The Arduino Nicla Sense ME is a compact and powerful device designed for a wide range of sensing applications, integrating advanced technology from Bosch Sensortec. It’s characterized by its small size, low power consumption, and extensive sensor integration for motion and environmental monitoring.

Specifications:

• Microcontroller: The Nicla Sense ME is powered by a 64 MHz Arm® Cortex®-M4 (nRF52832) microcontroller, offering a balance of power efficiency and computing capability.
• Connectivity: Offers Bluetooth® 4.2 for wireless communication.
• Memory: Equipped with 512 KB Flash / 64 KB RAM, 2 MB SPI Flash for additional storage, and 2 MB QSPI dedicated for the BHI260AP sensor.
• Power: Can be powered through Micro USB (USB-B), a 3.7V Li-Po battery with an integrated battery charger, or pin header.
• I/O Ports: Features castellated pins including 1x I2C bus (with an external ESLOV connector), 1x serial port, 1x SPI, and 2x ADC. The programmable I/O voltage ranges from 1.8-3.3V.
• Dimensions: The device has a square form factor of 22.86 mm x 22.86 mm, making it extremely compact.
• Weight: It weighs only 2g, highlighting its suitability for portable and space-constrained applications.
• Operational Temperature: Capable of operating in environments ranging from -40 °C to +85 °C (-40 °F to 185 °F), making it robust for various applications.

Sensors: It includes a suite of sensors:

• BHI260AP: A self-learning AI smart sensor with an integrated accelerometer and gyroscope.
• BMP390: A digital pressure sensor known for its high performance and low drift.
• BMM150: A geomagnetic sensor for detecting magnetic fields.
• BME688: A low power gas, pressure, temperature, and humidity sensor with AI capabilities.

Learning Resources:

Nicla Sense ME Documentation

Getting Started with Nicla Sense ME

Applications and Projects:

The Nicla Sense ME, developed by Arduino Pro in collaboration with Bosch Sensortec, is a compact and powerful device that opens up a wide array of applications in sensing and intelligence at the edge. Its combination of low-power, high-performance sensors and a small footprint allows for versatile and innovative applications across various fields.

Here are some compelling use cases and applications for the Nicla Sense ME:

• Environmental Monitoring: With its array of sensors, the Nicla Sense ME is perfectly suited for monitoring environmental parameters such as humidity, CO2 levels, and toxic substances in both home and industrial settings. It can significantly contribute to safeguarding people’s health by monitoring air quality and detecting hazardous substances.
• Motion Capture and Analysis: The device can capture and analyze motion, making it ideal for applications like person-down systems, avalanche warnings, fitness apps to check posture, and much more. Its ability to integrate data from various sensors allows for complex solutions like robot stabilization, safety monitoring with collaborative robots (cobots), and home automation for increased comfort.
• Fall Detection Systems: A particularly innovative application of the Nicla Sense ME is in fall detection systems. By leveraging its advanced sensors and AI capabilities, it can accurately detect falls, which is critical for the elderly or individuals in high-risk work environments. A project highlighted by Arduino utilizes a neural network algorithm for enhanced fall detection accuracy, significantly reducing false positives. This makes the Nicla Sense ME an excellent choice for creating smart wearables that improve personal safety without compromising comfort or privacy.