How to Use SparkFun Pro nRF52840 Mini - Bluetooth Development Board: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The SparkFun Pro nRF52840 Mini is a versatile and powerful Bluetooth development board that harnesses the capabilities of the Nordic Semiconductor nRF52840 SoC (System on Chip). This compact board is designed for low-power wireless applications and is ideal for Internet of Things (IoT) projects, wearable devices, and complex Bluetooth 5, NFC, and other RF applications. Its rich set of I/O options and the ability to run a variety of protocols make it a great choice for both hobbyists and professionals looking to develop advanced wireless projects.

• Microcontroller: Nordic Semiconductor nRF52840 SoC
• Operating Voltage: 1.7V - 5.5V
• I/O Pins: 21 GPIOs
• Analog Inputs: 6 (14-bit ADC)
• PWM Outputs: All GPIOs support PWM
• UART Ports: 1
• I2C Ports: 1
• SPI Ports: 1
• Flash Memory: 1MB
• RAM: 256KB
• Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5
• NFC-A Tag: Yes

To use the SparkFun Pro nRF52840 Mini in a circuit:

1. Powering the Board: Connect a power supply within the range of 1.7V to 5.5V to the VDD pin. Ensure that the power supply is stable and clean to avoid damaging the board.
2. Connecting I/O Pins: Utilize the GPIO pins for interfacing with sensors, actuators, or other peripherals. Remember to configure the pin modes in your code accordingly.
3. Analog Inputs: Connect analog sensors to the analog input pins if you need to read analog voltages. The ADC on the nRF52840 is 14-bit, offering high-resolution measurements.
4. Communication Interfaces: Use the UART, I2C, and SPI ports for communication with other microcontrollers, modules, or peripherals.
5. NFC Functionality: To use NFC, connect an NFC antenna to NFC1 and NFC2 pins and ensure your code is set up for NFC communication.

• Always disconnect the board from the power source before making or altering connections.
• Use a current limiting resistor with LEDs and other components that require one.
• Avoid electrostatic discharge by grounding yourself before handling the board.
• Ensure firmware and libraries are up to date for the best compatibility and performance.

Here is a simple example of how to blink an LED using the SparkFun Pro nRF52840 Mini with an Arduino UNO:

// Define the LED pin
const int LED_PIN = 7; // Use a GPIO pin that is available on your board

// This function runs once when you turn your board on
void setup() {
  // Initialize the LED pin as an output
  pinMode(LED_PIN, OUTPUT);
}

// The loop function runs over and over again forever
void loop() {
  digitalWrite(LED_PIN, HIGH);   // Turn the LED on
  delay(1000);                   // Wait for a second
  digitalWrite(LED_PIN, LOW);    // Turn the LED off
  delay(1000);                   // Wait for a second
}

Remember to select the appropriate board and port in your Arduino IDE before uploading the code.

• Board not recognized by computer: Ensure the USB cable is properly connected and the board is powered. Try a different USB port or cable if necessary.
• Unable to upload sketches: Check that the correct board and port are selected in the Arduino IDE. Also, ensure that the bootloader is functioning correctly.
• Intermittent operation or resets: This could be due to an inadequate power supply. Make sure the power source can provide sufficient current for the board and any connected peripherals.

Q: Can the board be powered by a battery? A: Yes, the board can be powered by a battery within the voltage range of 1.7V to 5.5V.

Q: Does the board have onboard debugging? A: Yes, the board supports Serial Wire Debug (SWD) through the SWDIO and SWDCLK pins.

Q: Can I use the Arduino IDE to program the SparkFun Pro nRF52840 Mini? A: Yes, you can use the Arduino IDE with the appropriate board package installed for the nRF52840.

Q: How do I update the firmware on the board? A: Firmware updates can be done through the USB interface using the Nordic tools or via the Arduino IDE with a compatible bootloader.

For further assistance, consult the SparkFun Pro nRF52840 Mini's online community and resources or contact SparkFun's technical support.