Starting out with aconno
aconno’s product range is based on a wide variety of modules, each one as a small computer with Bluetooth Low Energy. Which one is right for you depends entirely on what you are planning to do with it. Each module acts as the main controller, CPU, and memory all in one. This means it can run stand-alone software when connected to a power source, like Coin Cell or similar, without additional external microcontrollers.
The top model aconno ACN52840
runs at 64 MHz, has 1MB of flash memory and supports BLE 5.0, long-range, USB, and NFC on board – and much more. A somewhat more basic mass production module ACN52832 for BLE 5.0 comes without the long-range option but at an interesting price point. And finally, if the number of pins is not your top priority, but the size is, the ACN52832XS has the same CPU and range, but you can fit two of them on a post stamp.
By integrating sensors for light, temperature, air pressure, humidity, acceleration, angular velocity, magnetic field strength or distance into those modules we create connected smart sensors like the ACNSENSA and others from our portfolio.
So, are those products like Arduino or Raspberry Pi?
Well, yes and no, again depending on the purpose you have in mind.
Just like Arduino and Raspberry, the ACN528* modules are self-contained mini computers. They are far more powerful than most Arduino models and also significantly smaller in size. On the other hand, it’s not as powerful as Raspberry Pi, insofar that it doesn’t run an OS like Ubuntu Linux, but unlike Raspberry Pi, aconno models are low cost, low-energy and can be battery powered. They can, however, run an OS, like some RTOS derivatives or nano Linux.
To get a better understanding of whether aconno is what you need, let’s dig into what we can do for you.
Short distance to long-range
All our modules can be used for smaller ranges, for example, to determine if somebody is 5 or 15 centimeters away, but also for much greater distances. The ACN52832, as well as the miniature ACN52832 XS, have a range of 130 meters, more than enough for smart home and most industrial use cases. Still not far enough? The ACN52840 goes up to 1,5 kilometers.