In the early stage of Bluetooth module selection, you must understand the application scenario and the functions that need to be implemented (application block diagram), as well as the interfaces that can be called during the function implementation process (master-slave devices, functions), and consider the module power supply, size, and receiving sensitivity. Transmission power, Flash, RAM, power consumption (broadcast, continuous transmission, deep sleep, standby state), connection distance, interface, antenna, cost performance, etc.
According to the Bluetooth standard, SKYLAB's BLE Bluetooth modules are roughly divided into BLE4.2 modules, BLE5.0 modules, and BLE5.2 modules; if the Bluetooth solution requires a Bluetooth module that supports master-slave integration, you can choose the BLE4.2 module SKB369 , BLE5.0 module SKB501, BLE5.2 module SKB378. If you are looking for a cost-effective and reliable Bluetooth module, give priority to the Bluetooth 4.2 module SKB376.
BLE Bluetooth module selection parameters:
Transmission rate: Transmission rate is usually the first consideration for designers because it relates to the type of information being transferred. Therefore, when selecting a Bluetooth module, you must be clear about the application of the Bluetooth module, and use the data transmission rate required under working conditions as the selection criterion. After all, the data rate required to transmit high-quality music to headphones is closely related to heartbeat monitoring. The data rates required by the instrument vary greatly.
Connection distance: Choose based on the distance, and determine which BLE Bluetooth module can better meet the data transmission needs based on the distance in the actual application of the Bluetooth solution. Transmission distance is also an important consideration. Of course, the farther the distance, the better. The transmission distance of SKB369 can reach 30 meters, the transmission distance of SKB501 can reach 50 meters, and the transmission distance of SKB378 can reach 50 meters+;
Power consumption: Power consumption is mainly determined by the transmission rate and distance. Generally, Bluetooth devices are powered by batteries, and the power consumption directly determines the battery life of the product. The BLE Bluetooth module itself is famous for its low power consumption, but because it has multiple working states: broadcast (100ms interval), continuous transmission (20ms interval), deep sleep (μA), standby state (μA); in each state There are also differences in power consumption values, which require engineers to determine based on the actual Bluetooth solution. BLE5.2 Bluetooth module SKB378 has extremely low power consumption: TX 4.1mA@0dBm, RX 3.6mA@1Mbps, Sleep current<1.8uA); suitable for products with strict power consumption requirements, such as smart watches and smart bracelets. and other products;
Communication interface: The module product itself is designed to shorten the product launch cycle. In order to facilitate the use of Bluetooth modules, existing BLE Bluetooth modules provide flexible hardware interfaces and support UART/SPI/GPIO/I²C/I²S/PWM interfaces. Users can Start based on the actual needs of the Bluetooth solution. If it is just data transmission, just use the serial interface (TTL level).
Chip solution: The chip determines the computing power of the Bluetooth module. Without a strong "core", the performance of the Bluetooth module cannot be guaranteed. SKYLAB BLE4.2/5.0 Bluetooth modules are developed and launched based on Nordic solutions, and their parameter performance is stable and reliable. SKYLAB BLE5.2 Bluetooth module SKB378 has a main frequency of 76.8MHz, a 32-bit ARM Cotex-M33 processor, and built-in 32kB RAM and 512kB Flash, supporting analog or digital peripherals;
Working method: BLE Bluetooth is generally divided into master, slave, master-slave integrated/master-slave simultaneous connection. One host can currently communicate with up to 7 slaves, supporting point-to-point communication;
SKYLAB's BLE Bluetooth modules currently on the market are mainly Bluetooth modules based on Nordic solutions, including SKB369 based on Nordic nRF52832 chip, SKB501 based on Nordic nRF52840 chip, and SKB378 based on EFR32BG22 Bluetooth wireless transceiver chip. Can be applied to interactive entertainment devices: remote controls, 3D glasses, game controllers; personal area networks: health/fitness sensors and monitors, medical equipment, keychains + watches; remote control toys; Bluetooth beacons; Bluetooth gateways; indoor positioning.