Implementation Plan for RHA BLE5.1 Module Bluetooth Advertising

Overview

With the rapid development of IoT technology, Bluetooth has played an increasingly important role across various applications.

Bluetooth Advertising, as a key technology, provides a foundation for low-power communication between devices. It is widely used in smart homes, wearables, location services, healthcare, and more.

This solution will detail the working principles and advantages of Bluetooth Advertising, and explore its practical applications.

Bluetooth Advertising Overview

What is Bluetooth Advertising?

Bluetooth advertising refers to Bluetooth devices sending information through broadcast packets without establishing a connection with other devices.

The broadcast packets can carry various data, such as device name, UUID (Universal Unique Identifier), sensor data, and more. BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) devices use this method to be discovered and recognized by other devices, such as smartphones or central devices.

Basic Principles of Bluetooth Advertising

The workflow of Bluetooth advertising typically includes the following steps:

• Broadcast Packet Transmission:
  The peripheral device periodically sends broadcast data packets, which can contain various types of data.
• Scanning and Receiving:
  The central device scans Bluetooth advertising channels to receive broadcast data packets, and performs subsequent actions based on the information in the packets.
• Connection Request (Optional):
  If the central device wishes to establish a connection with the peripheral device, it will send a connection request. If the peripheral device accepts the request, a connection is established and both devices enter the connected state.

Bluetooth advertising offers the advantages of low power consumption, high real-time responsiveness, and no need for a connection, making it suitable for scenarios with high requirements for power consumption and response time.

Application Scenarios

1. Smart Homes
   Bluetooth Advertising enables automatic recognition and control of smart home devices. For instance, smart bulbs broadcast status and control commands, which are received by phones or controllers to adjust lighting, temperature, or security systems.
2. Wearable Devices
   Wearables like smartwatches and fitness trackers communicate with phones via Bluetooth Advertising. They broadcast activity data, heart rate, and GPS location, which are analyzed by apps to provide health insights.
3. Location Services and Asset Tracking
   Bluetooth Advertising is widely used in indoor navigation, personnel location and asset tracking. Bluetooth beacons broadcast location data, and receiving devices estimate distances based on signal strength, enabling accurate location services in malls, airports, hospitals, etc.
4. Healthcare and Sensors
   In healthcare, Bluetooth Advertising is used to monitor vital signs like heart rate, blood oxygen, and blood pressure. Medical sensors broadcast critical data, which is analyzed by receiving devices in real time to ensure patient safety.

Technical Implementation

1. Advertising Data Design
   When designing advertising data, consider its type, length, and transmission frequency. Since advertising packets are limited to 31 bytes, data should be compactly formatted. Common data types include device name, service UUID, and manufacturer-specific data.
2. Optimizing Advertising Interval
   The advertising interval determines the frequency of data transmission. Shorter intervals increase discoverability but consume more power, while longer intervals save power but may delay device discovery. Balance power consumption and response time based on specific needs.
3. Low-Power Design
   To extend battery life, Bluetooth Advertising devices adopt low-power designs. This includes optimizing intervals, using low-power hardware, and turning off advertising when unnecessary. Such measures are crucial for wearables and IoT sensors.

Implementation Example

1. Hardware:
   • Peripheral Device: RHA-BT101M Bluetooth module
   • Central Device: RHA-BT101M Bluetooth module
2. Peripheral Device Configuration:

   The MCU collects data and sets advertising data using AT commands, e.g.:

   AT+ADVDATA=4C0002155B198FF269A011EE8C990242AC12000200000000B6

3. Central Device Scanning:

   The MCU on the central device scans for advertising data using AT commands, e.g.:

   AT+SCAN=2

4. Data Reception:

   The central device MCU receives the following advertising data:

   +SCAN=1,570147CE00EC,-50,0,50,4C0002155B198FF269A011EE8C990242AC12000200000000B6

5. Data Processing:

   The central device MCU parses and processes the data for application use.

Future Outlook

With the widespread adoption of Bluetooth 5.0 and higher versions, the bandwidth and range of Bluetooth Advertising have significantly improved, further expanding its application scope. In the future, Bluetooth Advertising is expected to play a larger role in smart cities, autonomous driving, industrial automation, and more.

As an efficient and low-power wireless communication technology, Bluetooth Advertising has demonstrated tremendous potential across various fields. By designing and optimizing it effectively, Bluetooth Advertising provides reliable data transmission solutions for smart devices, driving the development of IoT.

With ongoing technological advancements, its application prospects will become even broader, bringing us a smarter and more convenient lifestyle.