How to Choose Between Classic Bluetooth and Low-Power Bluetooth? Let's take a look together.

In everyday life, commonly used Bluetooth devices connect to computers or mobile phones via radio waves. Standard Bluetooth devices are equipped with a small Bluetooth module and Bluetooth radio, along with software to facilitate the connection. When two devices need to communicate via Bluetooth, the first step is to initiate Bluetooth pairing. Both devices temporarily communicate in a short-range network that can accommodate 2 to 8 devices. Once this network is successfully established, one device acts as the master, while the others are slave devices.

Bluetooth technology has evolved over many years, now primarily divided into Classic Bluetooth and Low Energy Bluetooth, each with different functional characteristics. When designing Internet of Things products, how do you choose the type of Bluetooth module? This requires us first to understand the differences and features between Classic Bluetooth and Low Energy Bluetooth.

I. Classic Bluetooth Features:

Bluetooth versions 3.0 and below are referred to as "classic Bluetooth." This type of Bluetooth primarily serves calling and audio transmission functions, making its main characteristics high power consumption and large data transfer volumes, although the transmission range is typically limited, with the furthest distance often around 10 meters.

Bluetooth earphones, Bluetooth speakers, and similar applications typically use classic Bluetooth, as it is designed for sound transmission and is a good choice for short interval audio transmission.

In addition, there are also needs for transmitting large amounts of data, such as in industrial control scenarios. These often utilize Android or Linux main controllers, with Bluetooth remote controllers attached. They can use the classic Bluetooth SPP protocol as a wireless serial port, which offers much faster transmission speeds than BLE.

Low Power Bluetooth Features:

BLE, or Low-Power Bluetooth, refers to Bluetooth modules of version 4.0 and above. Compared to classic Bluetooth, BLE uses frequency-hopping technology, resulting in less data transmission. However, it consumes less power, has a longer transmission interval, and is more suitable for specific application scenarios.

Low-power Bluetooth is commonly used in battery-powered applications and mobile devices, such as shared bike locks, smart locks, anti-lost devices, and indoor positioning systems. It represents a cost-effective communication method between smartphones and smart hardware. With a straight-line range of about 50 meters, a single battery or a button cell can last for several months to a year, and is particularly suitable for specific scenarios.