BLE modules simplify IoT design

Richard Quinnell, Feb. 28, 2017 – 

For developers of IoT devices, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE, aka, Bluetooth Smart) has many advantages. As the name implies, low energy consumption is among them, as is the availability of complete BLE modules that provide essentially drop-in wireless connectivity. The key to maximizing the benefits of BLE modules, though, is to play to BLE's strengths.

By now most developers have at least heard of Bluetooth. The wireless protocol, named for the Viking who converted the Danes to Christianity, originally appeared in wireless audio streaming applications. The BLE version, which became available with Bluetooth v4.0, targets low-power applications by reducing transmitter power and data rate comared to the core specification. (Bluetooth's current version is v4.2.) Unlike the full core specification, BLE is limited to a 50m range and 0.27 Mbps.

Developers new to using the BLE standard should treat these reductions are key points to consider in setting system expectations. Just because a design uses the BLE protocols does not mean that low energy consumption is guaranteed. The design's operating range and data rate have a role to play in establishing energy demands, as does the system's overall communications strategy. Developers will need to consider these factors carefully to achieve the promised low energy attribute.

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