Version: **
Question:
How can I obtain the 400-m range using EZ-BLE PSoC XT/XR modules (CYBLE-224110-00/CYBLE-224116-01)
Answer:
BLE range is dependent on both the transmitter and receiver characteristics. We obtain a 400-m full line-of-sight (LoS) range under the following conditions:
- The transmitter device and the receiver device are both PSoC XT/XR modules (CYBLE-224110-EVAL / CYBLE-224116-EVAL);
- The power amplifier (PA) is enabled as described in the CYBLE-224110-EVAL datasheet, as well as in AN96841 Getting Started With EZ-BLE Module.pdf (Section B.2.3.2 for CYBLE-224110-00))
- The BLE modules face each other as shown in the Fig. 1 below. This done as the radiation pattern of the BLE antenna is typically not isotropic and the relative orientation of the two modules can affect the range. To determine the maximum range, the antennas should be facing one another.
Fig 1: Module alignment
- The range test is conducted in an open field away from any buildings/structures and sources of RF interference.
- The distance is measured at the maximum point that a BLE connection is maintained. Once the connection is lost, this is the maximum point at which the two XT/XR modules can communicate with each other.
Question: What’s the range if the XT/XR modules are connected to a cell phone?
Answer: The range will be less than 400 m full LoS in an open field if you are testing the range using a cell phone connecting to the module. This is caused by the receive sensitivity of the mobile phone being used, which will vary by mobile phone manufacturer. If you follow the testing guidelines described in the previous question with a cell phone as one end of the connection, you will see the range vary from a tens of meters to over 150 meters depending on the cell phone used.