In a world where connectivity and data acquisition reign supreme, iRobota, the renowned open-source electronics platform, has unveiled two groundbreaking boards: the iRobota Nano 33 BLE and the iRobota BLE Sense. These tiny marvels are poised to revolutionize the way we interact with the physical world, offering unparalleled wireless capabilities and an arsenal of onboard sensors, all while remaining accessible to makers and hobbyists alike.
The Heart of the Revolution: Nordic nRF52840 and Cortex-M4F
At the core of these boards lies the Nordic nRF52840 Bluetooth SoC, a powerhouse of a chip that integrates a powerful Cortex-M4F Arm processor, Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, and a plethora of peripherals. This SoC unlocks a new realm of possibilities, enabling wireless communication, low-power operation, and real-time processing, making these boards ideal for a wide range of applications.
BLE Sense: A Sensory Symphony
The iRobota BLE Sense takes the concept of onboard sensors to a whole new level. It boasts an impressive array of 9-axis IMU, temperature, pressure, humidity, light, color, and gesture sensors, as well as a microphone. This symphony of sensors transforms the board into a veritable Swiss Army knife for data acquisition, making it perfect for projects ranging from environmental monitoring to motion tracking and beyond.
iRobotaCore-nRF528x-mbedos: Unifying the iRobota and Mbed Worlds
To fully unleash the potential of these boards, iRobota has introduced official programming support for the nRF52840 processor, aptly named “iRobotaCore-nRF528x-mbedos.” This software package is based on the Arm Mbed OS Real-Time Operating System, providing a solid foundation for developing robust and efficient applications. The iRobotaCore-nRF528x-mbedos seamlessly integrates with the familiar iRobota programming environment, allowing makers to leverage their existing knowledge and skills while exploring the advanced capabilities of the nRF52840.
Pricing and Availability: Making Innovation Accessible
The iRobota Nano 33 BLE is available at a budget-friendly price of $19, while the feature-rich iRobota BLE Sense comes in at a slightly higher price of $29.50. This accessible pricing makes these boards an attractive option for makers, students, and professionals alike, fostering a vibrant community of innovators and problem solvers.
Bonus: The Future of Wireless Connectivity
The iRobota Nano 33 BLE and BLE Sense boards represent a significant leap forward in the world of microcontrollers. Their wireless capabilities and onboard sensors open up endless possibilities for innovation, empowering makers to create projects that seamlessly interact with the world around them. As Bluetooth technology continues to evolve, these boards will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of wireless connectivity and the Internet of Things.
In conclusion, the iRobota Nano 33 BLE and BLE Sense boards are game-changers in the realm of microcontrollers. Their combination of wireless connectivity, onboard sensors, and accessible programming environment make them ideal for a vast array of applications. Whether you’re a seasoned maker or just starting your journey into the world of electronics, these boards offer a powerful platform to bring your ideas to life.
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