Arduino Nano Every: Features, Setup & Migration from Classic Nano

The Arduino Nano Every represents Arduino’s answer to a simple question: what if we could make the beloved Nano better and cheaper at the same time? After years of working with both the classic Nano and its successor on various projects, I can tell you the Every delivers on that promise while introducing a few quirks worth knowing about.

This guide covers everything you need to get started with the Arduino Nano Every, from understanding its upgraded specifications to successfully migrating your existing projects from the classic Nano.

What is the Arduino Nano Every?

The Arduino Nano Every is an evolved version of the classic Arduino Nano, maintaining the same compact form factor and pin layout while packing significantly more processing power. Released in 2019, it uses the ATmega4809 microcontroller instead of the ATmega328P found in the original Nano.

Arduino designed this board specifically for makers who need reliable, affordable microcontrollers for embedded projects. The familiar Nano footprint means existing projects, shields, and breadboard layouts work without modification. At roughly half the price of the original Nano, the Every makes genuine Arduino hardware accessible for projects requiring multiple boards.

Arduino Nano Every Technical Specifications

The hardware upgrades over the classic Nano are substantial. Here’s a complete specification breakdown:

Specification	Arduino Nano Every	Classic Arduino Nano
Microcontroller	ATmega4809	ATmega328P
Clock Speed	20 MHz	16 MHz
Flash Memory	48 KB	32 KB
SRAM	6 KB	2 KB
EEPROM	256 bytes	1 KB
Operating Voltage	5V	5V
Input Voltage (Vin)	7-21V	7-12V
Digital I/O Pins	14	14
PWM Pins	5	6
Analog Input Pins	8	8
USB Connector	Micro USB	Mini USB
Board Dimensions	45mm x 18mm	45mm x 18mm

The 50% increase in flash memory and 200% increase in SRAM allow for substantially larger programs with more variables. However, note the reduced EEPROM capacity, which matters for projects storing persistent configuration data.

Key Features of the Arduino Nano Every

Upgraded ATmega4809 Processor

The ATmega4809 brings modern AVR architecture to the Nano form factor. Beyond raw memory improvements, this chip includes peripherals absent from the older ATmega328P. The processor emerged from the Atmel-Microchip merger, combining proven AVR reliability with updated features.

Configurable Custom Logic (CCL)

One standout feature is the Configurable Custom Logic block. This hardware peripheral lets you implement simple logic functions directly in silicon, bypassing software entirely. For time-critical applications like driving NeoPixels or bit-banging protocols, CCL reduces CPU overhead and improves timing accuracy. You can replace external discrete logic components with on-chip logic gates.

Dual Processor Architecture

The Arduino Nano Every uses a dedicated ATSAMD11D14A processor for USB communication. This ARM Cortex-M0+ chip handles all USB-to-serial translation, freeing the main ATmega4809 for your application code. The arrangement also enables advanced USB functionality, as the SAMD11 firmware can be modified to implement HID devices like keyboards or mice.

SMT-Ready Design

Unlike the classic Nano, the Every has no components on its bottom side. Combined with castellated edge pads, this allows direct surface-mount soldering onto custom PCBs. For production projects or space-constrained designs, you can treat the entire module as an SMT component, eliminating header pins and reducing overall height.

Wider Input Voltage Range

The switching power regulator accepts 7-21V input, compared to the classic Nano’s 7-12V range. This flexibility accommodates more power sources, from standard 9V batteries to 12V automotive systems and higher voltage solar panels.

Setting Up the Arduino Nano Every

Getting the Arduino Nano Every running requires a few additional steps compared to classic Arduino boards. The megaAVR architecture needs its own board support package.

Hardware Requirements

Item	Purpose
Arduino Nano Every	The development board
Micro USB Cable	Power and programming
Computer	Running Arduino IDE 1.8.x or 2.x
Breadboard (optional)	For circuit prototyping

Installing Board Support

Step 1: Open Boards Manager Launch the Arduino IDE and navigate to Tools, Board, Boards Manager.

Step 2: Search for megaAVR In the search field, type “megaAVR” and locate “Arduino megaAVR Boards by Arduino.”

Step 3: Install the Package Click Install and wait for the download to complete. This package includes all necessary core files, bootloader, and board definitions.

Step 4: Select Your Board Go to Tools, Board, Arduino megaAVR Boards, and select “Arduino Nano Every.”

Step 5: Choose the Register Emulation Mode Under Tools, you’ll find a “Registers emulation” option. Set this to “ATMEGA328” if you’re running code written for the classic Nano that accesses hardware registers directly.

