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CCS/TIDC-BLUETOOTH-LOW-ENERGY-LONG-RANGE: Multiple connections in Bluetooth

Part Number: TIDC-BLUETOOTH-LOW-ENERGY-LONG-RANGE
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: CC2642R, RF-RANGE-ESTIMATOR

Tool/software: Code Composer Studio

Hi, i need to connect multiple machines controller to one master controller using Bluetooth controller. please clarify the below queries

1) how many connections can be created maximum between master and machine controller

2) What is the maximum possible distance without any data loss in industrial area

3) what is the maximum data packet size.

  • Hi,

    1) Before BLE 4.1, only one connection is allowed. Using BLE 4.1 or latter, the number of simultaneous connections is limited by the device's memory (RAM). For CC2640R2, the limit is 3 simultaneous connections. For CC2642R, the limit is 8 simultaneous connections. Keep in mind that those are theoretical numbers that might be lower if the application uses RAM for something else. 
    Note: if you don't need the devices to enter a connection (beacons), then you have almost no limit. In this case, you need to use the advertisement and scan data.

    2) We have a very complete tool (RF-RANGE-ESTIMATOR) to estimate the range of an RF application. As you will see, it will depend on the TxPower, the antenna, the BLE PHY... I let you have a look at the tool to find the values corresponding to your case :)
    A few tips when using RF-RANGE-ESTIMATOR: select the right frequency (2.4 GHz for BLE), the right Tx conducted output power (-21 to 5 dBm if you are using CC2640R2 or CC2642R), and the right  PHY (2M, 1M, 500kbps, 125kbps).

    3) The maximum data packet size depends on the BLE version used and if the devices have entered a connection or not. The connection data length is limited to 27 bytes for BLE 4.0 and 4.1, and can be up to 251 bytes for BLE 5 (details here). For non-connected devices, I would suggest you to have a look to this training.

    One precision to finish: CC2640R2 implements BLE 4.1 and BLE 5, CC2642R implements BLE 5 only.

    I hope this will help,

    Best regards,