Ard Micros Resolution

In this tutorial, you'll learn about Arduino micros() Resolution Not Fine Enough. We cover key concepts, practical examples, and best practices to help you understand and apply this topic effectively.

The Problem

micros() returns values that jump by 4 µs increments instead of 1 µs.

Quick Fix

Wrong

unsigned long us = micros();  // Jumps by 4 on 16 MHz AVR

micros() increments by 4 each time on 16 MHz AVR.

Right

unsigned long start = micros();
// Short operation
delayMicroseconds(10);
unsigned long elapsed = micros() - start;
Serial.print("Elapsed us: ");
Serial.println(elapsed);
// Expected: ~10-14 µs (varies due to 4 µs resolution)

Elapsed us: 12  (within expected range for 10 µs delay).

Prevention

micros() has 4 µs resolution on 16 MHz AVR (Timer0 prescaler). On 8 MHz boards, resolution is 8 µs. For finer resolution: use direct timer counter reads (TCNT0/1), use a board with higher clock speed (Teensy, Due), or use an external high-resolution timer.

DodaTech engineers apply these same patterns across Doda Browser, DodaZIP, and Durga Antivirus Pro for production IoT reliability.

FAQ