Which base protocols are available for custom RF protocol without module re-certification

Hi Cor,

If you want to target BLE, I would recommend you to look at the following module, as it is more recent: https://www.ti.com/product/CC2651R3SIPA

This thread also gives you an insight into the to be expected transfer rates: https://e2e.ti.com/support/wireless-connectivity/bluetooth-group/bluetooth/f/bluetooth-forum/784780/cc2642r-ble-oad-throughput

Regards,

Arthur

Hi,

1. Regarding technology selection:
   1. A number of our devices, including CC2500, can be used to develop custom protocols. Is this a new project? If yes, I do recommend using some of our newer devices, as they will have the most up-to-date development flow.
   2. The available RF PHYs, including data rates, are listed in their datasheets. For CC2500, the max data rate is 500kbps.
   3. For 1Mbps datarate, we also have NESB PHY on CC2340 device. That one has auto-ack feature and address filtering, with datarate options of 1Mbps and 2Mbps.
2. Regarding certification, I don't have as much experience here, but I tend to agree with you, that using modules should lower the certification barrier.
   1. Here is a video from TI that might help here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlDcWHRNw0U
   2. If you have more questions here, I can pass this post to a HW expert.

Thanks,
Toby

Actually we did not select a part yet. The CC2500 in the title was because we had to select a apart for the question. We would like to use some pre-certified module (maybe like the CC2651R3SIPA you mentioned).

The question is if we can use BLE. As I said we need some features BLE does not have. Can we use the lower layers of the BLE protocol and add our own higher layers? This such that we do not have to re-certify the module?

We did not select a part yet. The CC2500 in the title was because we had to select a apart for the question. We would like to use some pre-certified module. This will make CE and FCC certification of the product much easier as also indicated in the video you linked.

My problem is this:

When we create a complete new protocol (from the phy layer up) we need to do a complete RF module re-certification. But I think there are some base protocols that only specify the first two layers or so. The module may be pre-certified for these base protocols. If we understand correctly we do not have to do the module -re-certification if we build on top of such a base protocol.

So which base protocols are available on to which we can build our custom protocol?
And are there base protocols that have high transfer rates like 2Mb/s?
Can we use the lower layer of BLE and build our own custom protocol on top of that while not need to re-certify the module?

We can not find the answer to these questions.

BLE protocol does include both upper layers (profiles, connections, etc) and lower layers (PHY, datarate, timings, etc).

From my understanding, certification is primarily concerned with the lower layers. One evidence for this, is that it's common to use SmartRF Studio as part of some testing. These tests are "upper layer" independent.

Now there are some tests which are associated with channel occupancy (e.g. how long is the TX occurring at X dBm power?). This is partly dependent on both upper and lower layers. So in this case, you would need to test for some "maximum", say, "maximum amount of channel occupancy per unit time".

Using modules can save test costs, by increasing the confidence level of a test passing (i.e. reducing the amount of internal testing needed before passing the product to an acceptable test house). In the video, start at 2:40.
Additionally, there may be regional differences as well (in video, see 5:01).

So yes, you could potentially build on top of the BLE radio with your own proprietary upper layer, and the certifications (wrt to lower layers) for the module would still apply. But understandingly, the BLE logo may not be used.

So in general, independent of technology used, using modules will save on test costs/time (lower layer), but there exists product certification level as well.

For more certification-related questions, I recommend to create new post and reference this one. That way we can have our HW experts chime in!