🧠 Step Up from Arduino IDE: Embrace the Future with nRF SDK and VSCode!

Community
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#1

Hi there,

Makers and beginners if you’ve plateaued in Software Development for these Xiao’s
I have been learning the nRF SDK using Visual Studio Code (VSCode) and it is a significant advancement for even beginner developers who feel limited by the Arduino IDE. check it out!

While the Arduino IDE is excellent for beginners and quick prototyping, VSCode, coupled with the nRF SDK, unlocks the full potential of the nRF52840 MCU. This transition provides access to a broader range of BLE features, such as Coded PHY for extended range BLE communication and Google’s Find My Device service. Moreover, Nordic Semiconductor is continually expanding their portfolio, adding support for WiFi and Low Power Cellular, which the SDK fully leverages. This means you can stay ahead in the rapidly evolving field of IoT and wireless communication.

The best part I’ve found is that Nordic Semiconductor offers a comprehensive, free training course through a series of YouTube videos. These guided videos are an excellent resource, requiring only an investment of around 10 hours of your time to get started.(took me probably an hour all in) installed and testing the DK board with a blink_pwm flash downloaded to the DK boards LED (1 of 4) ON! and breathing. Also For approximately $50, you can purchase the nRF52840 Development Kit (DK),

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which includes a built-in J-Link debugger capable of programming external targets.That alone is very nice (not an edu version either) This powerful piece of technology is further enhanced if you already own the Power Profiler Kit 2 (PPK2). also works with the NRF_for_Desktops programmer tool too!
With abundant, and constantly updated documentation, learning and developing with the nRF SDK using VSCode is a free yet immensely valuable step up. The combination of advanced tools, extensive features, and high-quality support makes this transition a no-brainer for developers looking to elevate their skills.

With the addition of the nRF7002 WiFi module to your nRF52840 DK board, you’re well-equipped for WiFi applications.

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UNO hat compatible pinouts
Seeed potentially creating a BLE/WiFi with IMU Sense type Xiao, would be incredibly versatile, combining the strengths of BLE, WiFi, and IMU sensing capabilities in a compact form factor.

And the debugging works, too—LOL! :smiley:

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to
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(you go from 3 pieces to 1 board.)
With the built-in J-Link debugger on the nRF52840 Development Kit, you can seamlessly debug your projects right from Visual Studio Code. This feature allows you to set breakpoints, step through your code, and inspect variables, making the development process much smoother and more efficient.

By moving to the nRF SDK and VSCode, you gain access to professional-grade platform for other stuff too, like Marlin builds, for 3d printers and PLatformIO but it’s the debugging tools that significantly enhance your ability to troubleshoot and optimize your projects.
It’s a game-changer, offering a level of insight and control that goes beyond what the Arduino IDE provides. So, dive in and experience the power of effective debugging alongside the comprehensive capabilities of the nRF52840 and its advanced features!
Nordic Semiconductor’s plan to integrate WiFi across their entire line, including the new nRF34 and nRF54 series, alongside low-power cellular, is indeed a game-changer. This comprehensive connectivity solution will enable seamless end-to-end IoT integration, providing robust and flexible options for developers. As these technologies converge, the potential for innovative IoT applications will expand significantly, offering improved performance, energy efficiency, and broader connectivity options. It’s a great time to be involved in IoT development!

XIAO's_family
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with some ingenuity, jumpers and a good socket you can use it on the whole Xiao family.

More as it develops, I’m past the first two quizzes and pressing on! :stuck_out_tongue:
GL :slight_smile: PJ
:v:

#2

comes with a NFC antenna for adding to the whole NFC Tag Game.!
You can add a Cellular board to it also. (more on that way later) :heart_eyes:

#3

Please don’t forget to mention that the nRF SDK is based on Zephyr, which relies on a completely different architecture, the device-trees, inspired by Linux.

The GPIOs and ports are defined by the device-tree, separated from the code. The idea is to ease portability, as a different board would only require a different device-tree.

Despite the excellent free MOOCs provided by Nordic, the learning curve is steep and some tools are still missing, for example, for debugging the device-tree.

