The nRF52840 microcontroller is a powerful and versatile device that is widely used in various applications. It offers a wide range of features and capabilities, making it an ideal choice for developers and enthusiasts alike. In this guide, we will explore the basics of the nRF52840, its uses, and how it works.

What is nRF52840?

The nRF52840 is a highly advanced microcontroller developed by Nordic Semiconductor. It is part of the nRF52 series and is designed to provide extensive wireless connectivity capabilities. The nRF52840 combines a powerful Arm Cortex-M4F processor with an integrated Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) radio, making it ideal for applications that require wireless communication.

What is nRF52840 used for?

The nRF52840 is used in a wide range of applications that require wireless connectivity. Some common use cases include:

• Internet of Things (IoT) devices: The nRF52840’s BLE capabilities make it suitable for IoT devices that need to communicate with smartphones, tablets, or other IoT devices.
• Wearable devices: Its low power consumption and small form factor make it ideal for wearable technology such as fitness trackers, smartwatches, and health monitoring devices.
• Home automation: The nRF52840 can be used to create smart home solutions, enabling wireless control and monitoring of various appliances and systems.
• Industrial applications: It can be utilized in industrial automation systems, allowing for wireless monitoring and control of machinery and equipment.

How does nRF52840 work?

The nRF52840 operates by running firmware written in C or C++ on its Arm Cortex-M4F processor. The processor executes instructions and interacts with the integrated peripherals to perform various tasks. The microcontroller’s BLE radio allows it to establish wireless connections and exchange data with other devices. Additionally, the nRF52840 supports a variety of peripheral interfaces such as UART, SPI, I2C, and USB, enabling communication with external devices.

Features

The nRF52840 offers several notable features, including:

1. Bluetooth 5 support: It supports the latest version of Bluetooth, providing improved range, data rate, and overall performance compared to previous versions.
2. High data rate: The nRF52840 can achieve a maximum data rate of 2 Mbps, allowing for fast and efficient wireless communication.
3. Large flash memory: It has a flash memory size of up to 1 MB, providing ample storage space for firmware, data, and other resources.
4. Integrated peripherals: The microcontroller includes various integrated peripherals such as UART, SPI, I2C, USB, and more, facilitating communication with external devices.
5. Low power consumption: The nRF52840 is designed to be energy-efficient, making it suitable for battery-powered applications that require long battery life.
6. Secure communication: It supports various security features, including encryption and authentication protocols, ensuring secure data transmission.

Comparison With Others

nRF52840 vs nRF52832

The nRF52840 is an advanced version of the nRF52832 microcontroller. It offers several improvements over its predecessor, including a higher maximum data rate of 2 Mbps compared to 1 Mbps in the nRF52832. The nRF52840 also supports Bluetooth 5 and has a larger flash memory size of up to 1 MB, whereas the nRF52832 only supports Bluetooth 4.2 and has a maximum flash memory size of 512 KB.

nRF52840 vs nRF5340

The nRF52840 and nRF5340 are both powerful microcontrollers from Nordic Semiconductor. However, they cater to different application requirements. The nRF52840 is primarily designed for wireless connectivity applications, supporting protocols like Bluetooth, Zigbee, and Thread.

On the other hand, the nRF5340 is a dual-core microcontroller that combines an Arm Cortex-M33 application processor with a Cortex-M33 network processor. It is suitable for complex applications that require both high-performance processing and extensive wireless connectivity capabilities.

nRF52840 vs nRF52833

The nRF52840 and nRF52833 are similar microcontrollers, but they have some differences. Both support Bluetooth 5 and have a maximum data rate of 2 Mbps. However, the nRF52840 offers more features and capabilities compared to the nRF52833. The nRF52840 has a larger flash memory size of up to 1 MB, while the nRF52833’s flash memory is limited to 512 KB.

Additionally, the nRF52840 supports more peripheral interfaces, making it more suitable for applications that require a wide range of external devices to be connected.

nRF52840 vs nRF52810

The nRF52840 and nRF52810 are both microcontrollers from Nordic Semiconductor, but they target different market segments. The nRF52840 is a high-end microcontroller with advanced features and capabilities, including Bluetooth 5 support, a maximum data rate of 2 Mbps, and a larger flash memory size of up to 1 MB.

On the other hand, the nRF52810 is a cost-effective microcontroller designed for applications that require basic wireless connectivity. It supports Bluetooth 4.2, has a maximum data rate of 1 Mbps, and offers a smaller flash memory size of up to 24 KB.

nRF52840 vs nRF51822

The nRF52840 and nRF51822 are both microcontrollers from Nordic Semiconductor, but they belong to different generations. The nRF52840 is a more advanced microcontroller compared to the nRF51822. It supports Bluetooth 5, has a higher maximum data rate of 2 Mbps, and offers a larger flash memory size of up to 1 MB. In contrast, the nRF51822 only supports Bluetooth 4.2, has a maximum data rate of 1 Mbps, and provides a smaller flash memory size of up to 256 KB.

ECAD Model

PCB Symbol and Footprint

Datasheet

Click the nFR52840 datasheet to know more useful details now!

How to get started with nRF52840?

To get started with the nRF52840, follow these steps:

1. Obtain an nRF52840 development board

Nordic Semiconductor provides official development boards like the nRF52840-DK, which include all the necessary components for testing and prototyping.

2. Install development tools

Download and install the Nordic Software Development Kit (SDK) and Integrated Development Environment (IDE), such as nRF Connect SDK and SEGGER Embedded Studio.

3. Set up the development environment

Follow the installation instructions provided by Nordic Semiconductor to configure the SDK, IDE, and associated tools on your computer.

4. Explore example projects

The nRF52840 SDK comes with a variety of example projects that demonstrate different features and functionalities. Start by exploring these examples to understand how to use the microcontroller effectively.

5. Develop your application

Use the knowledge gained from the examples to start developing your own application. Write firmware in C or C++ using the SDK, utilizing the nRF52840’s features and peripherals as needed.

6. Test and debug

Use the debugging capabilities of the IDE to test and debug your application on the nRF52840 development board. Ensure that the desired functionality is working as expected.

7. Deploy and iterate

Once your application is ready, deploy it to the target hardware or device. Iterate and refine your design as needed, considering factors like power consumption, wireless connectivity, and user experience.

FAQs

What speed is the nRF52840 processor?

The nRF52840 processor operates at a maximum clock frequency of 64 MHz. This high clock frequency enables the microcontroller to handle complex tasks and process data quickly, making it suitable for applications that require fast and efficient processing.

Is nRF52840 a microcontroller?

Yes, the nRF52840 is a microcontroller. It combines a powerful Arm Cortex-M4F processor with a wide range of integrated peripherals, including Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) radio, USB interface, UART, SPI, I2C, and more. This integration allows the nRF52840 to perform various tasks and interact with external devices, making it an ideal choice for wireless connectivity applications.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the nRF52840 microcontroller is a game-changer in the world of embedded systems. Its advanced features, low power consumption, and extensive connectivity options make it an excellent choice for a wide range of applications. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced developer, the nRF52840 offers endless possibilities for innovation and creativity.