{"product_id":"nrf52840-ble-core-module-wisblock","title":"Nordic nRF52840 BLE Core Module | Low-power WisBlock BLE MCU core with TCXO stability, rich I\/O, and modular expansion. Ready to pair with RAK13302 for LoRa builds | RAK3401","description":"\u003ch2\u003eWhat is the RAK3401 WisBlock Core BLE Module?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eWisBlock RAK3401 BLE module\u003c\/strong\u003e is built around the \u003cstrong\u003eNordic nRF52840\u003c\/strong\u003e for applications that need \u003cstrong\u003eBluetooth Low Energy connectivity without built-in LoRa® or LoRaWAN®\u003c\/strong\u003e. As a BLE-focused alternative to the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/store.rakwireless.com\/products\/rak4631-lpwan-node?variant=37505443987654\u0026amp;intsource=rak_store\u0026amp;intmedium=organic\u0026amp;intcampaign=rak3401_wisblock_ble_core_module_page\u0026amp;intterm=rak4631\u0026amp;intcontent=store_link\"\u003eRAK4631\u003c\/a\u003e, it is well suited for \u003cstrong\u003ebattery- and solar-powered\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eIoT devices\u003c\/strong\u003e where low power consumption and reliable wireless performance matter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003ePowered by the \u003cstrong\u003eARM Cortex-M4F-based nRF52840\u003c\/strong\u003e, the RAK3401 balances processing capability with energy efficiency for \u003cstrong\u003eremote sensors, BLE end nodes, and other embedded IoT designs\u003c\/strong\u003e. It also includes a \u003cstrong\u003etemperature-controlled crystal oscillator\u003c\/strong\u003e for stable timing and provides interfaces such as \u003cstrong\u003eUART, I2C, SPI, ADC, USB, and GPIO\u003c\/strong\u003e for easy integration with \u003cstrong\u003eWisBlock modules, sensors, and expansion boards\u003c\/strong\u003e. For designs that need external LoRa capability, the RAK3401 can also be used with the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/store.rakwireless.com\/products\/rak13302-1w-module-for-lora%C2%AE-connectivity?variant=45344678740166\u0026amp;intsource=rak_store\u0026amp;intmedium=organic\u0026amp;intcampaign=rak3401_wisblock_ble_core_module_page\u0026amp;intterm=rak13302\u0026amp;intcontent=store_link\"\u003eRAK13302\u003c\/a\u003e 1W transceiver module on the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/store.rakwireless.com\/products\/rak19007-wisblock-base-board-2nd-gen?intsource=rak_store\u0026amp;intmedium=organic\u0026amp;intcampaign=rak3401_wisblock_ble_core_module_page\u0026amp;intterm=rak19007_base_board\u0026amp;intcontent=store_link\"\u003eRAK19007 Base Board\u003c\/a\u003e. Development is supported in \u003cstrong\u003eArduino IDE\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003ePlatformIO for VS Code\u003c\/strong\u003e using our Arduino BSP, helping speed up prototyping and development. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNotes: \u003c\/strong\u003eThis module only supports Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity. If you need \u003cem\u003eLoRa or LoRaWAN communication\u003c\/em\u003e, please check our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/store.rakwireless.com\/products\/rak4631-lpwan-node?variant=37505443987654\u0026amp;intsource=rak_store\u0026amp;intmedium=organic\u0026amp;intcampaign=rak3401_wisblock_ble_core_module_page\u0026amp;intterm=rak4631_wisblock_core_module\u0026amp;intcontent=store_link\"\u003eRAK4631 WisBlock Core module\u003c\/a\u003e. It combines the nRF52840 MCU with a Semtech SX1262 transceiver module based on LoRa technology.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho Is the RAK3401 BLE Core Module Designed For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe RAK3401 BLE Core Module is designed for engineers, system integrators, and product teams building\u003cstrong\u003e Bluetooth Low Energy IoT nodes\u003c\/strong\u003e. It suits developers who need a compact MCU for sensor data collection, local wireless communication, and low-power operation. The module fits projects that rely on \u003cstrong\u003emodular hardware expansion through the WisBlock ecosystem\u003c\/strong\u003e and require predictable behavior in long-term deployments. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is also well-suited for teams that need a reusable hardware platform where sensor, power, and interface modules can be \u003cstrong\u003estandardized across multiple BLE products using the WisBlock ecosystem\u003c\/strong\u003e. This makes it a reliable BLE IoT node with nRF52840 for modular deployments. Typical use cases include modular BLE IoT nodes with nRF52840 used in agriculture, industrial monitoring, and environmental sensing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy You Need RAK3401 WisBlock BLE Module?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe nRF52840 BLE Core Module delivers reliable BLE connectivity and flexible integration, providing outcomes such as \u003cstrong\u003eextended battery life and adaptable sensor expansion \u003c\/strong\u003efor IoT deployments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy it's useful\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEnergy Efficiency\u003c\/strong\u003e: Reduces power consumption for long-term field deployment.