Luckily, Nordic is well aware of this situation. As a Nordic representative put it, « Zephyr makes complicated projects simple, and makes simple projects complicated. »

#4

Hi there,
Hmmm, maybe I slightly agree for some it is a stretch but if you have been writing code and working with different MCU’s it is totally within the wheelhouse and I’ll submit these points for anyone serious about moving ahead of the mundane and not lazy to learn. (not you ofcourse, your contributions are many I see that from the quality of the contributions you’ve made here and I appreciate it and your engagement) :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye: :heart_hands:

  1. Enhanced Portability and Scalability:
  • Device-Tree Abstraction: The use of device-trees in Zephyr allows for a clean separation of hardware configuration from application logic. This abstraction means that switching to a different board or MCU is much simpler, as it often involves just updating the device-tree instead of rewriting significant portions of the code.
  • Future-Proofing: As Nordic Semiconductor plans to expand their product line with new capabilities like WiFi and low-power cellular, the device-tree approach ensures that your codebase remains adaptable and scalable to future hardware advancements.
  1. Robust Ecosystem and Community Support:
  • Thriving Community: Zephyr is an open-source RTOS with a large and active community. This means extensive resources, community-driven support, and continuous improvements. Nordic’s active involvement ensures that the SDK is tailored for their hardware while benefiting from the broader Zephyr ecosystem.
  • Comprehensive Documentation: Zephyr’s documentation, coupled with Nordic’s detailed guides and resources, provides a solid foundation for learning and troubleshooting. The availability of free MOOCs and guided tutorials helps mitigate the learning curve.
  1. Advanced Features and Professional Tools:
  • Powerful Debugging Capabilities: While there are concerns about debugging the device-tree, the overall debugging tools in the nRF SDK are powerful and professional-grade, especially when used with Visual Studio Code and the built-in J-Link debugger on the nRF52840 DK.
  • Rich Feature Set: Zephyr supports a wide range of advanced features, including multi-threading, power management, and security, which are essential for building sophisticated IoT applications.
  1. Nordic’s Commitment and Continuous Improvement:
  • Active Development: Nordic is fully aware of the challenges and is committed to improving the development experience. Their continuous updates and improvements to the SDK demonstrate their dedication to making the transition as smooth as possible.
  • Real-World Applications: The assertion that “Zephyr makes complicated projects simple and simple projects complicated” although I have never heard anyone say that and feel it’s a ridiculous conflicting statement to me it only reflects the reality that Zephyr is designed for complex, real-world applications not just blinking light on a model. For developers aiming to build robust, scalable IoT solutions, the initial learning curve is a worthwhile investment for the long-term benefits.
  1. Real-World Success Stories:
  • Industry Adoption: Many industry leaders have adopted Zephyr for their projects, showcasing its reliability and effectiveness in production environments. These success stories can provide reassurance and motivation for developers considering the switch.
    The initial challenges are far outweigh and emphasizes the significant long-term benefits of switching to the nRF SDK and Zephyr.
    What tools are you saying that are missing? that you need? With all of the great integration of PPK and WiFi, Low power Cellular it’s a NO-brainer. Have you built anything with it that’s not a single thread application? reading data and flashing some Led’s? just curious to know. I have dabbled in it in the past but was too busy with patent work to go ALL IN. ESP_IDF is way worse IMO and Arduino comes up short. and for someone who’s best friend was assembly language this stuff is a dream LOL :smile: :+1:
    YMMV

There forum is Robust with help and solutions, they are not distracted by the new shiny thing (AI in the maker space) I don’t need an AI based shoe-horn to get my shoes on in the morning! and Nordic isn’t cranking out bits and Bob’s without thorough Documentation and very helpful resources.

thanks for the good points & discussion, it makes this place better for sure.

GL :slight_smile: PJ
:v:

#5

My rep is pointing me to this…
wow, pretty impressive even with the Nrf52840 silicon. imagine with the Nrf54 Series X100 in performance and 2/3 less power requirements.

The main reason we selected Nordic’s nRF52840 for Kallisto® is the extremely power efficient implementation, but also the available Bluetooth front end, as well as the Zephyr RTOS support, the very well designed Bluetooth driver, the many available examples, and the excellent software support,” Behrens says.
The module also integrates sophisticated power management through the Nordic nPM1100 dedicated power management IC (PMIC). This allows the multi-sensor to be powered by USB or a connected battery, which can be charged by USB as well or via wireless charging (Qi) as well.

“We selected the Nordic nPM1100 PMIC due to its high integration with the battery charger and all required DC/DC converters,” he adds. “In addition, we have been able to rely on the excellent design-in support, the Nordic DevZone forum, and the availability of direct, competent discussion partners at Nordic.”

