Top 5 Factors to Consider When Choosing Bluetooth Module

There is a common misconception that while selecting a Bluetooth solution, people often find a Bluetooth processor to be cheaper compared to a module. Thus the deciding factor is not always defined or clear to choose Bluetooth module for your designs. We have covered below the best possible factors that should be considered when going for the Bluetooth module.

1. Power consumption

Power consumption is an essential factor that is a combination of two parameters the transmission rate and distance. Typically, the BLE technology devices and Bluetooth Smart devices are powered by a battery. The operating current/voltage of Bluetooth low energy equipment is essential because it directly determines the battery life and charging cycle.

2. Power class and transmission distance range

Generally, Bluetooth modules are filtered based on power class in the manufacturer or distributor websites. The higher the power class, the farther will be the distance reached during transmission. A Bluetooth network is similar to any other wireless technology as it has limited transmission distance, and it differs with various versions and power classes.

3. Application

Knowing your application requirements is a crucial step in determining the kind of Bluetooth module needed.

• Are both Bluetooth Low Energy and Bluetooth Classic required?
• Is the latest version needed for your application, or will a lower version of Bluetooth suit the need?
• What data rate or transmission range is required for your application?
• Whether you need an embedded standalone module with Bluetooth software stack, or should the stack run directly on your central processor that runs Linux or Android?
• What kind of interface does your application need like UART or SPI?
• What sort of platform are you looking for? Bluetooth low energy iOS or Bluetooth low energy android or both?

The above questions can help you boil down how to choose the best possible module for your application.

4. The reputation of the vendor

There are a huge variety of Bluetooth modules in the market at a very appealing low cost. When you go with the cost factor, you might have to sacrifice battery life or some other important aspect of Bluetooth low energy devices. It doesn’t seem reasonable to place bulk orders just because it’s a “cheap” Bluetooth module, and the vendor cannot fulfill it. Imagine if your requirements were Bluetooth medical devices, and the vendor is not fulfilling the order at the required timeline. Bluetooth Healthcare devices cannot be compromised of its quality due to the preference over cost.

Therefore, vendor reputation is a credible factor, and it’s good to be very selective. The module vendor should be viewed as a partner who plays a vital role in your business growth. Go with a module vendor having a good reputation and a strong support structure. They may be professional and competent enough to help select the right Bluetooth solution for your product.

5. Technical Support

Technical support is essential. Make sure that the vendor offers clear documentation comprising of application notes, user guidelines, and “real-time” resources that can answer any design question when getting your Bluetooth module to function.

Final thoughts

There are several stipulations for selecting a Bluetooth module based on hardware and software. It is best to know your requirement, consider the technical factors, and then chose the right vendor, which, when working in harmony, can ascertain that only the best choice is made for your design.

For more queries and expert guidance, feel free to reach to us.