Differences between BLE module and classic Bluetooth module

By sdga:NiceRF Wireless Technology Co., Ltd

The Bluetooth module refers to a set of chip basic circuits that integrate Bluetooth functions, and is used for short-range 2.4G wireless communication modules. For the end user, the Bluetooth module is a semi-finished product. Through the process of functional redevelopment and encapsulation of the shell on the basis of the module, the final product that can utilize Bluetooth communication is realized.

Classic Bluetooth Module (BT):

Refers to the module that supports the Bluetooth protocol below 4.0, and is generally used for transmission of relatively large amounts of data, such as: voice, music and other higher data transmission. Classic Bluetooth modules can be subdivided into: traditional Bluetooth modules and high-speed Bluetooth modules. The traditional Bluetooth module was launched in 2004, mainly represented by the module supporting the Bluetooth 2.1 protocol, which was widely supported during the outbreak of smartphones. Introduced in 2009, the high-speed Bluetooth module has increased the speed to about 24Mbps, which is eight times that of the traditional Bluetooth module, and can be easily used for data transfer between VCRs to HDTVs, PCs to PMPs, and UMPCs to printers.

BLE module

It refers to a module that supports BLE 4.0 protocol or higher, also known as BLE module. The biggest feature is the reduction of cost and power consumption. It is used in products with high real-time requirements, such as: smart home (Bluetooth lock, Bluetooth lights), data transmission of sensing devices (blood pressure monitors, temperature sensors), consumer electronics (electronic cigarettes, remote control toys), etc.

Differences between BLE module and classic Bluetooth module

1. Bluetooth version

The BLE module supports BLE 4.0 or above protocols; the classic Bluetooth module generally refers to those that support the Bluetooth 4.0 protocol or below, such as: Bluetooth 3.0, 2.0, 1.0.

2. Power consumption

The BLE module has low power consumption and can be used for a long time with a button battery. It is often used in IoT smart products, such as: smart home (Bluetooth locks, Bluetooth lights), data transmission of sensing devices (blood pressure monitor) , temperature sensor), consumer electronics (electronic cigarettes, remote control toys), the classic Bluetooth module consumes a lot of power and needs to be powered.

3. Time required to send data

A BLE module usually takes only a few milliseconds to "complete" a connection, that is, it only takes a few milliseconds to scan other devices, establish a link, send data, authenticate and end; a classic Bluetooth module completes the same connection cycle for a long time, generally requiring hundreds of milliseconds.

4. Bluetooth broadcast channel

The BLE module has only three broadcast channels (dividing network interference): 36, 37, and 38; while the traditional Bluetooth module has 32.

5. Transmission data type

The BLE module uses very short data packets, and is mostly used in devices with high real-time requirements but low data rates, such as remote control keyboards and remote mice. Data transmission from sensing devices, such as heartbeat belts, blood pressure monitors, temperature sensors, etc. The data packet length used by the classic Bluetooth module is longer, which can be used for transmission of relatively large data volume, such as voice, music, and high data volume transmission.

NiceRF's BLE Module Recommendations

Product model

Features

Product pictures

BLE5101

1. Support Bluetooth mesh networking;

2. Support the coexistence of master and slave roles, which can connect multiple masters and slaves at the same time, up to 20 connections;

3. Support over-the-air upgrade (OTA DFU);

4. Support two connection modes: manual connection and automatic connection;

5. Support custom 16-bit UUID, including one Service uuid and two Characteristic uuid, which can be flexibly configured and compatible with similar BLE products;

6. Passed FCC ID and CE-RED certification;

7. Support low power consumption mode