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Qualification requirements for applications using CC2540

Austin Phillips
Prodigy 10 points
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: CC2540

Hi there,

Having never developed a product with bluetooth support, I'm not sure of the normal qualification requirements.

For products which use the CC2540 with the standard profiles provided by TI, is membership and qualification by the Bluetooth SIG required?

If not, under what circumstances would a product require qualification?  eg Use of a custom developed profile?

Thank you

Austin

  • 0
    TI__Genius 12545 points

    Austin,

    Usually one can use the CC2540 with the standard profiles by TI, but it is always advisable to get qualification of the system by the Bluetooth SIG.

    The system can add extra complexities which might affect the qualification status. Also, when custom profiles are used. Therefore I'd say, one should qual the system.

  • 0
    TI__Expert 4060 points

    Hi Austin,

    We have certified our IC and software as Host (upper-layer) and Controller (lower-layer) sub-systems. Sub-systems support modular certification, so we have covered large amounts of the needed test already. However, because PCB layout etc. will be different in each case, there is a minimum of testing you need to do. However, you can get around this by using a pre-certified module. Several module vendors are launching modules based on CC2540.

    Bluetooth rules requires you to be a member to make use of Bluetooth technology. However, the lowest tier of membership is free for small companies.

    So, to summarize:

    If you do your own PCB, you do need to run Bluetooth certification. If you use a pre-certifiedmodule, you don't. (Also applies to FCC, ETSI and other regulatory certifications). Regardless, you need to be a Bluetooth SIG member to bring a product to market that uses Bluetooth technology.

    For more information, look at the Bluetooth SIG website. Some good places to look are the FAQ at https://www.bluetooth.org/ticketing/faq.cfm and the "New to the SIG" section: https://www.bluetooth.org/Membership/new_to_the_sig.htm.

    Best regards,

    Karl

  • 0 in reply to Karl T.
    Prodigy 70 points
    Karl, Will we need BT sig cert to use CC2540 or just if we want to use BT logo?
  • 0 in reply to Rob Rice
    TI__Expert 4060 points

    Rob,

    Yes, you need BT cert + end-product listing in order to license the Bluetooth IP.

    Best regards,

    Karl

  • 0 in reply to Karl T.
    Intellectual 500 points

    Karl,

    I didn't follow your response to to Rob's question. Do you need the BT cert + end product listing to use the CC2540? What if we don't care about marketing the product as using "Bluetooth"?

  • 0 in reply to Ben Hagan
    TI__Genius 12545 points

    If you decide not to use the Bluetooth logo or market the product as a Bluettoth product, you do not need to do the BT cert + end product listing.

    However if you want to follow the letter of the Bluetooth membership agreement, then you need to certify no matter what. If you are not a Bluetooth member, then you do not have rights to use the Bluetooth IP. Probably, you will be fine, but there is always the chance of a patent infringement suit. Of course, if you use the Bluetooth logo and don’t certify, that is even more risky, as you are likely to be sued for trademark infringement, which is probably an easier suit for Bluetooth to win.