Arduino Due Specifications/Functions

In this article, we will explain in detail the specifications and functions of Arduino Due.

Compared to Arduino Uno, Arduino Due has more memory and I/O, and its clock speed is about 5 times higher. However, unlike other Arduino boards, the operating voltage is "+3.3V".

Arduino Due Specifications

Tech Specs	Arduino Due
Board Size	101.6×53.3mm
Microcontroller/ Clock Speed	AT91SAM3X8E/ 84MHz
SRAM (Main Memory)	96kB
Flash Memory	512kB
EEPROM	-
Operating Voltage	+3.3V
Input Voltage (recommended)	+7～+12V
Output Voltage	+5V, +3.3V
Digital I/O Pins	54
PWM Digital I/O Pins	12
Analog Input Pins	12
Analog Output Pins (DAC)	2
Rated Current per Pin	130mA/All Pins
Program Writing Pins	Micro USB Type-B Micro USB Type-AB ICSP
Interface	UART I2C SPI CAN USB

For the specifications of Arduino boards other than Arduino Due, please refer to the following article.

Arduino Due Functions

Arduino Due Appearance

Socket Header Placement(Pin Header Placement)/LED Placement

↑Click to enlarge.

①Microcontroller(Microcomputer)

The microcontroller of the Arduino Due uses “AT91SAM3X8E” from Microchip Technology(USA).

A microcontroller is a very important component in controlling electronic devices that correspond to the human “brain”.

In addition, various memories such as SRAM and Flash memory are also built into the microcontroller.
(The Arduino Due does not have EEPROM.)

②USB Port

The Arduino Due has two USB ports, a "Programming Port" and a "Native USB Port". Both can write program(sketche), but writing from the Programming port is recommended due to the difference in chip erasing behavior.

The Arduino Due can also be powered via USB instead of the power jack.

Programming Port(Micro USB Type-B)

The Programming Port is connected to the Rx0/TX0 of SAM3X via the ATMmega16U2.

To write a program(sketche) on the Programming Port, select "Arduino Due (Programming Port)" in the Arduino IDE.

Since chip erasing is done by "hard erasing", it is usually recommended to write a program on the Programming Port.

Native USB Port(Micro USB Type-AB)

The Native USB Port is directly connected to the SAM3X. USB devices such as keyboards and mice can be connected with serial communication or host mode.

To write a program(sketche) on the Native USB Port, select "Arduino Due (Native USB Port)" in the Arduino IDE.

However, since chip erasing is done by "soft erasing", it is not recommended to write a program on the Native USB Port.

③Power Jack

You can connect an AC adapter(outer diameter 5.5mm, inner diameter 2.1mm) to power the Arduino Due.

④Reset Button

You can restart the Arduino Due by pressing the reset button. Use this when you want to restart the program from the beginning or when the Arduino Due behaves strangely.

⑤I/O Port・Power

Digital I/O・PWM

Digital I/O・PWM	Explanation
D0-D53	Digital input/output(0-53) HIGH(+3.3V)/LOW(0V)
PWM	0 to +3.3V analog output Analog output by switching between 0V and +3.3V at high speed

PWM and serial communication are shared with digital I/O. You can specify which one to use in the program.

Analog Input/Analog Output

Analog Input	Explanation
A0-A11	Analog input(0-11) 10-bit A/D converter(1step change every 3.2mV)

Analog Output	Explanation
DAC0-DAC1	Analog output(0-1) 12-bit D/A converter(1step change every 0.81mV)

Communication

Communication		Explanation
UART (Serial communication)	TX	Serial data transmission
〃	RX	Serial data reception
I2C	SCL	Serial clock
〃	SDA	Serial data transmission/reception
SPI	SS	Select device to control
〃	SCK	Serial clock
〃	MOSI	Master ⇒ Slave data transfer
〃	MISO	Slave ⇒ Master data transfer
CAN	TX	Serial data transmission
〃	RX	Serial data reception

Power

Power	Explanation
Vin	The voltage of "③Power jack" is output, Power can be supplied from "Vin" without using the power jack.
GND	Ground/Reference point
+5V	+5V voltage output
+3.3V	+3.3V voltage output

Other

Other	Explanation
GND	Ground/Reference point
AREF	Analog input reference voltage (0 to +3.3V input), Not normally used
RESET	Reset (Same function as "④Reset Button")
IOREF	+3.3V voltage output

⑥LED

LED	Explanation
ON	Lights up when the Arduino Due is powered
TX	Blinks when sending via serial communication
RX	Blinks when receiving via serial communication
L	Connect to digital I/O No.13

Arduino Uno has 4 LEDs(chip parts). The “L” of LED is connected to the 13th digital I/O, and can be lighted up by setting the 13th pin to HIGH(3.3V) in the program.

⑦ICSP/SPI/DEBUG/JTAG

The following terminals are installed in Arduino Due.

How to get technical data for Arduino Due

Various technical materials of Arduino Due can be obtained from the official Arduino website.