The Benefits Of Bluetooth Modules In Embedded Applications
With the
explosive growth of wireless communications in our everyday lives Rigid flex PCB, more businesses are
taking advantage of the benefits that wireless connectivity brings by
introducing it to an enhanced range of products allowing simple and secure,
wireless connectivity between different points.
Bluetooth is one such
technology that is familiar to many. Modules with Bluetooth connectivity can be
integrated into electronics equipment enabling customers to easily address the
advantages of this technology. Advantages such as free, secure connection to
other Bluetooth products and being globally compliant, enables products to be
developed with communications on board and sold globally. More on this
later.
Low power Bluetooth modules provide robust, short-range data
connectivity using embedded Bluetooth stacks, while supporting the latest
Bluetooth Version Specification with EDR (Enhanced Data Rate). They are ideal
for applications where designers need low power consumption, outstanding range
of up to 700 metres and data performance (up to 1 PCB Prototype.5Mbps HCI, 300Kbps
UART), and minimum size.
How? Bluetooth module transceivers are tiny PCB
devices a� as small as 25x15mm, including enclosure, power supply and antenna.
They communicate wirelessly between 2-8 modules and are usually specified as
data or voice devices depending on the required use. As a key benefit of using
these modules is simplicity, many products will have the necessary RF design and
approvals completed by the companies producing them. This also extends to the
Bluetooth firmware onboard. This is known as a stack.
Stacks allow
devices to locate and create an exchange with each other. This enables them to
communicate information so they can work together with different applications.
The embedded stack on board Bluetooth modules allows for instances where
internal space is at a premium, and also Bluetooth modules that can be mounted
directly to an external stack, where workable space is available. These
Bluetooth modules can also operate within a Host Controller Interface (HCI)
layers and communicate with hardware and application HCI
layers.
Interfacing is then limited to soldering onto the main
electronics board so in house electronics expertise is only required to allow
serial connectivity via a UART or HCI interface and to lay down onto the main
electronics board.
So what advantages does this give me?
Wireless
connectivity can allow advantages such as reduced service visits, not visiting
hazardous or hard to reach sites.
Bluetooth modules are inexpensive to
include in equipment, resulting in low overall manufacturing costs. These
savings can be passed on to the customer. Additionally, as no network contract
needs to be set up, (Bluetooth is free) there are no service
costs.
Bluetooth is automatic in that once a network has been configured,
you do not need to push any buttons to reconnect. When 2-7 devices enter a range
(up to 700m) of one another, they a�handshakea� and connect automatically
without having to do anything.
As Bluetooth is a standard, a high level
of compatibility amongst devices is assured. The Bluetooth specification uses
and defines various profiles and every profile is specific to a certain
function. For instance, when a Bluetooth enabled key fob and door entry system
are communicating with each other, they will understand each other without the
user having to do anything. Even if the devices are built by different
manufacturers.
Amongst Bluetooth devices, there is low interference as
they use a radio technique known as frequency hopping. This allows the use of 79
channels allocated to the Bluetooth 2.4GHz frequency, allowing each device to
hop within these channels to prevent clashing or interference with other
devices. This is automatic.
Bluetooth is around to stay. It is a
universal, wireless standard and will be here for years to come. As more devices
use Bluetooth, electronics manufacturers will be keen to make their products
more compatible, using Bluetooth. This in fact has already begun.
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