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlexible Integration\u003c\/strong\u003e: Connects easily with multiple sensor types for versatile applications.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRemote Monitoring\u003c\/strong\u003e: Supports data collection in locations without wired connectivity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScalable Prototyping\u003c\/strong\u003e: Allows rapid testing and iteration for development projects.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features of the WisBlock Nordic nRF52840 BLE Core Module\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProcessor Architecture: ARM Cortex-M4F\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMemory: 1MB Flash \/ 348KB SRAM\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eI\/O Interfaces: UART, I2C, SPI, ADC, GPIO\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eComparison: RAK3401 vs Other nRF52840 BLE Modules\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompared with generic \u003cstrong\u003eNordic BLE development modules\u003c\/strong\u003e, the RAK3401 focuses on deployment-ready modularity rather than evaluation-only use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeature\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRAK3401 WisBlock\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNordic nRF52840 DK\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eu-blox NINA-B306\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRaytac MDBT50Q\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdafruit Feather\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction Module\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBLE Only (Optimized Power)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTCXO Stability\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModular Expansion\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWisBlock\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLimited\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArduino Support\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLimited\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLimited\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlatformIO Support\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSensor Ecosystem\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePartial\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest Use Case\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBattery \/ Solar IoT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDevelopment\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIndustrial BLE\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOEM designs\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrototyping\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eUse Case Examples for BLE IoT Applications \u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis module provides precise BLE communication for IoT projects, enabling data collection and sensor integration across remote or distributed environments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eUse Case #1: Smart Agriculture Soil Monitoring\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA distributed soil monitoring system deployed \u003cstrong\u003eBLE 5.0 sensors using the RAK3401 nRF52840 module\u003c\/strong\u003e across 120 nodes per field. Each node advertised data every \u003cstrong\u003e10 seconds at 0 dBm\u003c\/strong\u003e, then entered deep sleep. Nodes ran on \u003cstrong\u003eAA lithium batteries supplemented by small solar panels\u003c\/strong\u003e, achieving 6–9 months of operation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eUse Case #2: Industrial Asset Tracking\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBattery-powered asset tags built on the RAK3401 WisBlock BLE module transmitted beacons at \u003cstrong\u003e5-second advertising intervals using BLE extended advertising\u003c\/strong\u003e. The system supported \u003cstrong\u003e200+ nodes per zone\u003c\/strong\u003e, with \u003cstrong\u003eRSSI-based filtering\u003c\/strong\u003e validated during peak activity to maintain reliable updates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWisBlock Ecosystem Compatibility \u0026amp; Expansion\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe RAK3401 is not a standalone BLE module. It is designed as part of the WisBlock modular hardware ecosystem. Unlike generic nRF52840 modules that require custom carrier boards and wiring, the RAK3401 interfaces directly with \u003cstrong\u003eWisBlock Base Boards that standardize power distribution, signal routing, and mechanical mounting.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWisBlock expansion modules cover sensors, power management, interfaces, and connectivity, allowing engineers to assemble complete BLE IoT nodes without\u003cstrong\u003e redesigning hardware for each use case.\u003c\/strong\u003e Sensor modules can be swapped or added without modifying hardware interfaces, while power modules support \u003cstrong\u003ebattery, and solar-assisted designs\u003c\/strong\u003e using the same core module.