Small boards, big possibilities: SEEED’s XIAO microcontroller boards
Setting up your first IoT project? Designing a prototype for a start-up? Integrating smart sensors? All this and much more is possible with SEEED’s compact XIAO microcontrollers – offering the perfect balance of performance and price for hobbyists and prototyping projects alike. But what distinguishes the different models, and how do you choose the right one?
What are XIAO boards?
XIAO is a range of microcontroller boards based on different processor architectures, each of which has its own strengths. ARM Cortex is widely used and impresses with its mature ecosystem and ultra-low power consumption. RISC-V features an open, licence-free architecture with integrated IoT capabilities, making it ideal for projects that wish to avoid licence-based solutions. Xtensa, on the other hand, delivers high computing power for demanding tasks. The low-power design ensures efficient energy management across every model, making the boards an attractive option for long-term projects too.
All XIAO boards have one thing in common: their ultra-compact nature. Measuring just 21 x 17.8 mm, they are roughly the size of a thumbnail (hence the name ‘ThumbSized’). However, their small size does not compromise their performance. Depending on the model, they offer various storage capacities and connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Thread and Zigbee. Another advantage is the price. The XIAO boards are affordable enough for hobby projects, yet scalable enough for professional applications. This gives them a wide range of applications, from hobby projects and professional prototypes to energy-efficient standalone applications and networked IoT systems.
Finding the right board for your project
Not all XIAO boards are designed for the same purpose. The range can be broadly divided into four categories.
Low-power boards are optimised for minimal power consumption. They are user-friendly, cost-effective and ideal for creative, battery-powered projects requiring basic connectivity. Typical applications include wearables, such as DIY fitness trackers, and smart LED installations, or anywhere a battery needs to last as long as possible.
A suitable entry-level model in this category is the XIAO SAMD21.
The wireless boards are designed for Internet of Things (IoT) integration in networked applications. They offer an efficient design and basic wireless functionality, providing a low entry barrier and making them perfect for learning. These boards allow you to quickly and easily set up your first sensor nodes in a home network or carry out smart home tests.
A typical representative of this group is the XIAO ESP32C3 with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Those requiring greater performance will need the AI and sensor boards. These boards are equipped with ample memory, offering up to 8 MB of flash and 8 MB of PSRAM. They deliver high performance and peripheral support for complex projects, and are compatible with advanced development tools. Typical areas of application include robotics systems with AI or advanced IoT integrations.
A notable product in this category is the XIAO ESP32S3 Sense, which features an integrated camera and a powerful dual-core processor.
For even more complex requirements, the advanced connectivity boards offer multi-core options and support for NFC, Zigbee, Thread and Matter. These boards are scalable for complex prototypes and industrial applications, and are ideal for networks and mass production. Classic use cases here include prototypes for smart home devices or industrial sensor networks.
The XIAO ESP32C6 is a particularly versatile model in this group thanks to its support for Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5, Zigbee and Thread.
Tips for getting started
Once you’ve chosen your board, you can get started straight away. The first step is to download the appropriate software. There are a number of options available: the Arduino IDE is ideal for beginners as it is user-friendly and has a large community behind it. PlatformIO is better suited to professionals who want to work directly in VS Code. If you prefer to write in Python, MicroPython is a good option. It is a Python implementation developed specifically for microcontrollers and is particularly useful for IoT projects. Next, connect the board to your computer via USB Type-C and test a simple example, such as the classic flashing LED. The SEEED Wiki offers ready-made tutorials for each board to guide you step by step through such applications.
If you want to connect sensors quickly with minimal soldering, SEEED’s Grove-compatible systems are a great option. These plug-and-play modules can be connected directly and cover a wide range of sensors. Suitable expansion boards are available for displays, battery management and advanced input and output options. Data analysis in the cloud is also quick and easy, as XIAO boards can be seamlessly connected to services such as AWS or Azure. When testing prototypes, debugging tools help you to quickly identify and rectify errors.
However, there are two things to bear in mind when getting started. Firstly, not all shields are compatible with every model, so pin compatibility is important. Therefore, a quick glance at the datasheet will save you frustration later on. Secondly, SEEED regularly releases firmware updates. It is therefore best to update your board right at the start.
XIAO boards: small boards with big possibilities!
The XIAO series makes it easy to get started with microcontrollers. These ultra-compact and affordable boards are also powerful, and with a wide range of models covering low-power, wireless, AI and advanced connectivity, there’s a suitable board for almost any project. The best approach is simply to get started: order a board, open a tutorial and make an LED flash. Then
Images: reichelt elektronik, video: SEEED
