Arduino Unveils Updated Nano 33 BLE Boards

Arduino has recently unveiled the second revisions of its Nano 33 BLE and Nano 33 BLE Sense Bluetooth-equipped microcontroller boards. These new versions bring some notable improvements and changes to the popular boards.

The core nRF52840 IC, which utilizes a u-blox NINA-B306 module, remains unchanged in the new revisions. This IC continues to offer an Arm Cortex-M4 processor along with a Bluetooth transceiver. Additionally, Arduino has included an Arduino BLE library and MicroPython support for enhanced functionality.

One of the significant hardware upgrades in the latest versions is the replacement of the LSM9DS1 IC from STMicroelectronics with two Bosch Sensortec ICs. The Nano 33 BLE boards now feature the six-axis BMI270 IMU and the three-axis BMM150 magnetometer, providing improved sensor capabilities.

To ensure a smooth transition for existing users, Arduino has released replacement IMU and magnetometer libraries that enable seamless migration of sketches to the revised hardware. This thoughtful approach aims to simplify the upgrade process for developers and makers.

Arduino expressed its enthusiasm for the Nano 33 BLE boards, stating, "Nano 33 BLE is one of our most popular boards. It's small, 3.3V-compatible, and equipped with an embedded IMU that includes accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer. With a powerful processor and a Bluetooth Low Energy module featuring an internal antenna, it offers a versatile platform for various projects."

The Nano 33 BLE Sense, depicted in the second revision photo, retains the 9-axis sensor upgrade introduced in Revision 2. Furthermore, this version incorporates changes in its other sensors, enhancing its capabilities for applications requiring precise sensor data.