Bluetooth: Classic & Low Energy for the IoT
Since its inception in the 1990s, Bluetooth® technology has quietly transformed the way we interact with electronic devices. From smartphones to wireless headphones and the ubiquitous Internet of Things (IoT) devices that have become an integral part of our daily lives, Bluetooth has become synonymous with short-range wireless data transmission. A key factor in the immense success of Bluetooth technology is its exceptional flexibility for developers, offering two core radio options — Bluetooth Classic and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) — to meet the ever-expanding need for wireless connectivity.
Bluetooth: Broad applications from ear to world
- Audio transmission: Wireless headphones, Bluetooth speakers and in-car entertainment systems free music and calls from the constraints of cables.
- File/data exchange: Data synchronization between computers and mobile phones enables convenient file sharing.
- Peripheral device connection: Wireless keyboards, mice and game controllers provide a clean, cable-free operating experience.
- IoT and sensor applications: Smart home devices, health monitoring devices and industrial sensors enable seamless communication between devices.
- Indoor positioning and tracking: Bluetooth AoA/AoD (angle of arrival/departure) technology enables high-precision indoor positioning and asset tracking.
The two cores of Bluetooth: Bluetooth Classic and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).
Although they both carry the name 'Bluetooth', these two technologies differ in their design goals and application scenarios. Together, they form a powerful ecosystem of Bluetooth technology.
- Bluetooth Classic: The seasoned and stable wireless communicator
Also known as Bluetooth Basic Rate/Enhanced Data Rate (BR/EDR), Bluetooth Classic is a mature, low-power radio technology that is widely used. Bluetooth Classic is the "big brother" of the Bluetooth family — steady and reliable. It is primarily used for tasks that require the continuous transmission of large amounts of data, such as high-quality wireless audio streaming. This means that your wireless headphones, car audio systems, wireless speakers and even older Bluetooth printing devices all rely on it working silently in the background. Bluetooth Classic uses 79 channels for data streaming in the 2.4 GHz unlicensed Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) band. It is mainly suitable for stable one-to-one connections, much like a phone call requiring clear and continuous communication. Its power consumption is moderate, much like a diligent worker requiring a continuous power supply.
- Bluetooth LE (Bluetooth Low Energy): The ultra-power-saving IoT helper!
Designed for extremely low-power operation, Bluetooth LE is the 'power-saving superhero' of the Bluetooth family! It is designed to be extremely power-efficient, enabling devices with small batteries to connect wirelessly for long periods of time. Examples include smart bracelets/watches, smart door locks, fitness sensors, Bluetooth beacons, smart light bulbs, medical devices, asset tracking tags and more. It operates in the 2.4 GHz band, using only 40 'channels' to transmit data. The best thing about BLE is its fast connection speed and ability to transmit small data packets using more flexible transmission methods. As well as point-to-point communication, it can also 'broadcast' messages and form a mesh network, enabling multiple devices to collaborate. Most impressively of all, BLE has now learned a new trick: precise positioning! This makes it ideal for IoT and indoor navigation applications, as it can detect the distance and direction of devices, making it extremely convenient for locating items!
Dual Swords Combined: Classic and Low Energy Bluetooth are building a new world of smart interconnection!
Although Bluetooth Classic is an early technology, it remains the preferred choice for many applications today thanks to its excellent stability and data transmission capabilities. While BLE has dominated the IoT field in recent years thanks to its extremely low power consumption, Bluetooth Classic still plays an indispensable role in high-quality audio streaming and high-bandwidth connections.
In fact, most Bluetooth chips on the market today are "dual-mode" chips, meaning they support both Bluetooth Classic and BLE. This provides developers with greater flexibility in their applications and ensures good compatibility between new and old devices.
This dual-radio strategy is essential for the continued development of Bluetooth technology and its adaptation to diverse market demands. Whether the requirement is for headphones to deliver the ultimate sound quality or for sensors to have ultra-long battery life, Bluetooth technology can provide a tailored solution, continuously driving us towards a more interconnected future.
Looking ahead: What new experiences will Bluetooth 6.0 bring?
The future of Bluetooth technology is full of possibilities. It will continue to drive the evolution of smart devices, offering us greater convenience and exciting new features. Join us as we explore the latest Bluetooth technology developments and discover how Bluetooth 6.0 will transform our lives! Stay tuned!
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