Pretty strong IMO. :muscle: :grinning:

#6

Hi there,
A Quick video to show what the desktop environment looks like for Nrf_SDK and the Nrf52840DK development board, No Racoons were harmed in the making of this video… LOL The Beagles are on guard watching for Cat food poaching Racoon that’s been visiting the last two nights. (b-roll) @ the End

Best view is full Screen…

HTH
GL :slight_smile: PJ :v:

#7

Hi there,
This is possible,
Using the Jlink in the nRF52840DK development board to Flash a Xiao via the SWD interface and NRF_SDK or The NRF for Desktop Programmer, So for 46 bucs you get it ALL.
and yes you can use it with arduino.

Jlink_NRF_desk_prog
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Jlink on DK
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:+1:
the rev 2 part is the Xiao BlE Sense
The rev 3 part is the Nrf52840 chip on the DK board.
ON_XIAO
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ON DK
ON DK3083Ă—1818 206 KB

HTH
GL :slight_smile: PJ
:v:

#8

Hi there,
Here is an Update video, using the JLink that’s included(built-IN) to the Nordic Nrf52840DK it is a real development board/platform for the Nordic Nrf52840 MCU and can be used for debugging and flash reading and troubleshooting. Also picture is the connection to the Xiao Expansion board and the SWD interface for Serial Wire Debugger like the Jlink. Compared to the actual $700 Jlink-II (Was a Gift) it does all of it plus more can be updated by Drag&Drop file onto JLink Flash Drive. Also is a plug for the Product of the century for them IMO.
$9 BLE Dongle, If you even think about BLE and some of the great things you can do with it. Truly is the Best $9 dollars one can spend these days LOL :+1:

HTH
GL :slight_smile: PJ :v:
Phone app for the NBS is on there at the end. :+1:

Notice , No soft device or Bootloader on this Blinky example written to a Xiao Nrdf52840 BLE…

Jlink_NRF_desk_prog
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Add in a Read of the Xiao with the Jlink on the DK board.

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Shows the MBR first(orange) then the softdevice (blue ver 1.40) then the rest is marked as Application(green).
:v:

notice the lack of a softdevice on the DK version of the same code. less space too.

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Check out the FREE video’s for getting started by number 3 you’ll get it and want more.
Well documented , Well supported, Better silicon Period. Now an SDK that is working and getting updated and improved almost quarterly. No one is doing that, SES, ESP-IDF-Arduino-IDE, ST… none.
nordic stuff is free now. (debugging built in)
HTH :v:

1 Like
#9

Hi there,
So, As an Arduino IDE user you may be overwhelmed by the differences NCS presents and what’s needed to understand this more professional way of Code development, Nordic has you covered and so does Element14 here is a great (article)take on it and if you ingest it like its good for you it makes perfect sense.

The Newest prototyping platform available from Nordic Semi is the thingy53 This thing is packed with stuff, and NOT on the spendy side at $60 bucs plus a $10 for the WiFi 6 is the end of the day. Most Dev hardware budgets for makers are minimal R&D funds. This thing is perfect, NO hardware to put together and gather up, NO wiring or soldering is required, all the sensors and interfaces are reference designs and brings proof of concept to SOFTWARE development focus and that makes… making , fun and Fast!

It takes a few reads to grasp it , but if your in the middle part of learning the NCS (NRF_Connect_SDK)
standard toolchain is 2.6.1 with experimental version at 2.7.1 (any new features and hardware tests)

I’ll bring more as it grows. The difference between Hardware Development (DK_Boards) and this type of prototyping platforms.
Stay tuned.
GL :slight_smile: PJ :v:

I hit up my local rep to see about getting hands on one of these, so keep watching. :+1:

#10

“We have more engineers working on the software development than we do on the Hardware. Even though we are a hardware company” :mega: ENOUGH SAID! :face_with_peeking_eye: Finn Boetius from Nordic Semiconductor, HERE

Boi , another company would really do well adopting this approach… Just saying. :star_struck:

As you were,
GL :slight_smile: PJ :v:

#11

Hi there,
So … Great news the first moves for FMD for the nRF52840 is now added to the newest SDK 2.7.1
the basics are , there is testing keys available, You only need to register your device if you plan on making a finished product. it is similar to signing up to Google MAPS API.
When I have more on the Coded PHY and the other supported features of FMD and as it comes out, STay tuned.

GL :slight_smile: PJ :v: