Red Pitaya vs Arduino?
While Arduino is a widely recognized microcontroller platform ideal for simple DIY projects and educational purposes, Red Pitaya is specialized for measurement and control tasks, offering capabilities that extend far beyond those of a typical Arduino. Red Pitaya is engineered for high-precision measurement and control operations, featuring an FPGA that enables real-time processing and high-speed data acquisition. This makes it superior in scenarios where accuracy and speed are critical.
With over 30,000 users worldwide, including enthusiasts, universities, and companies, Red Pitaya has established itself as a leader in engineering innovation with its development boards. As an open-source measurement and control tool, it replaces many costly laboratory instruments. Whether you’re a professional or an enthusiast, Red Pitaya empowers you to innovate and create like never before.
See the table below for the differences between the two boards.
Diverse
Applications
Red Pitaya is used across various fields due to its adaptability and power. Here are some primary applications:
Arduino vs Red Pitaya
While Arduino is perfect for simple DIY projects and educational purposes, Red Pitaya excels in specialized measurement and control applications. Red Pitaya offers advanced capabilities that surpass those of a typical Arduino, focusing on high-precision tasks. With its powerful FPGA, Red Pitaya supports real-time processing and rapid data acquisition, making it the go-to choice for applications where accuracy and speed are crucial.
Price vs Value?
| Feature | STEMlab 125-14 | SIGNALLab 250-12 | Arduino Uno | Arduino Mega |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Dual Core ARM Cortex-A9 | Dual Core ARM Cortex-A9 | ATmega328P | ATmega2560 |
| FPGA | FPGA Xilinx Zynq 7010 SOC | FPGA Xilinx Zynq 7020 SOC | None | None |
| Analog Inputs/Outputs | 2x RF input, 2x RF output | 2x RF input, 2x RF output | 6 inputs, no outputs | 16 inputs, no outputs |
| Extension Connectors | 16 Digital I/O, 4 slow analog inputs (100KS/s) | 22 Digital I/O, 4 slow analog inputs (100KS/s) | 14 Digital I/O, 6 PWM outputs | 54 Digital I/O, 15 PWM outputs |
| Memory | 256 MB (2 Gb) | 1 GB (8 Gb) | 2 KB SRAM, 32 KB Flash | 8 KB SRAM, 256 KB Flash |
| Operating System | Custom Linux-based OS | Custom Linux-based OS | None | None |
| Software | Open-source, specialized apps | Open-source, specialized apps | Open-source, general apps | Open-source, general apps |
| Connectivity | Ethernet, USB, Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi Dongle Required) | Ethernet, USB, Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi Dongle Required) | USB | USB, optional Wi-Fi/Bluetooth |
| Applications | Advanced signal processing, research, industrial testing | Advanced signal processing, research, industrial testing | Education, simple automation, DIY projects | Education, simple automation, DIY projects |
| Price | ~$450 | ~$2000 | $25 – $30 | $35 – $45 |
Prices are indicative and subject to change without notice.
While Red Pitaya comes at a higher price point compared to Arduino, it integrates a suite of specialized tools into a single device, offering exceptional value for those requiring advanced capabilities. Arduino remains an affordable choice for straightforward projects. However, if you're an experienced Arduino user looking to tackle more complex tasks, upgrading to Red Pitaya could be your next step. Enthusiasts and developers will discover that Red Pitaya provides a more powerful and versatile platform for intricate projects. Why limit yourself to basic functions when you can enhance your work with Red Pitaya?
Both Red Pitaya and Arduino are committed to the vision of democratizing computing education. Our mission is to make sophisticated technology accessible to users of all skill levels, fostering the spread of knowledge and innovation across the globe.
Red Pitaya boards
See the main differences between our STEMlab, SDRlab and SIGNALlab digitizer boards. Compare and make sure you choose the best option for yourself!
Take your projects to the next level
Red Pitaya digitizer boards stand out as an open-source, multifaceted tool, acclaimed by both hobbyists and professionals. Acting as a high-precision measuring computer, it captures and converts analog signals into digital form with impeccable accuracy. Our open-source nature offers full control and manipulation of acquired data in C, Python, and MATLAB. Red Pitaya is synonymous with quality and innovation, consistently raising the bar for accessibility in digital signal processing.
Superior Accuracy and Control
Red Pitaya delivers superior accuracy and control to your projects with advanced digitization and robust plotting capabilities. Effortlessly transform complex analog signals into high-resolution digital data. This versatile tool is ideal for engineers, researchers, and technologists, ensuring your detailed analyses are clear and accessible from anywhere. With Red Pitaya, you achieve outstanding precision and efficiency, taking your work to the next level.
Wide Spectrum of Applications
Unlock the full potential of Red Pitaya with a diverse array of applications designed for advanced data analysis and signal processing. Perfect for education, engineering, and research, our applications provide immediate, professional-grade performance for various functions. For advanced Arduino users, Red Pitaya offers an excellent upgrade, enabling you to handle more sophisticated projects with ease.
Open Source Platform
Red Pitaya thrives in the open-source ecosystem, offering customization and extension capabilities. Program it in C and Python, or use LabVIEW or MATLAB for intricate data manipulation. For complex projects, Red Pitaya supports FPGA programming, providing hardware control and optimization. This flexibility empowers innovation and tailored solutions, making it an outstanding choice for advanced Arduino users looking to expand their capabilities.
Arduino and Red Pitaya projects
This project involved creating a homemade muon telescope for secondary cosmic ray detection. The setup uses Red Pitaya for precise timing and signal processing, paired with Arduino for initial data collection and control.
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This project involves creating a logic analyzer shield for Red Pitaya. The setup leverages Red Pitaya's FPGA capabilities to capture and analyze digital signals, which is useful for debugging and development of digital systems.
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This project by students at Auburn University used Red Pitaya to collect data from piano strings and Arduino for control. The goal was to create a keyboard instrument that could withstand extreme conditions while maintaining musical adaptability.
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This project by Hans DF2BY showcases using Red Pitaya as a stand-alone system for various test and measurement applications. It demonstrates how Red Pitaya can be configured and used independently without needing a PC connection.
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This project implements a stepper motor controller using PYNQ-Z2 and Red Pitaya. The system allows for tunable speed control of the stepper motor, which can be useful in various automation and robotics applications.
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Get in Touch with Our Technical Specialist
Meet Nicu!
Technical Specialist at Red Pitaya
Our customers' testimonials
We did some tests with the SignalLAB 250-12. I have to say the device is surprisingly good: very low noise and high stability.
I have had the chance to have a Red Pitaya from the initial release. The device is my “go-to” desktop testing tool. Its capabilities far exceed its size. The best part is that the community is expanding as are the hardware and software options. The Red Pitaya is truly blossoming. I look forward to its future growth.
Red Pitaya has been critical in transitioning our system from a proof-of-concept, laboratory instrument to a field-hardened industrial tool.
Red Pitaya is exactly what I have been looking for: having one of the latest FPGAs combined with fast and broad AD- and DA-converters attached to that chip.
We are currently using Red Pitaya’s STEMlab 125-14 to check if communication signals are according to the specifications. We really value the versatility and portability of the board.
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Red Pitaya FAQ
Visit the Quick Start page to get started with your Red Pitaya.
Payments are accepted via PayPal, credit or debit card and bank transfer. Visit our Terms of Use page for complete details.
Visit the SCPI server (MATLAB, LabVIEW, Scilab or Python) page for more details.
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Please visit our Customer Support page and submit the form. Our team will get back to you as soon as possible with a solution.
Visit the Prepare SD Card page to learn how to upgrade the OS.