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CC2640R2L: BT

Sumanth Reddy
Prodigy 40 points
Part Number: CC2640R2L

Hi ,

We are reaching out regarding an issue with the range of our CC2640R2 device, which utilizes host test firmware and operates in both peripheral and central modes.

While we have not observed any range issues when the device operates in peripheral mode, where connections and data transfers are reliable even over considerable distances, we have experienced significant limitations in central mode.

Specifically, the device performs adequately when within 2-3 meters of each other. However, beyond this distance, connectivity issues arise. Failures occur during service and characteristics discovery, as well as during connection attempts. The device often terminates connections immediately upon establishing them.

In an effort to address this issue, we attempted to increase the transmission power (Tx power) of the device. Initially, the Default Tx Power Index in the ble_user.config.c file was set to 7, corresponding to 0 dBm in the TxPowerTable. We adjusted this setting to 12, corresponding to 5 dBm.

Unfortunately, this adjustment yielded only marginal improvements. While the device exhibited better performance within distances of less than 5 meters, failures persisted beyond this range.

We have also encountered similar range issues with the CC2640R2 LaunchPadTm Evaluation board, controlled over HCI from the BTool application. The BTool application received a TerminateLink Event as soon as it established the connection.

We are seeking guidance on how to enhance the range of our device when operating in central mode. Any insights or suggestions you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Please let us know if you require any further details.

  • 0
    TI__Genius 14005 points

    Hello Sumanth,

    Thanks for reaching out. Please help me with the following questions to be able to help you further:

    1. The peripheral is running basic_ble example? From the line where you describe using "ble_user.config.c" I would assume so.
    2. How/Where in the code in basic_ble did you set the TX power to 5 dBm?
    3. Are you using an external antenna or the one internal to the evaluation board?

    BR,

    David.

  • 0
    Prodigy 40 points

    1. The peripheral is running basic_ble example? From the line where you describe using "ble_user.config.c" I would assume so.

    Ans: The peripheral is running a host test application. We utilize host test firmware and configure the mode as either peripheral or central based on the scenario.

    2. How/Where in the code in basic_ble did you set the TX power to 5 dBm?
    Ans: We modified the Default Tx Power Index in the ble_user.config.c file from 7 to 12, corresponding to 5 dBm.
    Is this the correct file for the Host test firmware? If not, please inform us of the correct location to adjust the Tx power for the Host test firmware.

    3. Are you using an external antenna or the one internal to the evaluation board?
    Ans: The issue is also observed with the CC2640R2 LaunchPadTm Evaluation board. We don't encounter any issues when the device is in peripheral mode; however, the problem arises only when it's in central mode.

    Also, please confirm if adjusting the Tx power alone can resolve the range issue, or if there are other parameters that need to be adjusted to increase the range? Any information on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

  • 0 in reply to Sumanth Reddy
    TI__Genius 14005 points

    Hello Sumanth,

    Understood.

    What SDK version are you using? Inside the SDK, are you using ble5stack or blestack?

    Please look into the following app note for information on how to adjust the TX power: How to Do RF Radio Test With Your Bluetooth Product (Section: 3.2 Perform Tx Test). After flashing host_test and using Btool, you have to use HCIExt_SetTxPowerCmd() command to modify the TX power.

    Hope this helps.

    BR,

    David.