How to Use Arduino nano 33 BLE sense Rev 2: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Arduino Nano 33 BLE Sense Rev 2 is a compact and versatile microcontroller board designed for advanced IoT and wearable applications. Manufactured by Arduino, this board features Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) capabilities, a powerful ARM Cortex-M4 processor, and a suite of integrated sensors. Its small form factor and robust features make it ideal for projects requiring wireless communication, environmental sensing, and machine learning.

• IoT (Internet of Things) devices and smart home automation
• Wearable technology and fitness trackers
• Environmental monitoring (e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality)
• Machine learning and edge computing
• Robotics and sensor-based projects

The following table outlines the key technical details of the Arduino Nano 33 BLE Sense Rev 2:

The Arduino Nano 33 BLE Sense Rev 2 has a total of 30 pins. Below is a summary of the pin configuration:

1. Powering the Board:

   • Connect the board to a computer or power source using a USB cable (5V input).
   • Alternatively, supply 3.3V to the VIN pin for external power.

2. Programming the Board:

   • Install the Arduino IDE and add the "Arduino Mbed OS Nano Boards" package via the Board Manager.
   • Select "Arduino Nano 33 BLE Sense" as the board in the IDE.
   • Write and upload your code using the USB connection.

3. Connecting Sensors and Actuators:

   • Use the digital and analog pins to connect external components like LEDs, motors, or additional sensors.
   • For I2C devices, connect them to the SDA and SCL pins.
   • For SPI devices, use the MOSI, MISO, and SCK pins.

4. Using Built-in Sensors:

   • The board includes several onboard sensors (e.g., temperature, humidity, and gesture sensors).
   • Use the appropriate libraries (e.g., Arduino_LSM9DS1 for motion sensing) to interface with these sensors.

• Voltage Levels: Ensure all connected components operate at 3.3V logic levels to avoid damaging the board.
• BLE Communication: Use the ArduinoBLE library to implement Bluetooth Low Energy functionality.
• Heat Management: Avoid placing the board in high-temperature environments to prevent overheating.
• Firmware Updates: Regularly update the board's firmware for optimal performance and compatibility.

The following example demonstrates how to read data from the onboard temperature and humidity sensor:

#include <Arduino_HTS221.h> // Include the library for the HTS221 sensor

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600); // Initialize serial communication at 9600 baud
  while (!Serial);    // Wait for the serial monitor to open

  if (!HTS.begin()) {
    // Check if the sensor is initialized successfully
    Serial.println("Failed to initialize HTS221 sensor!");
    while (1); // Halt execution if initialization fails
  }
  Serial.println("HTS221 sensor initialized successfully.");
}

void loop() {
  float temperature = HTS.readTemperature(); // Read temperature in Celsius
  float humidity = HTS.readHumidity();       // Read relative humidity in %

  // Print the sensor readings to the serial monitor
  Serial.print("Temperature: ");
  Serial.print(temperature);
  Serial.println(" °C");

  Serial.print("Humidity: ");
  Serial.print(humidity);
  Serial.println(" %");

  delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second before the next reading
}

1. Board Not Detected by Arduino IDE:

   • Ensure the correct board and port are selected in the IDE.
   • Check the USB cable and connection. Use a data-capable USB cable, not a charge-only cable.

2. BLE Not Working:

   • Verify that the ArduinoBLE library is installed and included in your sketch.
   • Ensure the BLE device is not already connected to another device.

3. Sensors Not Responding:

   • Confirm that the appropriate sensor library is installed and initialized in the code.
   • Check for loose connections or damaged components.

4. Power Issues:

   • Ensure the input voltage is within the specified range (3.3V to 5V).
   • Avoid powering high-current devices directly from the board.

Q: Can I use the Arduino Nano 33 BLE Sense Rev 2 with a 5V sensor?
A: No, the board operates at 3.3V logic levels. Use a level shifter to interface with 5V sensors.

Q: How do I update the firmware?
A: Use the Arduino IDE or the Arduino CLI to update the firmware. Follow the instructions provided in the Arduino support documentation.

Q: Is the board compatible with Arduino shields?
A: The Nano 33 BLE Sense Rev 2 is not directly compatible with standard Arduino shields due to its smaller form factor. However, you can use breakout boards or custom wiring to connect shields.

Q: Can I use the board for machine learning applications?
A: Yes, the board supports TensorFlow Lite for Microcontrollers, enabling on-device machine learning.