Ten Things to Consider When Purchasing a Bluetooth Module

Although there are currently many Bluetooth modules of different sizes and types on the market to choose from, many smart device manufacturers are troubled by how to choose a Bluetooth module suitable for their products. In fact, when purchasing a Bluetooth module, it mainly depends on what product you produce and the scenario in which it is used.

Below, Joinet summarizes the top ten things to pay attention to when purchasing Bluetooth modules for the reference of the majority of IoT device manufacturers.

Things to note when buying a Bluetooth module

1. Chip

The chip determines the computing power of the Bluetooth module. Without a strong "core", the performance of the Bluetooth module cannot be guaranteed. If you choose a low-power Bluetooth module, the better chips include Nordic, Ti, etc.

2. Power consumption

Bluetooth is divided into traditional Bluetooth and low-power Bluetooth. Smart devices using traditional Bluetooth modules have frequent disconnections and require frequent repeated pairings, and the battery will run out quickly. Smart devices using low-power Bluetooth modules only need one pairing. A single button battery can run for a long time. Therefore, if you are using a battery-powered wireless smart device, it is best to use a Bluetooth 5.0/4.2/4.0 low-power Bluetooth module to ensure the product’s battery life.

3. Transmission content

The Bluetooth module can wirelessly transmit data and voice information. It is divided into Bluetooth data module and Bluetooth voice module according to its function. The Bluetooth data module is mainly used for data transmission, and is suitable for information and data transmission in public places with high traffic such as exhibitions, stations, hospitals, squares, etc.; the Bluetooth voice module can transmit voice information and is suitable for communication between Bluetooth mobile phones and Bluetooth headsets. Voice information transmission.

4. Transmission rate

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 different from the heartbeat monitor. The required data rates vary widely.

5. Transmission distance

IoT device manufacturers need to understand the environment in which their products are used and whether their wireless transmission distance requirements are high. For wireless products that do not require high wireless transmission distance, such as wireless mice, wireless headphones, and remote controls, you can choose Bluetooth modules with a transmission distance of more than 10 meters; for products that do not require high wireless transmission distance, such as decorative RGB lights, you can choose The transmission distance is more than 50 meters.

6. Packaging form

There are three types of Bluetooth modules: direct plug-in type, surface-mount type and serial port adapter. The direct-plug type has pins, which is convenient for early soldering and is suitable for small batch production; the surface-mounted module uses semi-circular pads as pins, which is suitable for large-volume reflow soldering production for relatively small carriers; the serial Bluetooth adapter is used When it is inconvenient to build Bluetooth into the device, you can directly plug it into the nine-pin serial port of the device and it can be used immediately after powering on.

7. Interface

Depending on the interface requirements of the specific functions implemented, the interfaces of the Bluetooth module are divided into serial interfaces, USB interfaces, digital IO ports, analog IO ports, SPI programming ports and voice interfaces. Each interface can implement different corresponding functions. . If it is just data transmission, just use the serial interface (TTL level).

8. Master-slave relationship

The master module can actively search and connect other Bluetooth modules with the same or lower Bluetooth version level than itself; the slave module passively waits for others to search and connect, and the Bluetooth version must be the same as or higher than its own. Most smart devices on the market choose slave modules, while master modules are generally used on devices such as mobile phones that can serve as control centers.

9. Antenna

Different products have different requirements for antennas. Currently, the more commonly used antennas for Bluetooth modules include PCB antennas, ceramic antennas and IPEX external antennas. If they are placed inside a metal shelter, Bluetooth modules with IPEX external antennas are generally selected.

10. Cost-effectiveness

Price is the biggest concern for many IoT device manufacturers

Joinet has been deeply involved in the field of low-power Bluetooth modules for many years. In 2008, it became the preferred supplier of the world's top 500 companies. It has a short stocking cycle and can quickly respond to the various needs of the majority of equipment manufacturers. The company's existing supply chain and production lines can achieve obvious price advantages, ensuring that the majority of equipment manufacturers can use low-cost, cost-effective low-power Bluetooth modules. In addition to the above ten considerations, device manufacturers also need to understand the size, receiving sensitivity, transmission power, Flash, RAM, etc. of the Bluetooth module when purchasing a Bluetooth module.