First Upload Test

Connect your Arduino Nano Every via USB. The power LED should illuminate. Select the appropriate COM port under Tools, Port, then upload the standard Blink sketch from File, Examples, 01.Basics, Blink.

If the onboard LED blinks, your setup is complete and the board is functioning correctly.

Migrating Projects from Classic Nano to Arduino Nano Every

The Arduino Nano Every maintains pin compatibility with the classic Nano, but the different microcontroller architecture creates potential software compatibility issues. Here’s how to handle common migration scenarios.

Hardware Compatibility

The good news: hardware migration is straightforward. The Arduino Nano Every operates at 5V with identical pin spacing and layout. You can physically swap boards in existing projects without rewiring. Sensors, motors, and other peripherals connected to your classic Nano should work immediately with the Every.

Software Compatibility Considerations

Software migration requires more attention. While Arduino’s core libraries abstract most hardware differences, third-party libraries and code accessing registers directly may fail to compile or behave unexpectedly.

Compatibility Scenario	Solution
Standard Arduino functions	Works without changes
Official Arduino libraries	Generally compatible
Third-party libraries	May require updates or alternatives
Direct register access	Enable Register Emulation mode
Timer manipulation	Likely needs code modification
Assembly code	Enable Register Emulation mode

Using Register Emulation Mode

Arduino provides a compatibility layer that translates ATmega328P register accesses to their ATmega4809 equivalents. To enable this:

1. Go to Tools menu in Arduino IDE
2. Find “Registers emulation” option
3. Select “ATMEGA328”

This mode allows many older sketches and libraries to compile without modification. However, it’s not perfect, as some advanced timer functions and interrupt configurations may still require manual adjustment.

Known Differences to Watch For

PWM Pin Change: The Arduino Nano Every has only 5 PWM-capable pins instead of 6. Pin D11 no longer supports PWM output. If your project uses PWM on D11, you’ll need to reassign that function to another PWM pin (D3, D5, D6, D9, or D10).

SPI SS Pin: The SPI slave select pin moved from D10 to D8. Projects using hardware SPI with slave devices may need wiring adjustments.

External Interrupts: The Every allows external interrupts on all digital pins, not just D2 and D3. This is actually an improvement, offering more flexibility for interrupt-driven designs.

Pin Labels Location: Pin numbers are printed on the board’s bottom side. On a breadboard, you’ll either mount the board upside down (impractical) or keep a pinout reference handy.

Troubleshooting Library Compatibility

When a library fails to compile for the Arduino Nano Every, you have several options:

Check for Updates: Many popular libraries have been updated for megaAVR compatibility. Visit the library’s GitHub repository or check the Arduino Library Manager for newer versions.

Search for Alternatives: If the original library isn’t maintained, search for forks or alternative libraries that provide similar functionality with megaAVR support.

Enable Register Emulation: For libraries using direct register manipulation, the emulation mode often resolves compilation errors.

Modify the Library: As a last resort, you may need to modify library source code to support the ATmega4809’s register structure. This requires understanding both the original ATmega328P and the new chip’s architectures.

Arduino Nano Every Pinout Reference

Understanding the pinout is essential for circuit design. The Arduino Nano Every maintains the classic Nano’s 30-pin layout.

Pin	Function	Notes
D0	Digital I/O, RX	Serial receive
D1	Digital I/O, TX	Serial transmit
D2	Digital I/O	External interrupt capable
D3	Digital I/O, PWM
D4	Digital I/O
D5	Digital I/O, PWM
D6	Digital I/O, PWM
D7	Digital I/O
D8	Digital I/O, SPI SS	Changed from D10
D9	Digital I/O, PWM
D10	Digital I/O, PWM
D11	Digital I/O, SPI MOSI	No PWM (differs from classic)
D12	Digital I/O, SPI MISO
D13	Digital I/O, SPI SCK, LED	Onboard LED connected
A0-A5	Analog Input, Digital I/O
A4	Analog, Digital, I2C SDA
A5	Analog, Digital, I2C SCL
A6-A7	Analog Input, Digital I/O	Can be used as digital pins

When to Choose the Arduino Nano Every

The Arduino Nano Every excels in specific scenarios:

Budget-Conscious Projects: At roughly half the classic Nano’s price, the Every makes sense for projects needing multiple boards or educational settings requiring classroom quantities.

Memory-Intensive Applications: The 48KB flash and 6KB SRAM accommodate larger programs than the classic Nano or Arduino Uno can handle.

