Development board Arduino MKR ZERO

The Arduino MKR ZERO is a compact development board in the MKR form factor powered by Atmel’s SAMD21 MCU with a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0+ core running at 48 MHz. It includes 256 KB of Flash and 32 KB of SRAM, an on-board SD connector with a dedicated SPI interface (SPI1) for audio and data files, and can be powered via micro-USB or a LiPo battery. Note that the board operates at 3.3V and its I/O pins must not be exposed to voltages above 3.3V.

Advantages

The MKR ZERO offers a small, education-friendly platform for learning 32-bit application development with built-in SD support so you can play music files without additional hardware. Its SAMD21 MCU provides a balance of processing speed and memory (256 KB Flash, 32 KB SRAM) suitable for many embedded projects, while the MKR form factor keeps the board compact and easy to integrate into prototypes. Power options include USB and LiPo battery, with the ability to monitor battery voltage.

Suitable for

• Learning and education in 32-bit embedded development
• Audio playback projects using on-board SD card
• Small prototypes and IoT devices requiring compact form factor
• Battery-powered applications with voltage monitoring

Key specifications

• Microcontroller: Atmel SAMD21 (ARM Cortex-M0+)
• Clock speed: 48 MHz
• Flash memory: 256 KB
• SRAM: 32 KB
• Operating voltage: 3.3V (maximum I/O tolerance 3.3V)
• On-board SD connector with dedicated SPI1 interface
• Power: micro-USB or LiPo battery; battery voltage monitoring available
• DC current per I/O pin: up to 7 mA

How to use

Connect the MKR ZERO to a computer using a micro-USB cable to program it via the Arduino IDE or power it from a compatible LiPo battery. Insert an SD card into the on-board connector to access files over the dedicated SPI1 interface. Use the Arduino development environment to write and upload sketches that utilize the SAMD21 features, SD access, and analog inputs for battery voltage measurement. Ensure all external modules and sensors are compatible with a 3.3V logic level.

Recommendations

Do not apply voltages higher than 3.3V to any I/O pin. When connecting sensors or modules that use 5V logic, use appropriate level shifting to prevent damage. For battery-powered projects, verify LiPo battery specs and monitor battery voltage through the provided analog input to avoid deep discharge.