Introduction
This guide explains the Waspmote Bluetooth Low Energy module. This module was designed for our original product lines Waspmote v12 and Plug & Sense! v12, and continues in the new lines, released on October 2016.
This module is compatible with Waspmote v12 and v15, and with Plug & Sense! v12. This guide is oriented to v15 users so if you are using v12 versions of our products, please read the corresponding guides, available on our Development website.
You can get more information about the generation change on the document "New generation of Libelium product lines".
This guide will describe all features of the Waspmote Bluetooth Low Energy module, compatible with the standard Bluetooth 4.0.
The Bluetooth 4.0 standard, also known as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), is a short range radio technology, optimized for ultra low power applications. It is different from Bluetooth classic (BR/EDR), but with same benefits like robustness, interoperability, royalty free or connectivity with smart phones and PCs. Next table shows the Bluetooth terminology.
Terminology
Name
Standard
Year
BR
Basic Rate (1 Mbit/s)
1.1
2002
EDR
Enhanced Data Rate (2 and 3 Mbit/s)
2.0
2004
HS
High Speed (Alternate MAC/PHY)
3.0
2009
LE
Low Energy (1 Mbit/s ultra low power)
4.0
2010
Table: Different Bluetooth standards
However, the compatibility with the classic Bluetooth devices depends on device trademark. See the next table which shows compatibility between Bluetooth trademarks.
Trademark
Standard version
Logo
Compatible with
Bluetooth Smart Ready
(Dual mode)
v4.0
Bluetooth Smart Ready
Bluetooth Smart
Bluetooth (classic)
Bluetooth Smart
(Single mode)
v4.0
Bluetooth Smart Ready
Bluetooth (classic)
v2.1 + EDR, v3.0
Bluetooth Smart Ready
Bluetooth (classic)
Table: Compatibility between Bluetooth standards
Bluetooth smart ready devices are also known as dual-mode devices, while Bluetooth smart devices are also known as single-mode devices.
BLE modules use the 2.4 GHz band (2402 -- 2480 MHz). It has 37 data channels and 3 advertisement channels, with a 2 MHz spacing and GFSK modulation.
More information can be found at the Bluetooth SIG:
https://www.bluetooth.org/en-us/bluetooth-brand/how-to-use-smart-marks
Moreover, a dedicated API has been also created to manage the module, allowing configure main features, perform scans or connect with other devices. Next sections will describe it in deep, but if the user requires more information about the internal chip set, a lot of literature is provided at the manufacturer website, which can be useful to understand basic concepts of the BLE technology.
Important:
All documents and any examples they contain are provided as-is and are subject to change without notice. Except to the extent prohibited by law, Libelium makes no express or implied representation or warranty of any kind with regard to the documents, and specifically disclaims the implied warranties and conditions of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
The information on Libelium´s websites has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It should not be relied upon for any specific purpose and no representation or warranty is given as to its accuracy or completeness.
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