Product Description

The nRF52840 Dongle is a small, affordable USB-based development module featuring Nordic’s versatile nRF52840 System-on-Chip. It supports a wide range of wireless protocols and is optimized for use with Nordic’s developer tools. Wireless Connectivity Supported This dongle supports a robust array of short-range wireless standards, including:

• Bluetooth 5 (including BLE, Bluetooth mesh)
• Thread & Zigbee (via IEEE 802.15.4)
• ANT, and various 2.4 GHz proprietary protocols

Developer Features

• USB-powered, with no additional power supply necessary.
• Programming & Communication via USB only—no onboard debugger included.

Intended Use & Software Ecosystem

• Perfectly matches with nRF Connect for Desktop—Nordic’s cross-platform companion suite for testing, programming, and evaluating wireless functionality. Many apps auto-program the dongle when used.
• Compatible with nRFUtil, and developers can load their own firmware via the nRF5 SDK (e.g., board name PCA10059) or use the newer nRF Connect SDK.
• Widely used for prototyping Bluetooth, Zigbee, Thread, ANT, and other short‑range wireless applications.

Controller Specific

Attribute	Value	Description	Why It Matters
Processor Type	N/A	CPU architecture and speed	Computational capability
I/O Capacity	N/A	Digital/analog input/output count	System integration capacity
Memory	N/A	RAM and storage capacity	Program complexity capability
Real-time Capability	N/A	Deterministic response time	Motion control precision
Communication Interfaces	N/A	Network and fieldbus support	System connectivity
Programming Environment	N/A	Development software	Ease of implementation
Safety Features	N/A	Functional safety compliance	Human safety requirements
Expansion Options	N/A	Modular expansion capability	System scalability

Form Factor

Attribute	Value	Description	Why It Matters
Height	10	Total standing height (cm)	Human-scale enables use of tools, navigation of spaces
Width	20	Shoulder-to-shoulder width (cm)	Affects balance, door/passage fit
Weight	52	Total mass (kg)	Impacts mobility, safety, power usage, transportability

Power System

Attribute	Value	Description	Why It Matters
Battery Type	Alkaline Battery	Li-ion / LiFePO4 / etc.	Determines energy density, safety
Battery Capacity		Wh or Ah	Impacts range and operating time
Operating Duration		Hours under normal load	Key for logistics, shift planning

Performance

Attribute	Value	Description	Why It Matters
Payload Capacity		Maximum carrying capacity (kg)	Determines real-world utility
Speed		Maximum operational speed	Task completion rate & productivity
Precision		Positioning accuracy (mm)	Quality of work & application suitability
Repeatability		Consistency of positioning (±mm)	Manufacturing quality & reliability
Cycle Time		Time per standard operation	Productivity & throughput calculations
MTBF		Mean Time Between Failures (hours)	Reliability & maintenance planning
Service Life		Expected operational lifespan (years)	ROI calculations & replacement planning

Connectivity

Attribute	Value	Description	Why It Matters
Communication Protocol		Wi-Fi / Ethernet / 5G / Bluetooth	Network integration capabilities
Remote Control		Web / App / Joystick / API	Needed for manual override or remote training
Programming Interface		Drag-drop / Code / Visual / Teach pendant	Ease of deployment and customization
Integration APIs		Available software interfaces	System integration capabilities
Cloud Connectivity		Cloud platform compatibility	Data analytics & remote monitoring
Security Features		Encryption & authentication methods	Cybersecurity compliance