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CC2541: BLE-4.0 solution and licensing

Part Number: CC2541
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: MSP430F5659, CC2650MODA, CC2642R, CC2640R2F, CC2560, MSP430F6659, BLE-STACK, CC2650

Hi,

I am developing an OEM hand held instrument based on the MSP430F5659. I need to have bluetooth capabilty to interface to smart phones. I successfully interfaced one of these low cost modules such as the HM-10 that is based on the CC2541. via a UART port. and AT commands.

I would much rather use just a TI product either an IC(like the CC2541) or a certified module if TI has one. 

My question is what is the easiest, lowest cost solution that TI has and also, what is the situation regarding FCC/Bluetooth licensing in order for my company to be able to sell their instrument?

Thanks,

Jerry

  • Hi Jerry,

    We do have a pre-certified module from TI, the CC2650MODA. This is typically targeted for network processor applications where you run the actual application on an external MCU. The module is pre-certified and no significant action is required on your end for regulatory RF compliance.

    If you choose to use a chip-down solution I would recommend looking at the CC2640R2F or alternatively the CC2642R. These will potentially be able to run your full application in addition to the BLE Stack. When doing a chip-down design, you have to go through full regulatory compliance as well as BT qualification. More details here: processors.wiki.ti.com/.../How_to_Certify_your_Bluetooth_product

    A third option is to look at a third party module for CC2640R2F: www.ti.com/.../overview.html

    Regards,
    Fredrik
  • Fredrik,

    Thank you very much for the detailed information. I think the module approach is best for my application.  Looking at the list of Preferred TI 3d party vendors, it is not clear to me, which products have the correct certifications. What questions would I ask these companies to insure I can use their modules in an OEM product without having to obtain  licenses? Is there both an FCC certification and a BLE license required. I apologize that I am not so clear on the requirements,

    Thanks Again,

    Jerry

  • Hi Jerry,

    There is a Bluetooth qualification which is required to operate as a BLE device as well as to put the Bluetooth logo on your product. In addition to that you need regulatory certification for the various countries you plan to sell your device in. FCC covers the US, CE/RED covers Europe, and then there is a bunch of others for China, Korea, Japan, etc.

    Most modules are BT qualified and certified for various regulatory requirements. This should be easy to find in documentation on the module manufacturer´s webpage. For the CC2650MODA you will find the information in the datasheet.

    Regards,
    Fredrik
  • Thanks again for all the info. I wish the CC2650MODA was a little less expensive.
  • Fredrik,
    What does this statement mean on page 31 of the CC2650MODA data sheet?

    " Developers and integrators that incorporate the CC2650MODA RF Module in any end
    products are responsible for obtaining applicable regulatory approvals for such end product."
  • Jerry,

    It is a disclaimer saying that even though the module is pre-certified for several regulatory regulations as well as BT qual, it is your responsibility that you use the module according to the same guidelines as well as providing the required labeling, etc. for your product.

    Regards,
    Fredrik
  • Fredrik,

    I'd like to get 2 samples. When I log into my account to request a free sample it tells me I can only  get 1, so I changed the quantity back to 1, but it still tells me I have too many.  I tried logging out and re logging in with the same results. Please help.

  • Fredrik,

     I find the documentation for using the CC2650MODA a little bit confusing. Maybe there is too much of it!

    I simply want to use the module as a bridge for my MSP430F6659 to send BLE data back and forth through a UART port connected to the CC2560 module. Can this be easily done? I dont want to use a MSP432 launch pad board unless necessary for development.. Some other modules just use AT commands to communicate. 

    Please let me know what is involved in using this module with my custom 6659 board or please point me to the correct documentation to do so.. My requirements are below-

    -Using CCS7 compiler

    -I use FET 430 USB 14 pin JTAG  debug interface to debug and communicate with my board

    -I don't want to use TI RTOS.

    Thanks Again,

    Jerry

  • Hi Jerry,

    Basically the module is just a piece of HW, like our ICs. To use the module as a Network Processor, you can program with the pre-compiled Network Processor image included in BLE Stack 2.2.2. There is also a dedicated API guide for the NP included. You will find the BLE Stack download here: www.ti.com/ble-stack.

    Regards,
    Fredrik
  • Thanks Fredrik,

    That is what I was looking for. I said I didnt want to use TIRTOS , but I now realize it will be in the CC2650 and I dont have to deal with it, in my application processor. I haven't had a chance to look at the ble-stack info or the NPI guide yet, but if I have questions I may be back here again. 

    Cheers,

    Jerry