DNUNA16 vs. DNUNB17 : Which Arduino UNO R3 I/O Expansion Board Is Right for Your Project?
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When choosing an Arduino-based I/O expansion board for automation, monitoring, or control applications, the Eletechsup DNUNA16 and DNUNB17 are two options worth comparing. Both are designed for use with a compatible Arduino UNO R3 controller and integrate digital I/O, relay outputs, analog signal acquisition, and RS485 communication.
However, they serve slightly different needs. The DNUNA16 emphasizes a higher number of analog input channels, while the DNUNB17 adds dedicated interfaces for temperature and humidity sensors.
Product pages:
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DNUNB17: https://eletechsup.com/products/dnunb17-4di-4do-4ai-digital-analog-am2301-sht20-sht30-ds18b2
1. Key Specifications Compared
| Feature | DNUNA16 | DNUNB17 |
|---|---|---|
| Controller platform | Arduino UNO R3 | Arduino UNO R3 |
| NPN digital inputs | 6 channels | 4 channels |
| Relay outputs | 4 channels | 4 channels |
| Analog inputs | 6 channels | 4 channels |
| Current inputs | 4 × 4–20mA | 2 × 4–20mA |
| Voltage inputs | 2 channels | 2 channels |
| Dedicated temperature/humidity interfaces | Not listed as dedicated interfaces | 1 single-bus and 1 dual-bus interface |
| RS485 communication | Yes | Yes |
| Supply voltage | DC 7–30V | DC 7–30V |
| Standby current | Approximately 13mA with display off; 20mA with display on | Approximately 15mA |
| Board dimensions | 132 × 100 × 19mm | 132 × 100 × 19mm |
| Reference price | US$21.99 | US$25.98 |
Specifications and prices are based on product information available at the time of writing. Prices may change. Check the product page and documentation for the exact version, signal ranges, and wiring requirements.
2. DNUNA16: Designed for Multi-Channel Analog Monitoring
The Eletechsup DNUNA16 is a practical option for projects that need to collect several analog signals alongside digital input monitoring and relay control.
Its four 4–20mA current inputs are useful for compatible industrial transmitters, such as pressure, level, and flow sensors. Two additional voltage inputs provide another way to acquire analog signals.
Potential applications include:
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Multi-channel current signal acquisition
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Pressure and liquid-level monitoring
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Relay-based timing and sequencing
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Digital switch and sensor monitoring
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Arduino-based RS485 communication
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DIY PLC-style control prototypes
Why choose DNUNA16?
Its main advantage is the greater number of analog input channels, particularly current inputs. If your project involves several 4–20mA transmitters, the DNUNA16 may help reduce the need for additional analog input modules.
3. DNUNB17: Designed for Temperature, Humidity, and Environmental Monitoring
The DNUNB17 adds dedicated interfaces for supported temperature and humidity sensors, including AM2301, SHT20, and SHT30. It can also be used for DS18B20 temperature acquisition with the appropriate wiring and configuration.
This makes it suitable for projects that combine environmental data collection with relay control and serial communication.
Potential applications include:
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Temperature and humidity monitoring
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Greenhouse and agricultural monitoring
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Temperature-controlled fans and ventilation
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Environmental data logging
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Scheduled relay control
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RS485-connected monitoring systems
Why choose DNUNB17?
Its key advantage is sensor integration. Developers building environmental monitoring systems can connect supported sensors through the designated interfaces rather than treating temperature and humidity acquisition as a separate hardware task.
The DNUNB17 has fewer analog input channels than the DNUNA16, so the choice depends on whether your project prioritizes analog signal quantity or environmental sensing.
4. Which Board Is Better for RS485 and Modbus Projects?
Both boards include RS485 hardware, making them candidates for Arduino-based serial communication projects.
With suitable firmware, developers can explore communication with compatible PLCs, monitoring devices, controllers, or other serial equipment. Modbus RTU can also be implemented when the hardware configuration and software support the required protocol.
However, an RS485 interface alone does not guarantee automatic Modbus support. The communication role, pin assignments, serial settings, protocol implementation, and electrical con