SKU: IOWC-1441
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Particle Argon IoT Development Kit (Wi-Fi & BLE)

₹3,589.00 (Inclusive of all taxes)
Out of Stock

The Particle Argon is a Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5 development kit based on the Nordic Semiconductor nRF52840 SoC and Espressif ESP32-D0WD Wi-Fi coprocessor, designed for building standalone IoT endpoints or local mesh gateways with integrated Li-Po charging.

Features

  • Dual-processor architecture: Nordic Semiconductor nRF52840 SoC (Cortex-M4F @ 64MHz) for BLE/Thread and Espressif ESP32-D0WD for 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n).
  • Comprehensive wireless support: Acts as a standalone Wi-Fi endpoint or a gateway for Bluetooth 5 and IEEE 802.15.4 (Thread) mesh networks.
  • Integrated power management: On-board Li-Po battery charging circuitry for easy deployment of portable, battery-powered IoT nodes.
  • Flexible connectivity: Features 20 mixed-signal GPIO (6 analog, 8 PWM), UART, I2C, SPI, and two U.FL connectors for external Wi-Fi and BLE/Thread antennas.
  • Developer-ready kit: Includes Argon board, mini breadboard, 2.4GHz flex antenna, USB cable, and starter components for rapid prototyping.

Out of stock

Description

The Particle Argon IoT Development Kit is a feature-rich platform engineered for developers building connected devices that require robust local wireless connectivity. Its core is a dual-processor system: the Nordic Semiconductor nRF52840 SoC handles Bluetooth 5 and low-power IEEE 802.15.4 (Thread) mesh networking, while a dedicated Espressif ESP32-D0WD coprocessor manages 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n), enabling the Argon to function as a powerful standalone Wi-Fi endpoint or a central gateway bridging different wireless protocols.

Architecturally, the board is designed for system integration and field deployment. It includes 4MB of onboard flash for the ESP32 and an additional 4MB SPI flash, providing ample storage for device firmware and data logging. The integrated Li-Po charging circuit simplifies power design for portable applications, and the extensive I/O set—including analog inputs, PWM outputs, and standard serial interfaces—allows for direct sensor and actuator connection. Two U.FL connectors provide options for attaching external high-gain antennas to optimize range for the Thread/BLE radio and the Wi-Fi coprocessor separately.

Key Features

  • Dual wireless MCU design: Nordic Semiconductor nRF52840 for BLE5/Thread and Espressif ESP32 as a dedicated Wi-Fi coprocessor.
  • Gateway functionality: Can bridge local Bluetooth/Thread endpoints to cloud services via its integrated Wi-Fi connection.
  • Enhanced RF flexibility: On-board PCB antenna for BLE/Thread plus two U.FL ports for attaching external antennas to maximize signal strength.
  • Robust development platform: Includes 1MB flash and 256KB RAM on the nRF52840, with ARM TrustZone CryptoCell-310 for hardware-accelerated security.
  • Simplified power design: Integrated charging circuit for single-cell Li-Po batteries, enabling cordless operation and easy deployment.
  • Full-featured I/O: 20 mixed-signal GPIO pins support analog sensing, digital control, PWM, and serial communication protocols.
  • Certified for compliance: FCC, CE, and IC certified, ensuring readiness for commercial product development in regulated markets.

Applications

  • Smart home automation hubs bridging BLE sensors to cloud services via Wi-Fi.
  • Industrial IoT gateways for local wireless sensor networks (Thread mesh) with backhaul to enterprise systems.
  • Prototyping and deploying battery-powered, portable environmental monitoring stations.
  • Educational kits for learning embedded systems, wireless protocols, and IoT gateway architecture.
  • Product development platform for connected consumer electronics and wearables.

Technical Specifications

Microcontroller/SoCNordic Semiconductor nRF52840 (Cortex-M4F @ 64MHz), Espressif ESP32-D0WD Wi-Fi Coprocessor
Wireless ProtocolsWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (2.4GHz), Bluetooth 5, IEEE 802.15.4 (Thread)
Frequency Range2.4GHz ISM Band
RF Transmit PowerUp to +8 dBm (nRF52840, adjustable)
Supply VoltageVia Micro USB or Li-Po Battery
Interfaces20x GPIO (6x Analog, 8x PWM), UART, I2C, SPI, JTAG (SWD), Micro USB 2.0
Antenna ConnectorOn-board PCB antenna (BLE/Thread), Two U.FL connectors (for BLE/Thread & Wi-Fi)
Operating TemperatureNot Specified
DimensionsNot Specified

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I set up the Particle Argon for the first time?

First, connect the Argon to your computer via the included USB cable. Install the Particle CLI or use the Web IDE. Put the board in Listening Mode by holding the MODE button until the RGB LED blinks blue. Use the Particle mobile app or CLI to claim the device to your account and configure its Wi-Fi credentials. The board will then connect to the Particle Cloud, allowing you to deploy firmware over-the-air. For local development, you can use the Particle Workbench extension for VS Code to compile and flash code directly.

Can I use the Argon as a gateway for other BLE or Thread devices?

Yes, the Argon is designed to function as a gateway. Its nRF52840 SoC can scan for and connect to nearby Bluetooth Low Energy devices or join a Thread mesh network. Sensor data from these peripheral devices can be collected, processed locally on the Argon's Cortex-M4F core, and then forwarded to the cloud or a local server using the onboard ESP32 Wi-Fi coprocessor. This makes it ideal for creating a hub that bridges low-power, short-range wireless networks to IP-based infrastructure.

What is the power consumption like, and how do I use it with a battery?

The Argon's power consumption varies with mode: active RF transmission draws higher current, while deep sleep modes on the nRF52840 conserve power. The integrated Li-Po charging circuit allows you to connect a 3.7V single-cell battery via the JST PH connector. The board charges the battery when USB is connected. For deployment, configure the device firmware to use sleep modes between readings to maximize battery life. Monitor the battery voltage via the analog-enabled VBAT pin for charge level estimation.

How do I connect external antennas to the U.FL ports?

The Argon has two U.FL connectors: one for the nRF52840 (Thread/BLE) and one for the ESP32 (Wi-Fi). To use them, carefully attach compatible U.FL-to-SMA (or other connector) pigtail cables. The on-board PCB antenna for BLE/Thread is automatically disconnected when an external antenna is connected to its U.FL port. Ensure your antennas are tuned for 2.4GHz. For optimal performance, avoid bending the pigtail cables sharply and secure the SMA connector properly to prevent strain on the U.FL socket.

Package Includes

  • 1 x Particle Argon Development Board
  • 1 x Mini Breadboard
  • 1 x 2.4GHz Flex Antenna (ANT-FLXV2)
  • 1 x USB Cable
  • Starter Project Components: 2 x 220-ohm Resistors, 1 x Red LED, 1 x Photodiode

Additional Information

Weight 0.125 kg
Dimensions 9 × 15 × 3 cm