Bluetooth question - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: docmur
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2014, 11:55:09 pm
content: I'm trying to design Bluetooth in my product so I can connect to a cell phone and it can connect to me. I don't have much space to work with, maybe 13 x 13mm max. I'm looking an easy drop in Bluetooth module. I've taken a look at the PAN1326 but the datasheet doesn't list the dimensions of the footprint and the footprint is highly unusual, if anyone has any ideas I would love to hear them.The data sheet for the PAN1326 is:http://pideu.panasonic.de/pdf/174Datasheet.pdfThanksDocmur

author: josem
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2014, 01:20:54 am
content: If you're looking for HCI-based modules (ie you'll run your own stack) like the PAN1326 then have a look at the Laird BT800http://www.lairdtech.com/Products/Embedded-Wireless-Solutions/Bluetooth-Radio-Modules/BT800-Series/BT800/or Bluegiga BT111https://www.bluegiga.com/en-US/products/bluetooth-4.0-modules/bt111-bluetooth--smart-ready-hci/technical-specs/Both have easier footprints than the Panasonic and should fit your size reqs.There are more options of course, but those are the two that come to mind.

author: docmur
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2014, 01:24:52 am
content: Alright thanks :-)The smaller the better, my board is almost laid out and I only have 30 x 30mm to work with in total, so saving space is big!

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2014, 01:34:59 am
content: read the appnote... your board may be too small for that module. you need a certain plane space around these modules fo rthe antennas to work right

author: docmur
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2014, 01:41:15 am
content: Ya, a lot of them need something like a 6.0mm x 4.0mm cutout around the antenna, with a full layout cutout all the way up. This is fine, I just have to place the module at the edge of the board.

author: Neilm
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2014, 06:19:13 pm
content: Quote from: free_electron on June 16, 2014, 01:34:59 amSeconded. I have seen one of the Bluegiga modules on a board that had a range of about 50mm, solely due to the poor layout. If looking at Bluegiga, look at as many app notes as possible as they seem to be fond of not putting all the information in one app note. I have to confess, I hadn't realised that the thickness of the PCB would affect how well the antenna worked.

author: andyturk
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2014, 12:27:59 am
content: I made a PAN132x footprint (with antenna) that's worked on a couple of prototype boards. It's in DipTrace. If you PM me your email, I'll be happy to send it to you.However, as others have mentioned, the PAN132X modules are HCI-only, which means there's a shit-ton of firmware between putting the module on your board and having something that'll talk to your phone.A better solution is probably to put an nRF51822 on your board to handle the Bluetooth stuff. The raw chips are cheap, and Nordic supplies the Bluethooth stack. You can also get modules like this one:http://www.rfduino.com/product/rfd22301-rfduino-ble-smt/that are somewhat larger than the PAN132X, but have a complete ARM Cortex-M0 that you can program to do your bidding.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2014, 01:07:45 am
content: use a pan1721. stack on board its BLE but there are regular equivalentsBroadcomm has a single chip one. the chip has the antenna built in

author: docmur
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2014, 10:42:14 pm
content: Alright, well good information from everyone. If I really have to I can expand the board size by 8mm, giving me 20 x 15mm of space to put a module. I'm going to make new post asking for suggestions on the layout. My email if anyone is interested is amurdoch.cc@gmail.com