Summary of Arduino Zero
The Arduino Zero is a 32-bit microcontroller board based on the Atmel SAMD21 MCU with an ARM Cortex M0+ core. Designed for IoT, robotics, and wearable tech, it features an integrated Embedded Debugger (EDBG) for easy software debugging and virtual COM port support. With 48 MHz clock speed, 256 KB flash memory, and 14 digital I/O pins, it offers enhanced performance over the Arduino UNO while serving as an excellent educational tool for 32-bit development.
Parts used in the Arduino Zero:
- ATSAMD21G18 Microcontroller
- ARM Cortex M0+ Core
- Embedded Debugger (EDBG)
- Virtual COM Port
- 14 Digital I/O Pins
- 6 Analog Input Pins
- 1 Analog Output Pin (DAC)
Arduino Zero Overview
The Arduino Zero is a simple and powerful 32-bit extension of the platform established by Arduino UNO. The Zero board aims to provide creative individuals with the potential to realize truly innovative ideas for smart IoT devices, wearable technology, high-tech automation, crazy robotics, and projects not yet imagined. The board is powered by Atmel’s SAMD21 MCU, which features a 32-bit ARM Cortex® M0+ core.
The Zero board expands the Arduino family by providing increased performance to fuel the creativity of the maker community. The flexible feature set enables endless project opportunities for devices and acts as a great educational tool for learning about 32-bit application development. One of its most important feature is Atmel’s Embedded Debugger (EDBG), which provides a full debug interface without the need for additional hardware, significantly increasing the ease-of-use for software debugging. EDBG also supports a virtual COM port that can be used for device programming and traditional Arduino boot loader functionality.
Arduino Zero Pinout & Image


Arduino and Atmel unveil the Arduino Zero, a simple and powerful 32-bit extension of the platform established by Arduino UNO. It aims to provide creative individuals with the potential to realize truly innovative ideas especially for smart IoT devices, wearable technology, high-tech automation, crazy robotics, and projects not yet imagined.
The board is powered by Atmel’s SAMD21 MCU, which features a 32-bit ARM Cortex® M0+ core and one of its most important feature is Atmel’s Embedded Debugger (EDBG), which provides a full debug interface without the need for additional hardware, significantly increasing the ease-of-use for software debugging. EDBG also supports a virtual COM port that can be used for device programming and traditional Arduino boot loader functionality.
Massimo Banzi, Arduino co-founder and CEO said:
“The flexible feature set enables endless project opportunities for devices and acts as a great educational tool for learning about 32-bit application development.”
Summary
| Microcontroller | ATSAMD21G18, 48pins LQFP |
| Operating Voltage | 3.3V |
| Digital I/O Pins | 14, with 12 PWM and UART |
| Analog Input Pins | 6, 12-bit ADC channels |
| Analog Output Pins | 1, 10-bit DAC |
| DC Current per I/O Pin | 7 mA |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB |
| SRAM | 32 KB |
| EEPROM | up to 16KB by emulation |
| Clock Speed | 48 MHz |
For further information visit: Arduino Zero and MEET ARDUINO ZERO – THE NEW BOARD JOINTLY DEVELOPED BY ARDUINO AND ATMEL
- What is the main microcontroller used in the Arduino Zero?
The board uses the ATSAMD21G18 microcontroller featuring a 32-bit ARM Cortex M0+ core. - How does the Arduino Zero improve software debugging?
It includes an Embedded Debugger that provides a full debug interface without needing extra hardware. - Can the Arduino Zero be used for smart IoT devices?
Yes, it is designed to help realize innovative ideas for smart IoT devices and wearable technology. - What is the operating voltage of the Arduino Zero?
The operating voltage is 3.3V. - How many digital I/O pins does the board have?
The board has 14 digital I/O pins, including 12 PWM and UART capabilities. - Does the Arduino Zero support analog output?
Yes, it has one analog output pin with a 10-bit DAC. - What is the clock speed of the Arduino Zero?
The clock speed is 48 MHz. - How much flash memory does the Arduino Zero contain?
The board contains 256 KB of flash memory.
