nRF52840 -- configuring 25+ of these modules to wirelessly transmit data to a central controller

Hi folks!

I am making a sensing array that consists of 25 "nodes" of sensors, where each node will need to transmit its data back to a central controller. My plan was to use this nRF52840 module https://www.adafruit.com/product/4078 to do that. Is this the right pick? I would program each node's module to 1) take in I2C data from the two sensor ICs, 2) convert from I2C address to another addressing scheme (any suggestions here would be helpful--all the sensors between nodes have the same I2C addresses, so I need to convert to another method so they can be distinguished by my central controller), 3) send that data wirelessly to the central controller (this might be the Adafruit Feather nRF52840 Express).

Constraints:

1) I want to minimize node/PCB size

2) Want to minimize number of ICs in each node--hence the nRF52840 was attractive because it has some programmability. 



General questions:
1) Can this module do that/is it the right choice? Data from the 25 nodes would be collected continuously and need to be synced.
2) Is BLE the right platform (can it handle that many devices transmitting at once?), or should I look into RF modules or mesh? If yes to the second, let me know of any suggestions on that front.

To clarify, each sensing "node" would be a custom designed PCB with two sensing ICs and this module to transmit the data.

Let me know what you all think! Thank you in advance for your help.

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  • Hello,

     1. Can this module do that/is it the right choice? Data from the 25 nodes would be collected continuously and need to be synced.

    You can use this nRF52840 module. The maximum concurrent is 20. 

    ''To clarify, each sensing "node" would be a custom designed PCB with two sensing ICs and this module to transmit the data''

    Maybe it's better that these nodes advertise the data instead. If advertising is not an option; then the central can connect to 1 node, exchange data, disconnect, and connect to the next node, repeat. 

    2) Is BLE the right platform (can it handle that many devices transmitting at once?), or should I look into RF modules or mesh? If yes to the second, let me know of any suggestions on that front.

    Depending on how much data (in bytes), and how often the data need to be sent, then it might be to use BLE advertising. 

    Thanks.

    BR

    Kazi

  • Thank you for your response! How would I configure the nRF52840 to advertise? 

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