Arduino 33 iot how many sensors working well ?

Other Hardware General Electronics
1

Hello
Greetings.
Guten TAg.

So, i am wondering if any of you managed to get multiple sensors working well on 33iot. My concern is : the power. ( I am new to electronics though. )

I had a water temperature and a water ph sensor working rather well. Added a TDS sensor and the whole thing started to show signs of haywire.

Any thoughts ?
This is just a prototype/learning platform though, but now my instincts are telling me to try Portenta H7 ( which is allegedly a professional piece of equipment )

At this prototype stage i am trying to use up to perhaps 7 sensors
COuld be a lot more later on.

Thoughts ?
Thanks

2

That's easy: just add up the maximum current consumption of each proposed sensor, then make sure it doesn't exceed your supply capability.

(of course, if you manage things carefully, you probably don't need them all to be on maximum consumption at the same time)

In general, sensors don't consume significant power - main exception being things with heaters in.

Highly unlikely that's anything to do with power - should be well within the capabilities.

For any detailed insights, you'll need to give:

  • full details of the sensors you're using - give links;
  • your schematic - how they're connected;
  • your code.

Read How to get the best out of this forum for details of posting schematics & code - and other tips on how to get good answers...

3

Use a separate power supply. The board (actually any of them) has limited capability to power external components. The datasheet claims a maximum of 600mA at 3.3 volts. Note that the 5 volt pin is just the 5 volts on the USB connector (assuming the USB is connected).

4

Hi. almytom
THanks for your reply.
I forgot to add that i need to make it powered by batteries ( hence, more complicated ? )
i am working on a project to deploy sensors in remote areas.
Arduino ( the company ) recommended Portenta H7....
right now im just trying out a prototype but i am begining to feel that this 33IOT is not good enough ( not even for my prorotype ) - multiple sensors, perhaps 1-2 motors , and powered by batteries.

Regarding power, i need to add that i think it is more likely that i need to look into boards that work easily with simcards.... ( micro sim or e sim ).. I am mentioning this because this will concern the power usage as well..

Thoughts ?

5

It's really hard to give any definite advice when everything is so vague!

What, exactly, are you trying to achieve here?

You need to sit down and think about some solid requirements, your power budget, etc.

what kind of batteries?

Tiny coin cells, or mighty EV batteries?

On what basis?

A Portenta doesn't make much sense in a battery-powered system!

Why not? On what grounds, exactly?

Again, what sensors?

Now motors are high-power devices - are they really appropriate to a battery powered device?

You mean you need cellular connectivity?
Again, why?

There are many options in cellular technology - some use a lot more power than others.
Also a number of non-cellular technologies specifically designed for low-power.

Search "LPWAN"