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 (Internet of Things) applications, wearable devices, and sensor-based projects. Manufactured by Arduino, this board features a powerful ARM Cortex-M4 processor, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) capabilities, and a suite of integrated sensors, making it ideal for applications requiring wireless communication and environmental data collection.

• IoT devices and smart home automation
• Wearable technology
• Environmental monitoring (e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality)
• Gesture recognition and motion tracking
• Machine learning on edge devices
• Prototyping BLE-enabled devices

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 USB power source using a micro-USB cable.
   • Alternatively, supply 5V to the VIN pin and connect GND to the ground.

2. Programming the Board:

   • Install the Arduino IDE and add the "Arduino nRF528x Boards" package via the Board Manager.
   • Select "Arduino Nano 33 BLE Sense" as the board in the IDE.
   • Write your code and upload it to the board using the micro-USB connection.

3. Using Sensors:

   • The board includes multiple sensors (e.g., IMU, microphone, environmental sensors). Use the appropriate libraries (e.g., Arduino_LSM9DS1, Arduino_APDS9960) to interface with these sensors.

4. BLE Communication:

   • Use the ArduinoBLE library to enable Bluetooth communication. This allows the board to act as a BLE peripheral or central device.

• Voltage Levels: The board operates at 3.3V. Ensure that any external components connected to the I/O pins are compatible with 3.3V logic levels.
• Power Supply: Avoid supplying more than 5V to the VIN pin to prevent damage to the board.
• Sensor Libraries: Install the required libraries for each sensor via the Arduino Library Manager to simplify development.
• BLE Range: The BLE range may vary depending on environmental factors. For optimal performance, ensure minimal interference and line-of-sight communication.

The following example demonstrates how to read temperature and humidity data from the onboard sensor using the Arduino_HTS221 library.

#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. The board is not detected by the Arduino IDE:

   • Ensure the correct USB cable is used (some cables are power-only and do not support data transfer).
   • Verify that the correct board and port are selected in the Arduino IDE.

2. BLE connection issues:

   • Check that the ArduinoBLE library is installed and up to date.
   • Ensure the BLE device is within range and not obstructed by physical barriers.

3. Sensors not responding:

   • Confirm that the required sensor libraries are installed.
   • Check the wiring and ensure no pins are shorted or disconnected.

4. Power issues:

   • Verify that the board is receiving sufficient power (3.3V or 5V).
   • Avoid powering high-current peripherals 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 on the board?
A: Use the Arduino IDE to upload the latest bootloader or firmware updates via the Tools menu.

Q: What is the maximum BLE range?
A: The BLE range is approximately 10-30 meters, depending on environmental conditions and interference.

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