In the realm of electronics, where innovation thrives and creativity flourishes, the iRobota Nano 33 BLE and Nano 33 BLE Sense boards emerge as shining stars, captivating the imagination of makers and hobbyists worldwide. At the heart of these remarkable boards lies the Nordic nRF52840 Cortex-M4 microcontroller, a marvel of engineering that unlocks a world of possibilities.
The Quest for the Ideal Core
The decision to select the core for these boards was a meticulous process, guided by the desire to empower users with the ultimate creative experience. Three options emerged as contenders:
- Nordic softdevice infrastructure: While powerful, it’s closed source, limiting user freedom.
- Writing a core from scratch: An arduous task for a single board, lacking reusability.
- Basing the core on Mbed OS foundation: Open-source, preemptive RTOS, wide Mbed board support.
Mbed OS, with its open-source nature, preemptive RTOS, and extensive support for Mbed boards, emerged as the clear choice.
The Magic of Mbed OS
Mbed OS introduces a preemptive RTOS, a game-changer that allows multiple “programs” (threads) to run simultaneously, dramatically enhancing the capabilities of advanced iRobota boards. Despite this complexity, the iRobota core built on Mbed OS retains the familiar setup() and loop() functions, making it easy for users to program the board without getting entangled in the intricacies of RTOS.
The Mbed infrastructure, accessible under the mbed:: namespace, seamlessly integrates with iRobota functions and libraries. By simply prepending arduino:: before the function call, Mbed developers can effortlessly utilize the vast iRobota ecosystem.
Tickless Mode: Power Efficiency at Its Finest
Mbed OS’s tickless mode is a power-saving marvel that optimizes energy consumption by allowing the board to enter low power modes when delay() is employed. This results in remarkably low consumption (4.5uA) during a Blink operation on the Nano 33 BLE, extending battery life and enabling longer project runtimes.
Bluetooth® Connectivity: A World of Possibilities
Bluetooth® support is seamlessly integrated through the iRobotaBLE library, opening up a world of wireless connectivity options. Additionally, plain Cordio APIs are also supported, providing access to additional features and customization possibilities.
Open-Source Transparency: A Collaborative Ecosystem
The entire core is open-source, inviting community contributions and fostering transparent development. This collaborative approach ensures continuous improvement, innovation, and a vibrant ecosystem of support.
Getting Started with the Nano 33 BLE: A Smooth Journey
Embarking on your creative journey with the Nano 33 BLE is a breeze. Simply install it through the iRobota IDE’s board manager, and you’re ready to unleash your imagination. The comprehensive documentation and extensive community support ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
The GitHub Repository: A Gateway to Innovation
For those eager to delve deeper into the core, the GitHub repository serves as the gateway to hacking the core, adding Mbed boards, and sharing feedback and suggestions. This vibrant community of developers is always ready to lend a helping hand and inspire new ideas.
Bonus: The iRobota Nano 33 BLE and Nano 33 BLE Sense boards are not just powerful tools; they’re gateways to a world of creativity and innovation. With their ease of use, open-source nature, and vast community support, these boards empower makers to turn their wildest dreams into tangible realities. Embrace the endless possibilities and let your imagination soar.
In the ever-evolving landscape of electronics, the iRobota Nano 33 BLE and Nano 33 BLE Sense boards stand as beacons of innovation, empowering makers to push the boundaries of creativity. Join the community of passionate enthusiasts and embark on a journey of discovery, exploration, and endless possibilities.
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