. For middle school students we design custom electronics kits and exercises that require critical thinking and problem solving skills. High School electronics kits target more complex problems and experiments.
We also highly recommend building lab reports into the curriculum as early as possible to teach students the critical skill of technical writing.
You can start submitting your creations on June 26th and you have until August 7th. Once that date roles around, voting will start for the best project. Winners get amazing prizes which you will find out about during the summer months. So grab your supplies here, make something amazing, and maybe win some cool gadgets out of it!
If you have a great idea but we don't have what you need in store or in stock, please email us at support@kjdelectronics.com. We would love to work with you and make sure you get whatever bundle of components you have on your wishlist.
Happy Creating!