BLE SoC or BLE module, how to choose when you develop your smart connected products?
A BLE SoC (System on a Chip) is a type of BLE chip that integrates multiple components onto a single chip. This allows for a more compact and efficient design, as all of the necessary components are contained on a single chip.
A BLE module, on the other hand, is a pre-fabricated module that includes a BLE chip and other components, such as a PCB antenna and various passive components. It is a more complete solution that is ready to be integrated into a finished product, and it typically requires less technical expertise to use than a BLE chip.
When choosing between a BLE SoC and a BLE module for your product, there are several factors to consider, including:
- Cost: BLE modules are typically more expensive than BLE SoCs, as they include more components and are designed for easy integration. If cost is a major concern, a BLE SoC may be a more economical option.
- Flexibility and customization: BLE SoCs offer more flexibility and customization than BLE modules, as they can be integrated into a custom circuit board and modified to meet the specific needs of the product. If you need a highly customized BLE solution, and if you have Bluetooth Low Energy(BLE) related development experience, a BLE SoC may be a better choice; if you don’t have Bluetooth Low Energy(BLE) related development experience and your product have enough budget, a BLE module may be a better choice.
- Integration and ease of use: BLE modules are designed for easy integration into a wide range of products, and typically require little to no additional development work. You don’t have to debug the radio frequency parameters if you choose a BLE module; debugging the radio frequency needs experience, just like a doctor. If you want a plug-and-play solution that is easy to integrate into your product, a BLE module may be a better choice. BLE modules including hardware modules and transparent transmission modules, you need to develop the firmware by yourself if you choose hardware modules; you need to develop the firmware by yourself if you choose transparent transmission modules, but you need to add extra MCU to send AT commands to control the transparent transmission modules.
In general, a BLE SoC is a more compact and efficient solution than a BLE module, but a BLE module may be easier to use and require less technical expertise to integrate into a device. Both solutions can be used to enable Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology in a device. The right choice will depend on your specific product needs and requirements.
