Xiao nrf52840 Sense - Platformio.ini file for BLE and IMU usage

[JoshuaT]

Months ago (back in Jan-Feb 2025), I used the following code for my platformio.ini file:

[env:xiaoblesense]
platform = https://github.com/maxgerhardt/platform-nordicnrf52
framework = arduino
board = xiaoblesense

; Ensure we use the Nordic SDK-based core (not Mbed)
board_build.core = arduino

; Include necessary libraries
lib_deps =
arduino-libraries/ArduinoBLE@^1.4.1
seeed-studio/Seeed Arduino LSM6DS3@^2.0.5

; Enable serial monitor at 9600 baud
monitor_speed = 9600

; Disable compiler optimizations for debugging (optional)
build_flags = -O0

; Ensure correct upload method
upload_protocol = nrfutil

I tried updating the IO file board specifications (pulled from Xiao nrf52840 with Platform IO) and the libraries. It mentions “sense” on the website, so I assume this can also be used. My new file is:

[env:xiaoblesense]
platform = https://github.com/Seeed-Studio/platform-seeedboards.git 
board = seeed-xiao-afruitnrf52-nrf52840
framework = arduino

; Include necessary libraries
lib_deps =
arduino-libraries/ArduinoBLE@^1.4.1
seeed-studio/Seeed Arduino LSM6DS3@^2.0.5

; Enable serial monitor at 9600 baud
monitor_speed = 9600

; Disable compiler optimizations for debugging (optional)
build_flags = -O0

; Ensure correct upload method
upload_protocol = nrfutil

But I get this error when trying to build it:

.pio/libdeps/xiaoblesense/ArduinoBLE/src/utility/HCIUartTransport.cpp:39:2: error: #error “Unsupported board selected!”
#error “Unsupported board selected!”
^~~~~
Compiling .pio/build/xiaoblesense/FrameworkArduino/freertos/Source/queue.c.o
Compiling .pio/build/xiaoblesense/FrameworkArduino/freertos/Source/stream_buffer.c.o
Compiling .pio/build/xiaoblesense/FrameworkArduino/freertos/Source/tasks.c.o
Compiling .pio/build/xiaoblesense/FrameworkArduino/freertos/Source/timers.c.o
Compiling .pio/build/xiaoblesense/FrameworkArduino/freertos/portable/CMSIS/nrf52/port_cmsis.c.o
Compiling .pio/build/xiaoblesense/FrameworkArduino/freertos/portable/CMSIS/nrf52/port_cmsis_systick.c.o
.pio/libdeps/xiaoblesense/ArduinoBLE/src/utility/HCIUartTransport.cpp:105:40: error: ‘SerialHCI’ was not declared in this scope
HCIUartTransportClass HCIUartTransport(SerialHCI, 912600);
^~~~~~~~~
Compiling .pio/build/xiaoblesense/FrameworkArduino/freertos/portable/GCC/nrf52/port.c.o
.pio/libdeps/xiaoblesense/ArduinoBLE/src/utility/HCIUartTransport.cpp:105:40: note: suggested alternative: ‘Serial’
HCIUartTransportClass HCIUartTransport(SerialHCI, 912600);
^~~~~~~~~
Serial
Compiling .pio/build/xiaoblesense/FrameworkArduino/hooks.c.o
*** [.pio/build/xiaoblesense/lib53a/ArduinoBLE/utility/HCIUartTransport.cpp.o] Error 1

Can anyone recommend how I can fix my project? And if using either of those libraries may brick the board (because now I cannot detect the board through a COM port)?

[PJ_Glasso]

Hi there,

So does the double reset push work ? Get back to bootloader mode and I don’t think the board Def is correct. Or you need to update PLIO perhaps.
Something is just off slightly, Enough to break it though.
Have a Look here, we got it going here

Upload working great in Arduino, "No device found on COM5" error in PlatformIO

I’ve been using both with the sense and the BLE versions, It’s all about the platfrom.ini file config. As someone has pointed out, they work no -issues. Debugging also works very well also in PlatIO . HTH GL Here’s one I use; ; PlatformIO Project Configuration File ; ; Build options: build flags, source filter ; Upload options: custom upload port, speed and extra flags ; Library options: dependencies, extra library storages ; Advanced options: extra scripting ; ; Ple…

I would try one of the other platform or board def’s

HTH
GL PJ

[JoshuaT]

1. I uploaded my previously working PLIO wrongly, apologies. This is it:

   [env:xiaoblesense]
   platform = https://github.com/maxgerhardt/platform-nordicnrf52
   framework = arduino
   board = xiaoblesense
   
   ; Ensure we use the Nordic SDK-based core (not Mbed)
   board_build.core = arduino
   
   ; Include necessary libraries
   lib_deps =
       arduino-libraries/ArduinoBLE@^1.3.7
       seeed-studio/Seeed Arduino LSM6DS3@^2.0.4
   
   ; Enable serial monitor at 9600 baud
   monitor_speed = 9600
   
   ; Disable compiler optimizations for debugging (optional)
   build_flags = -O0
   
   ; Ensure correct upload method
   upload_protocol = nrfutil
   

2. I was able to get the IMU detected by Windows File Manager using the steps below:

   1. Plug the board into my computer
   2. Double-click the reset button
   3. (NOTE): this only worked on my laptop, which a specific port, and with only some cables. IDK why.

3. To reset the firmware, I followed this link and uploaded the .u2 file to the Xiao sense: XIAO nRF52840 (and Sense) | MicroBlocks Wiki.

4. Step 3 allows the IMU to be detected again. But uploading any code (such as the blinky example in ArduinoIDE) causes the issue to come back.

5. (NOTE): This started when I uploaded BLE code using the updated PLIO.

(For anyone else) I decided to update it because I was receiving this error:
.pio\libdeps\xiaoblesense\Seeed Arduino LSM6DS3\LSM6DS3.cpp: In member function ‘status_t LSM6DS3Core::beginCore()’:
.pio\libdeps\xiaoblesense\Seeed Arduino LSM6DS3\LSM6DS3.cpp:108:17: error: ‘class arduino::MbedSPI’ has no member named ‘setBitOrder’
SPI.setBitOrder(MSBFIRST);
^~~~~~~~~~~
.pio\libdeps\xiaoblesense\Seeed Arduino LSM6DS3\LSM6DS3.cpp: In member function ‘void LSM6DS3::fifoBegin()’:
.pio\libdeps\xiaoblesense\Seeed Arduino LSM6DS3\LSM6DS3.cpp:766:13: warning: unused variable ‘thresholdHByte’ [-Wunused-variable]
uint8_t thresholdHByte = (settings.fifoThreshold & 0x0F00) >> 8;
^~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*** [.pio\build\xiaoblesense\lib1b4\Seeed Arduino LSM6DS3\LSM6DS3.cpp.o] Error 1

This solves the issue: https://github.com/Seeed-Studio/Seeed_Arduino_LSM6DS3/issues/28

[PJ_Glasso]

Hi there,

So , I see the Arduino BLE is an Older version. Known issues with it on certain BSP so beware. good on you for sticking with it..

GL PJ