Arduino Nicla Sense Env module features temperature, humidity, and gas sensors from Renesas

Arduino Nicla Sense Env is a new sensor module with temperature, humidity, and gas (TVOC, NO2, O3) sensing that follows the launch of the Arduino Nicla Sense ME (Motion & Environment) module over three years ago (2021).

The implementation of the new module is quite different since the ME module relies on Nordic Semi nRF52832 Cortex-M4 microcontroller and Bosch SensorTech motion and environmental sensor, but the new Nicla Sense Env module is made of parts from Renesas namely the RA2E1 Cortex-M23 microcontroller, the HS4001 humidity and temperature sensor, the ZMOD4410 gas sensor for TVOC and indoor air quality, and the ZMOD4510 gas sensor for NO2, O3, and outdoor air quality.

Arduino Nicla Sense Env (ABX00089) specifications:

• MCU – Renesas RA2E1 Arm Cortex-M23 entry-line microcontroller (not accessible or programmable by the user)
  • CPU core – Arm Cortex-M23 core up to 48 MHz
  • Memory – 16KB SRAM
  • Storage – 128KB flash
• Sensors
  • Renesas HS4001 – Ultra-low power, fully calibrated relative humidity and temperature sensor
  • Renesas ZMOD4410AI1V – Gas sensor for TVOC and indoor air quality with embedded AI
  • Renesas ZMOD4510AI1V – Gas sensor for NO2, O3 and Outdoor Air Quality with embedded AI
• Expansion
  • ESLOV I2C connector with 5V power
  • 9-pin + 8-pin through holes and castellated pins with 1x I2C bus (shared with ESLOV connector), 1x serial port, 1x SPI, 2x ADC, up to 10x GPIO; Programmable I/O voltage from 1.8-3.3V
  • Unpopulated 12x pads for PMOD connector
• Misc – Reset Button, user RGB LED, user orange LED
• Power Supply – 3.3V input from Arduino Portenta or MKR board
• Dimensions – 22.86 x 22.86 mm
• Weight – 2 grams
• Temperature Range – -40°C to + 85°C

The new module does not have any wireless connectivity as this would be handled for the Portenta or MKR board, and lacks a micro USB port since the Renesas RA2E1 microcontroller is not programmable by the end user and runs algorithms by Renesas to provide useful data from the sensors.

What users can do is install the Arduino_NiclaSenseEnv library to control the module and get data from the sensors with optional connectivity to the Arduino Cloud or third-party IoT cloud services. The company also mentions support for MicroPython, but I could not find documentation specific to this programming language. You’ll find everything to get started with Arduino programming on the documentation website.

Potential applications in climate control systems like HVAC systems, automated air purifiers, fumes and fire detection alarms, industrial automation to detect toxic substances, and more.

The Nicla Sense Env can be purchased on the Arduino store for $39 US or €42.70 including VAT. Additional information may also be found in the announcement and the product page.

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