BLE, or Bluetooth Low Energy, is a wireless communication protocol that enables IoT devices to exchange data with low power consumption and high security. However, using BLE can also incur some costs, such as hardware, software, and maintenance. In this article, you will learn how you can reduce the cost of using BLE protocol in IoT by following some simple tips and best practices.
One of the main factors that affect the cost of using BLE protocol in IoT is the hardware. You need to choose the right BLE chip, antenna, battery, and other components that suit your IoT application and budget. For example, you can opt for a single-chip solution that integrates the BLE radio, microcontroller, and memory on one chip, which can reduce the size, complexity, and price of your device. Alternatively, you can use a module that contains a pre-certified BLE chip and antenna, which can save you time and money on testing and certification.
Choose the right BLE chip: Opt for single-chip solutions that integrate the radio, microcontroller, and memory. This reduces size, complexity, and cost. Modules with pre-certified chips and antennas can save time and money on testing and certification. Optimize antenna design: A well-designed antenna can improve communication range, reducing the need for expensive boosters or repeaters. Select cost-effective batteries: Consider battery life and replacement cycles. Look for low-power BLE chips and optimize software to extend battery life.
BLE chip sets (brand) unit price not much significant, BUT choosing chip-set delivery lead-time and open market accessibility are far more critical than just a simply unit cost. Though one's can design a low cost BLE but at the expense of long delivery lead-time implicate manufacturing time-to-market and worst added high risks inventory cost.
Choosing the right BLE chipset should not be limited to the hardware aspect. One must also consider the vendor providing the chipset. That includes aspects such as vendor credibility, support channels available, the ecosystem and community around their chipset, the software (SDK options, IDEs supported, etc). In the end, when choosing a chipset, you are also selecting the vendor and all the surrounding aspects of their offering, more like a complete package. So, cost is not captured just by the simple cost of the hardware, but rather it should capture the effort and time that can be spent (or wasted) when sticking with a specific hardware vendor.
Choose BLE devices that have low power consumption. This will help extend the life of your batteries and reduce maintenance costs. BLE is ideal for applications that disable periodic data exchanges. Avoid continuous communications and transmit only when necessary. This will reduce energy consumption and, consequently, costs.
Another factor that influences the cost of using BLE protocol in IoT is the software. You need to optimize the software that runs on your BLE device and the software that communicates with it. For example, you can use a BLE stack that supports the latest features and standards, such as BLE 5.0, which can enhance the performance, security, and compatibility of your device. You can also use a BLE framework that simplifies the development and deployment of your IoT application, such as Zephyr, which is an open-source, cross-platform, and scalable operating system for IoT devices.
The BLE protocol is designed for systems that need to transmit information in multiple small packets over regular interval. One way to reduce the cost of BLE is to reduce power consumption by modifying these BLE parameters. Here's how you can do it: 1. Connection Interval 2. Advertising Interval 3. Transmit Power 4. Data Packet Size 5. Connection Event Length 6. Scan Window and Interval 7. Sleep Modes 8. Connection Parameters Update Procedure
The BLE protocol is designed for systems that need to transmit information in multiple small packets over regular interval. One way to reduce the cost of BLE is to reduce power consumption by modifying these BLE parameters.
A third factor that impacts the cost of using BLE protocol in IoT is the power consumption. You need to manage the power consumption of your BLE device and the devices that connect to it. For example, you can use a low-power mode that puts your device into sleep or standby when it is not in use, which can extend the battery life and reduce the need for frequent charging or replacement. You can also use a power-efficient connection method that adjusts the frequency and duration of data transmission according to the distance and signal strength, which can lower the energy consumption and interference.
In addition, you can consider ultra-low power consuming BLE devices with built-in, long-lasting energy storage components that make the devices operate without battery replacement.
A fourth factor that affects the cost of using BLE protocol in IoT is the device management. You need to monitor and update your device regularly to ensure its functionality, security, and reliability. For example, you can use a cloud-based service that enables you to remotely monitor the status, performance, and location of your device, which can help you detect and resolve any issues or anomalies. You can also use a firmware over-the-air (FOTA) service that allows you to wirelessly update the firmware of your device, which can improve its features and security.
Supporting over the air firmware updates for your project/product should be at the forefront of every BLE-connected product system designer/developer. FOTA updates can save a lot of money in the long run, especially when devices are already in the field and a security vulnerability or a fatal bug is discovered. Rather than having to recall hundred, thousands (or even millions!) of devices, you can send a critical firmware update to devices in the field without incurring high costs. Monitoring devices in the field is also a very crucial aspect to keep in mind. This will allow you to discover issues and debug problems that would be very difficult to reprice on a confined testing environment, saving you lots of time and money!
A fifth factor that influences the cost of using BLE protocol in IoT is the BLE ecosystem. You need to leverage the BLE ecosystem to benefit from its resources, opportunities, and support. For example, you can use the BLE specifications and profiles that define the common rules and formats for data exchange between different BLE devices, which can ensure the interoperability and compatibility of your device. You can also use the BLE community and forums that provide the latest news, insights, and guidance on BLE development and deployment, which can help you learn from the experts and peers.
A sixth factor that impacts the cost of using BLE protocol in IoT is the alternatives. You need to compare the alternatives to BLE protocol and evaluate their pros and cons for your IoT application. For example, you can compare BLE with other IoT protocols, such as Wi-Fi, Zigbee, LoRa, or NB-IoT, and consider their differences in terms of range, bandwidth, power consumption, security, and cost. You can also compare BLE with other wireless technologies, such as NFC, RFID, or QR codes, and consider their advantages and disadvantages in terms of functionality, usability, and scalability.
BLE, like any other technology, is not perfect and is not a one size fits all kind of solution to connectivity. Therefore, it’s important to stay informed and up to date with the latest in wireless technology and protocols, even if at just a high level. Having a broader foundational knowledge about other alternative technologies and protocols will allow you select the appropriate technology for different aspects of your product/system.
When choosing the BLE device, make sure you match it to the set of features for the actual needs of your application. BLE has grown, from an elegant efficient base protocol, to a complex scheme with additional optional features to cover individual use cases. If you choose a device that does not properly support features for your use case you may end up developing custom or overly complex workarounds. Thus increasing your development costs and compromising your end product. On the other hand, if you choose a device that supports all optional features for all use cases you may end up with a more expensive bill of materials and higher power consumption.
If the team is new to BLE, consider having someone experienced come alongside them in their journey. This will alleviate the costs of learning, mistakes, and lingering design/implementation issues and ensure your users have a positive experience with your device