BMP280 vs. BME280: What Are Their Differences?

What is the BMP280 Sensor?

The BMP280 is a digital barometric pressure and temperature sensor developed by Bosch Sensortec. It is designed to be highly accurate, with a pressure measurement resolution of up to 0.16 Pa and a temperature measurement resolution of 0.01°C. The sensor is also very small, measuring just 2.0 x 2.5 x 0.95 mm, making it ideal for space-constrained applications.

Features of the BMP280 Sensor

• Pressure measurement range: 300 to 1100 hPa
• Temperature measurement range: -40 to +85°C
• Pressure measurement resolution: 0.16 Pa
• Temperature measurement resolution: 0.01°C
• Low power consumption: 2.7 μA at 1 Hz sampling rate
• I2C and SPI interfaces
• Small package size: 2.0 x 2.5 x 0.95 mm

Applications of the BMP280 Sensor

The BMP280 sensor is widely used in various applications, including:

• Weather monitoring stations
• Altitude measurement in drones and other aerial vehicles
• Indoor navigation systems
• Fitness trackers and smartwatches
• Industrial pressure monitoring

What is the BME280 Sensor?

The BME280 is an upgraded version of the BMP280 sensor, also developed by Bosch Sensortec. In addition to measuring atmospheric pressure and temperature, the BME280 includes a humidity sensor. This makes it a more versatile sensor for applications that require monitoring of all three environmental parameters.

Features of the BME280 Sensor

• Pressure measurement range: 300 to 1100 hPa
• Temperature measurement range: -40 to +85°C
• Humidity measurement range: 0 to 100% relative humidity
• Pressure measurement resolution: 0.18 Pa
• Temperature measurement resolution: 0.01°C
• Humidity measurement resolution: 0.008% relative humidity
• Low power consumption: 3.6 μA at 1 Hz sampling rate
• I2C and SPI interfaces
• Small package size: 2.5 x 2.5 x 0.93 mm

Applications of the BME280 Sensor

The BME280 sensor is used in a wide range of applications, including:

• Weather stations
• Indoor air quality monitoring
• HVAC systems
• Smart homes and IoT devices
• Agricultural monitoring
• Medical devices

Differences Between BMP280 and BME280 Sensors

While the BMP280 and BME280 sensors share many similarities, there are some key differences between them. The following table highlights the main differences between the two sensors:

As evident from the table, the main difference between the BMP280 and BME280 is the inclusion of a humidity sensor in the BME280. This additional feature makes the BME280 more suitable for applications that require monitoring of all three environmental parameters: pressure, temperature, and humidity.

Another difference is the slightly higher power consumption of the BME280 compared to the BMP280, due to the additional humidity sensor. However, this difference is minimal and should not be a significant factor in most applications.

Choosing Between BMP280 and BME280 Sensors

When deciding between the BMP280 and BME280 sensors for your project, consider the following factors:

1. Application requirements: If your application only requires pressure and temperature measurements, the BMP280 may be sufficient. However, if humidity monitoring is also necessary, the BME280 is the better choice.

2. Power consumption: While the BME280 has slightly higher power consumption than the BMP280, the difference is minimal. If your application is extremely power-sensitive, the BMP280 may be preferred.

3. Cost: The BME280 is generally more expensive than the BMP280 due to the additional humidity sensor. If cost is a primary concern and humidity monitoring is not required, the BMP280 may be the more economical choice.

4. Compatibility: Both sensors use I2C and SPI interfaces, making them compatible with a wide range of microcontrollers and development boards. Ensure that your chosen sensor is compatible with your system before making a purchase.

Interfacing BMP280 and BME280 Sensors with Arduino

Interfacing the BMP280 and BME280 sensors with an Arduino is relatively straightforward. Both sensors use I2C or SPI communication protocols, and there are numerous libraries available to simplify the process.

Here’s a simple example of how to connect and read data from a BMP280 sensor using an Arduino:

1. Connect the sensor to the Arduino as follows:
2. VCC to 3.3V
3. GND to GND
4. SCL to A5 (or SCL pin)

5. SDA to A4 (or SDA pin)

6. Install the Adafruit BMP280 library in the Arduino IDE.

7. Use the following code to read pressure and temperature data from the sensor:

#include <Wire.h>
#include <Adafruit_BMP280.h>

Adafruit_BMP280 bmp;

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
  if (!bmp.begin(0x76)) {
    Serial.println("Could not find a valid BMP280 sensor, check wiring!");
    while (1);
  }
}

void loop() {
  Serial.print("Pressure = ");
  Serial.print(bmp.readPressure());
  Serial.println(" Pa");

  Serial.print("Temperature = ");
  Serial.print(bmp.readTemperature());
  Serial.println(" *C");

  Serial.println();
  delay(2000);
}

Interfacing with a BME280 sensor is similar, but you’ll need to use the Adafruit BME280 library instead and include the humidity reading in your code.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use the BMP280 or BME280 sensor with a 5V Arduino?
   While the BMP280 and BME280 sensors are designed to operate at 3.3V, they are 5V tolerant. This means you can connect them directly to a 5V Arduino without using a level shifter. However, it’s always recommended to use a 3.3V power supply for optimal performance and longevity.

2. What is the I2C address of the BMP280 and BME280 sensors?
   The default I2C address for both the BMP280 and BME280 sensors is 0x76. Some modules may have a different address, such as 0x77, depending on the configuration of the SDO pin. Consult your sensor’s documentation for the correct address.

3. How do I calibrate the BMP280 or BME280 sensor?
   The BMP280 and BME280 sensors are factory-calibrated, and the calibration data is stored in the sensor’s memory. The libraries used to interface with these sensors automatically apply the calibration data, so no manual calibration is required.

4. Can I use multiple BMP280 or BME280 sensors on the same I2C bus?
   Yes, you can use multiple BMP280 or BME280 sensors on the same I2C bus by ensuring each sensor has a unique I2C address. This can be achieved by configuring the SDO pin on each sensor to a different state (either pulled up to VCC or connected to GND).

5. Are there any alternative sensors to the BMP280 and BME280?
   Yes, there are several alternative environmental sensors available, such as the MS5611 (pressure and temperature), the SHT31 (humidity and temperature), and the BME680 (pressure, temperature, humidity, and gas). The choice of sensor depends on your specific application requirements, budget, and compatibility with your system.

Conclusion

In this article, we explored the differences between the BMP280 and BME280 environmental sensors, their features, applications, and how to choose the right one for your project. Both sensors offer high-accuracy pressure and temperature measurements, with the BME280 also including humidity sensing capabilities.

When deciding between the two sensors, consider your application requirements, power consumption, cost, and compatibility with your system. Interfacing these sensors with an Arduino or other microcontrollers is straightforward, thanks to the available libraries and resources.

As technology continues to advance, environmental sensors like the BMP280 and BME280 will play an increasingly important role in various fields, from weather monitoring and indoor air quality control to industrial automation and healthcare. By understanding the differences between these sensors and their applications, you can make informed decisions when designing your next project.