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis ecosystem approach \u003cstrong\u003ereduces integration risk, shortens development cycles, and enables hardware reuse\u003c\/strong\u003e across multiple product variants. Compared to adapter-based ecosystems, WisBlock provides a production-oriented modular architecture suitable for both prototyping and deployment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eWhy the WisBlock Ecosystem Matters for BLE IoT Design?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eMany BLE platforms are built mainly for prototyping, often relying on add-on boards or cables that are not ideal for long-term deployment. The \u003cstrong\u003eWisBlock ecosystem\u003c\/strong\u003e is different. It uses a \u003cstrong\u003emodular, stackable design\u003c\/strong\u003e with consistent electrical and mechanical interfaces, making it more practical for scalable BLE IoT products.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eWith WisBlock:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe RAK3401 core module handles processing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBase Boards manage power, charging, and mounting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSensor and interface modules connect through standardized connectors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eDesigners can avoid jumper wires, custom PCBs, and repeated hardware redesign\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThis modular approach helps support:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003eScalable node designs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003eHigher-density deployments\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003eMore consistent manufacturing results\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eFaster transition from prototype to production\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eWhy Choose the RAK3401 WisBlock BLE Core Module?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe RAK3401 is a B\u003cstrong\u003eLE-only variant of RAK4631\u003c\/strong\u003e. It serves as a BLE-only variant of the RAK4631 WisBlock Core for projects that prioritize power efficiency over long-range RF. This BLE-only nRF52840 core module is designed for low-power, long-term IoT deployments where LoRa connectivity is not required. It offers the same \u003cstrong\u003eMCU foundation as the RAK4631\u003c\/strong\u003e but removes the integrated LoRa transceiver to reduce power consumption and system complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eWith a TCXO for stable timing, multiple digital interfaces, and full compatibility with the WisBlock modular ecosystem, it enables developers to build \u003cstrong\u003ebattery and\/or solar-powered BLE sensor nodes\u003c\/strong\u003e that can be easily expanded or adapted as requirements change. This BLE MCU module with TCXO stability ensures reliable timing for synchronized sensing and wireless communication.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eCompared to development boards or bare OEM modules, the RAK3401 balances production readiness, modularity, and developer accessibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat’s in the Box\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 pc RAK3401 WisBlock Core module\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 pc WiFi\/BLE PCB antenna (MHF1 Connector)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 set Screw\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Get Started with RAK3401\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/docs.rakwireless.com\/product-categories\/wisblock\/rak3401\/overview\/?utm_source=rak_store\u0026amp;utm_medium=organic\u0026amp;utm_campaign=rak3401_wisblock_ble_core_module_page\u0026amp;utm_term=overview_of_rak3401_wisblock_ble_module\u0026amp;utm_content=documentation_link\"\u003eOverview of RAK3401 WisBlock BLE Module\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/docs.rakwireless.com\/product-categories\/wisblock\/rak3401\/quickstart\/?utm_source=rak_store\u0026amp;utm_medium=organic\u0026amp;utm_campaign=rak3401_wisblock_ble_core_module_page\u0026amp;utm_term=quick_start_guide_for_rak3401_wisblock_ble_module\u0026amp;utm_content=documentation_link\"\u003eQuick Start Guide of RAK3401 WisBlock BLE Module\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/docs.rakwireless.com\/product-categories\/wisblock\/rak3401\/datasheet\/?utm_source=rak_store\u0026amp;utm_medium=organic\u0026amp;utm_campaign=rak3401_wisblock_ble_core_module_page\u0026amp;utm_term=datasheet_of_rak3401_wisblock_ble_module\u0026amp;utm_content=documentation_link\"\u003eDatasheet of RAK3401 WisBlock BLE Module\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"RAKwireless","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45654070821062,"sku":"110219","price":9.9,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0177\/8784\/6756\/files\/RAK3401_WisBlock_Core_Angle.png?v=1774519857","url":"https:\/\/store.rakwireless.com\/products\/nrf52840-ble-core-module-wisblock","provider":"RAKwireless Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}