Bluetooth Tutorial

Technology

Bluetooth is a de facto standard and specification for small-form factor, low-cost, short range radio links between mobile PCs, mobile phones and other portable devices. The technology allows users to form wireless connections between various communication devices, in order to transmit real-time voice and data communications. The Bluetooth radio is built into a small microchip and operates in the 2.4Ghz band, a globally available frequency band ensuring communication compatibility worldwide. It uses frequency hopping spread spectrum, which changes its signal 1600 times per second which helps to avoid interception by unauthorized parties. In addition software controls and identity coding built into each microchip ensure that only those units preset by their owners can communicate.

The specification has two power levels defined: a lower power level that covers the shorter personal area within a room, and a higher power level that can cover a medium range, such as within a home. It supports both point-to-point and point-to-multipoint connections and provides up to 720 Kbps data transfer within a range of 10 meters (up to 100 meters with a power boost). The technology uses omnidirectional radio waves that can transmit through walls and other non-metal barriers. If there is interference from other devices, the transmission speed decreases but does not stop.

With the current specification, up to seven slave devices can be set to communicate with a master radio in one device. This connection of devices (slaves and master) is called a piconet. Several piconets can be linked together to form scatternets which allow communication between other device configurations.

On April 21, 2010 the Bluetooth SIG completed version 4.0 of the Bluetooth Core Specification. One of the most significant advancements was the inclusion of LE, Low Energy, which will let Bluetooth operate in devices for 1 year or more with only small better. Bluetooth watches are a possibility.

Bluetooth SIG

The Bluetooth SIG (Special Interest Group) was founded in 1998 by Ericsson, IBM, Intel, Nokia and Toshiba. Since that time more than 13,000 member (adopters) companies have joined the organization.

Certification Process

Before a manufacturer can release a product with the Bluetooth wireless technology on the market they must be qualified to standards defined by the SIG. The manufacturer must also obtain Regulatory Type Approval within the country it is to be sold.

Market

IDC estimates the Bluetooth chip market will beach $3.3B by 2012.

Find out more…

Official Bluetooth site:www.bluetooth.com