Production Prototypes: The flat bottom and castellated pads simplify integration into custom PCB designs intended for manufacturing.

New Projects: Starting fresh without legacy code dependencies lets you take full advantage of the ATmega4809’s capabilities.

Consider alternatives when:

Legacy Code Dependence: Projects heavily reliant on specific timer configurations or incompatible libraries may require significant porting effort.

EEPROM Requirements: The reduced 256-byte EEPROM limits persistent storage compared to the classic Nano’s 1KB.

Wireless Connectivity: The Every lacks WiFi or Bluetooth. Consider the Nano 33 IoT or Nano ESP32 for connected projects.

Useful Resources for Arduino Nano Every

Official Documentation

• Arduino Nano Every Product Page: https://store.arduino.cc/products/arduino-nano-every
• Getting Started Guide: https://www.arduino.cc/en/Guide/NANOEvery
• Hardware Documentation: https://docs.arduino.cc/hardware/nano-every
• Datasheet PDF: https://docs.arduino.cc/resources/datasheets/ABX00028-datasheet.pdf

Design Files

• Schematics (PDF): Available at docs.arduino.cc
• Eagle Files: Available at docs.arduino.cc
• Fritzing Part: Available at docs.arduino.cc

Development Resources

• Arduino IDE Download: https://www.arduino.cc/en/software
• Arduino Forum: https://forum.arduino.cc/
• Project Hub: https://create.arduino.cc/projecthub

ATmega4809 Resources

• Microchip ATmega4809 Datasheet: https://www.microchip.com/en-us/product/ATmega4809
• megaAVR 0-series Family Overview: Available at microchip.com

Frequently Asked Questions About Arduino Nano Every

Is the Arduino Nano Every a direct replacement for the classic Nano?

Physically, yes. The Arduino Nano Every shares identical dimensions and pin layout with the classic Nano, allowing direct board swaps in existing hardware. Electrically, both operate at 5V with compatible I/O. However, software compatibility isn’t guaranteed. Third-party libraries accessing hardware registers may require the Register Emulation mode or code modifications. Standard Arduino sketches using only core functions typically work without changes.

Why does the Arduino Nano Every have fewer PWM pins than the classic Nano?

The ATmega4809 maps its timer outputs differently than the ATmega328P. While maintaining pin compatibility, Arduino couldn’t preserve PWM functionality on D11. The Every provides 5 PWM outputs (D3, D5, D6, D9, D10) compared to the classic Nano’s 6. If your project uses PWM on D11, reassign that function to another available PWM pin during migration.

Does the Arduino Nano Every support WiFi or Bluetooth?

No, the Arduino Nano Every includes no wireless connectivity. It focuses on providing an upgraded, affordable wired microcontroller. For WiFi projects, consider the Arduino Nano 33 IoT. For Bluetooth applications, the Nano 33 BLE or Nano 33 BLE Sense are appropriate choices. The Nano ESP32 offers both WiFi and Bluetooth in the Nano form factor.

Can I use the Arduino Nano Every for surface-mount assembly?

Yes, this is a key design feature. The Arduino Nano Every has no components on its bottom side and includes castellated pads along both edges. You can solder it directly onto custom PCBs as an SMT module using standard pick-and-place equipment. This eliminates header pins and reduces the overall assembly height, making it practical for production prototypes and manufactured products.

Why won’t my library compile for the Arduino Nano Every?

The ATmega4809 uses different register names and memory addresses than the ATmega328P. Libraries that access hardware registers directly, manipulate timers at a low level, or contain AVR assembly code often fail to compile. First, try enabling Register Emulation mode under Tools, Registers emulation, ATMEGA328. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, check for updated library versions with megaAVR support, search for alternative libraries, or consider modifying the library source code for ATmega4809 compatibility.

Final Thoughts on the Arduino Nano Every

The Arduino Nano Every successfully modernizes the classic Nano formula. More memory, faster processing, and a lower price point make it an excellent choice for new projects. The SMT-ready design opens possibilities for production applications that the original Nano couldn’t address practically.

Migration from the classic Nano requires awareness of software compatibility nuances, but Arduino’s Register Emulation mode smooths the transition for most projects. The few hardware differences, particularly the PWM pin change and SPI SS relocation, are easily accommodated with minor wiring adjustments.

For makers building new projects without legacy constraints, the Arduino Nano Every offers genuine Arduino quality at an accessible price. The combination of proven AVR architecture, enhanced specifications, and familiar development environment makes it a compelling foundation for embedded projects of all complexity levels.