FireBeetle ATMEGA328P BLE 4.1 Control Board

SKU: DFR0492

The article introduces the FireBeetle ATMEGA328P BLE 4.1 Control Board, part of the DFRobot FireBeetle series optimized for IoT development with low power consumption and Bluetooth Low Energy 4.1 integration, offering superior performance compared to Bluno series. It features a DIALOG Bluetooth 4.1 chip, providing stable connectivity and transmission rates up to 4Kbyte/s while maintaining power efficiency at just 25uA in POWER DOWN mode. The board supports multiple Bluetooth cascades and KISS connection for seamless communication between devices, making it ideal for low power applications such as wearable technology and smart tools.

Downloadable Resources

Docs

Tech Specs

1. Getting Started

This article guides you through selecting and setting up Arduino boards for optimal low power consumption, focusing on FireBeetle BLE4.1 microcontrollers and efficient coding strategies.

2. Example for Arduino-BLE Connection

This article explains how to establish connections between Arduino and BLE4.1 devices, covering key components like smartphone apps, P2P and star network modes, and wireless programming, while ensuring efficient Bluetooth communication and low power consumption.

Reference

This guide explores the use of AT commands for configuring Bluetooth parameters, including setting modes, network configurations, and performing firmware upgrades through the Arduino IDE.

Parameter	Details
Processor	ATMEGA328P
Bootloader	Arduino Pro or Pro Mini, ATmega328 (3.3V, 8MHz)
Operating Current	3.3V
VCC I/O Voltage	3.7V~5.5V
Lithium Battery Voltage	3.7V
Support maximum transmission rate	4Kbyte/s (more device, lower rate)
Support low power consumption	25uA (POWER DOWN); 70uA (enabled interruption)
Support maximum discharge current	600mA (LDO-3.3V OUTPUT)
Support maximum charge current	400Ma
Digital Interfaces	14
Analog Interfaces	6
SPI	1
I2C	1
UART	1
LED_BUILTIN	D13
Interface Mode	2.54mm (Pin/Female header), soldering free in default
Dimension	58×29 mm/ 2.28×1.14 inches

LED	Function	Status Description
RX	Serial Data Receive Indicator	Illuminates when the device is receiving serial data.
TX	Serial Data Transmit Indicator	Illuminates when the device is sending serial data.
CHG	Battery Charge Indicator	Without Battery: Flashes. Charging: Steady On. Fully Charged: Off.
LINK	Bluetooth Connection Indicator	Connected: Lights up for 3 seconds upon successful connection, then blinks every 3 seconds. Disconnected: Off.

Button	Primary Function	Usage Instructions
BOOT	1. Bluetooth Firmware Update 2. Enable KISS Connection	Firmware Update: Hold the BOOT button while powering on (plugging in USB) to enter update mode. See the Firmware Update section. Approach Connection (KISS): While powered on, hold the BOOT button and bring the device close to the target Bluetooth peripheral to initiate pairing.
RST	Arduino Reset	Resets the connected Arduino board.

FAQ

does this module come soldered with headers?

Hello. I bought Firebeetle a couple of months ago, and I haven't been able to upload a single program using arduino IDE. I always get the same error
warning: espcomm_sync failed
error: espcomm_open failed
error: espcomm_upload_mem failed
error: Invalid argument or value after -cf (argument #10)
error: Invalid argument or value after -cf (argument #10)
The USB cable I'm using works ok with many other arduinos and nodemcu boards I have..
The board and COM port are correctly selected.
How to deal with the situation cannot download?

There are many reasons for this problem:
1. Check basics, such as power supply, board type and COM port.
2. Bluetooth will occupy the serial port which will hamper uploading. Please disconnect the current Bluetooth connection, and try again.
3. The device serial port may be occupied. Please disconnect all peripherals then recompile and download again.
4. Arduino IDE may crashed. Please disconnect all Bluetooth (include smartphone), close all Arduino IDE software, pull USB line, reopen and test.
5. Bootloader in the FireBeetle 328P may get lost. Please try re-uploading Bootloader of ATmaga328p.
6. BLE 4.1 firmware may wrong. Please re-upload firmware and check the former chapter for reference.
Does BLE4.1 supports HID, ibeacon and tree network?

The functions HID, ibeacon and tree network are under development.
Why the Bluetooth data been received is gibberish in the baud rate 115200?

The bootloader that FireBeetle BLE4.1 uses is 3.3V Pro Mini of 8MHz oscillator. The Arduino Pro Mini 3.3V@8MHz may runs wrong with high baud rate. The lower baud rate is recommend, e.g. 9600bps
How to choose board when the device manager shows Arduino UNO COM x after connected to PC?

The COM name in default is Arduino UNO. Please choose the board according to bootloader, e.g. choose Arduino Pro Mini 3.3V@8MHz for FireBeetle BLE4.1.

Explore More Related Questions >

Was this article helpful?

TOP

FireBeetle ATMEGA328P BLE 4.1 Control Board

Specification

Pinout