Wireless Module is an electronic component consisted of a wireless chip and peripheral circuits mounted on a small substrate.
Especially, modules supporting Bluetooth® Low Energy (hereinafter referred to as “Bluetooth LE”) are incorporated into various electronic devices including wearable devices and IoT devices.
Bluetooth Low Energy is often referred as BLE, though it is officially described as Bluetooth Low Energy or Bluetooth LE.
In this column, you can learn about Bluetooth LE module’s features, applications, and advantages.

What is Bluetooth LE Module?

Basic information and features of modules

Wireless modules are equipped with not only wireless chips but also peripheral circuits necessary for communication. Nowadays, a wide variety of wireless modules are available from various manufacturers. You can choose from many options depending on the specifications such as;
-    Communication standards: Bluetooth LE / Wi-Fi / ZigBee, etc.
-    Communication distance, power consumption
-    Module size
-    Wireless IC chip
-    Built-in antenna / external / multiple-antenna support

Some modules include software for communication, which makes it unnecessary to develop application software. Therefore, your product can easily equip wireless function by incorporating the module, without procure a wireless chip and design it from scratch.

KAGA FEI’s Bluetooth LE module, “ES4L15BA1”, with world’s smallest class size that includes 
peripheral circuits and antenna on a substrate of less than 1cm.

Differences between dual mode and single mode

There are two types of Bluetooth modules depending on the supported mode, and the range of applications that can be supported is different.

･ Dual mode
Both Bluetooth Classic and Bluetooth LE are supported. Audio streaming and relatively large data can be transferred. However, it consumes larger power than Bluetooth LE, so you need to charge or replace battery frequently for battery operations.

･ Single mode
Only Bluetooth LE is supported. It is specialized in low power consumption and small data communication. This type of Bluetooth module can’t make connection with Bluetooth Classic. It is suitable for small devices such as wearable devices and beacon. Depending on communication frequency, it can be operated for more than one year by coin cell batteries.

Please refer to the following article for more details of Bluetooth LE and the differences from Bluetooth Classic.
What is Bluetooth® Low Energy? KAGA FEI shows you its features and applications.

Applications of Bluetooth LE Module

Utilize for IoT devices

Bluetooth LE is a standard that is suitable for IoT devices due to the feature of low power consumption.
For instance, in smart home systems, it is widely utilized for lighting control, temperature control of air conditioner, and security system such as smart lock. In the industrial field, it is also used to aggregate data acquired by various sensors and helps to visualize measured data. 

Use in wearable devices

Bluetooth LE module is also suitable for wearable devices where buttery life is a key. It allows for long continuous use such as smartwatch or wireless earphone.
Moreover, Bluetooth LE meets the need of miniaturization of wearable devices. This allows designers to realize a greater variety of designs and functions. Also, Bluetooth LE has high interoperability with smartphones and tablets, which enables seamless communication between devices.

Association with application software of smartphones

Because almost all smartphones have Bluetooth LE function, it is easier to connect IoT and wearable devices with smartphone apps.
It becomes possible to control smart locks remotely by using the dedicated app. Also, it is possible to change the wearable device settings from smartphone app. It is expected to expand to other potential applications including health management, fitness trackers, healthcare, and industrial devices. 

Application example: Smart shoes
Sensor unit with Bluetooth LE module is embedded into shoe soles, and it aggregates gait data in real time. 
The data is shown on the dedicated app.

Advantages of adopting Bluetooth LE Module

Users can find many advantages in adopting Bluetooth LE modules. Typical examples include faster product development and cost reduction.
We will learn more examples as below.

No need to design wireless circuit

Users don’t have to design wireless circuit by adopting Bluetooth LE modules. Since the modules are integrated necessary circuits for wireless functionality, specialized knowledge and engineering man-hour are not essential. When users embed modules in their devices, designing and evaluating are not required, which reduces development costs related to wireless functionality.

No need to obtain Radio Law certification

Most of Bluetooth LE modules have been certified to Radio Law, and it allows to reduce development period and cost. You can find Technical Conformity Marks on most of wireless modules used in Japanese market. 
In order to use radio equipment in Japan, it must conform to the technical standards of Japan’s Radio Law. Technical Conformity Mark attached to Specified Radio Equipment certifies that it conforms to Japan’s Radio Law. You can check whether a radio module is certified under Japan’s Radio Law by checking the Technical Conformity Mark on the product or in the instruction manual.
Each country has its own radio law, and which country's radio law certification has been obtained differs depending on the wireless module. If the radio law certifications of the area or countries where the final product will be sold are already obtained on the module, time and costs can be significantly reduced, and the product can be quickly introduced to the market.

KAGA FEI provides you with Bluetooth LE module which has been certified to Radio Law of Japan, the U.S., and Canada. Over 20 types of modules including world’s smallest class wireless modules are available.

Summary

Bluetooth LE module enables communicate between devices with low power consumption. It is utilized for a variety of products such as IoT or wearable devices. It offers you a lot of advantages including reduction of cost and development period.

Types of modules have been expanding recently, so you can find the one that meets your specifications and application. KAGA FEI offers more than 20 types of Bluetooth LE modules.
Please feel free to contact us about anything regarding wireless modules.