Arduino: $20 board brings Raspberry Pi compatibility and plenty of ports

Arduino has introduced a new board that is explicitly designed as an expansion board and cannot be used on its own. The system is compatible with the Arduino UNO Q, which we have already reviewed, as well as the upcoming Ventuno Q. The UNO Media Carrier adds extra connectors, which should make both boards suitable for additional use cases. The key additions are the extra MIPI-CSI and MIPI-DSI connectors. There are two 22-pin, four-lane MIPI-CSI connectors, which can be used to attach cameras. 

Since the Arduino UNO Q also supports image recognition, this could add significant value. Compatibility with Raspberry Pi camera modules is explicitly highlighted. Raspberry Pi compatibility also applies to the onboard MIPI-DSI interface, so connecting a display is possible as well. According to the manufacturer, initial support will cover cameras based on the IMX219 sensor and the Waveshare 8-DSI-TOUCH-A display.

There are also audio connections for headsets or headphones, along with line-out for connecting speakers. This is a combined 3.5 mm audio jack that provides both headphone output and microphone input. In addition, there is one connector each for a speaker and a headphone. Arduino already lists the UNO Media Carrier at $19.25, and it is expected to launch soon. However, Arduino has not yet provided specific availability details.