BC840/M/E, Compact BLE 5, Thread, Zigbee Modules

Ver 1.00, April 2019

4. Bluetooth Range Measurements

Bluetooth range measurement hex codes can be downloaded from Bluetooth Range Measurements section

of this webpage.

http://www.fanstel.com/download-document/

Description of measurement site, measurement methods, and range raw data are available at:

https://www.fanstel.com/testreport/

Measurement Results

Bluetooth ranges are measured for antennas at two heights.

• 1.52 meters or 5 feet, the typical height of thermostat in the USA.

• Low Multiple Path Interference (LMPI) or 60% Fresnel zone clearance.

* Because of availability of nRF52840 CKAA SoC, Bluetooth range is measured from BC840E-ANT060 to

BT840E-ANT060. Ranges will be re-measured between two BC840Es when additional SoCs are received.

Deployment Recommendations

Sizes of modules of BC840 Series are similar. Measured ranges are from 4 meters to 1150 meters at 1Mbps.

Different applications are targeted.

• To have the best Bluetooth data reception, direct line of sight between 2 devices should be away from

ground or wall.

• BC840 is an ultra short range module for wearable applications.

• With larger PCB trace antenna, BC840M range is 400 meters at 125 Kbps. It can be used in a wide range

of applications, wearable, home automation, beacon, medical devices etc..

• Peak TX for BC840E with ANT060 is 15.38 dBm and range is measured at 3400 meters at 125 Kbps. It is

an ideal module for long range, battery powered applications.

• If one device must be installed closer to ground or a wall, install other devices far away from a wall or

ground.

• Indoor condition is different for different building. We suggest testing Bluetooth data reception in the

building with the worst case condition.

• B840 Series modules have compatible soldering pad footprint. Bluetooth range can be upgraded by

replacing module. No hardware change to the host board is required if your enclosure can accommodate

the longer module.

Data rate/Antenna height, meters

BC840

BC840M

BC840E-

ANT060*

BC840E-

ANT020

1Mbps/1.52 meters, between modules

4

135

850

125Kbps/1.52 meters, between modules

8

1400

1Mbps/LMPI, between modules

1150

125Kbps/LMPI, between modules

400

3400

1Mbps/1.52 meters with an Android phone

10

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