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New Nordic Semiconductor Wireless Quarter

Nordic Semiconductor, the leading manufacturer of System on a Chip (SoC) used in most beacons and the top supplier of SoCs for Bluetooth LE solutions, has released the latest PDF edition of Wireless Quarter Magazine. This issue highlights the diverse applications of Nordic’s SoCs.

The latest issue of the magazine mentions the use of the same Nordic SoCs as used in beacons, in the following Bluetooth solutions:

NousLogic solutions Smart home solutions
Motorcycle HUD
Sensry multisensor module
Monil Collar cattle positioning
Smart soil monitoring

Bluetooth LE is expected to grow at a 20 percent CAGR over the next five years, after reaching 1.8 billion chip shipments in 2024.

The magazine also has interesting in-depth articles on AI-powered wearables, using edge AI for sport and wireless solutions for transport and logistics.

Bluetooth 6.0 Channel Sounding

Bluetooth Channel Sounding is a new feature introduced in Bluetooth 6.0 that enhances distance ranging capabilities. It builds upon Bluetooth Low Energy’s (LE) established use in device positioning and location services. Channel Sounding enables secure and precise distance measurement between devices, opening possibilities for innovative applications, especially in mobile phones and battery-powered devices.

The technology behind Channel Sounding relies on two primary techniques: Phase-Based Ranging (PBR) and Round-Trip Timing (RTT). PBR calculates distances by analysing phase differences of signals across multiple frequencies, while RTT measures the time taken for a signal to travel between devices and back. These methods ensure secure and accurate distance measurements, with the algorithms for conversion handled at the application level.

Channel Sounding complements existing Bluetooth features, such as the Find Me Profile, RSSI-based proximity detection and Direction Finding introduced in Bluetooth 5.1, which enabled angle calculations using signal phase measurements.

This feature is expected to enhance numerous applications. For example, it can improve the reliability of beacons by providing accurate proximity alerts, even in challenging conditions. Smart locks will benefit from improved presence detection and enhanced security against relay attacks. Appliances can use the technology for user-centric contextualisation, such as enabling functions only when the user is nearby. Additionally, asset tracking may become more precise and reliable without significant increases in cost or complexity. Bluetooth 6.0’s Channel Sounding feature is designed to achieve distance measurement accuracy within ±10 centimetres. In early test implementations, accuracy levels of ±20 centimetres have been observed.

The adoption of Bluetooth Channel Sounding, like previous advancements such as Mesh, Direction Finding and Angle of Arrival (AoA), is expected to face very long delays in concrete implementation relative to the release of the standard. Also, historically, the adoption of newer Bluetooth LE enhancements has been relatively slow, with limited uptake across the industry. This is due to the requirement for new devices and updated software that leverages new Software Development Kits (SDKs), making the technology complex to develop and deploy. Also, compatibility constraints often mean that new Bluetooth LE features can’t be retrofitted to existing devices.

For those looking to measure distance effectively today, a practical alternative is to use beacons like the iBS03R, which incorporates Time of Flight (TOF) distance sensing as a dedicated hardware sensor. This approach offers immediate, reliable and actually more accurate (25mm rather than 20cm) distance measurement, albeit over a shorter (3m) distance, without waiting for the broader implementation of Channel Sounding in the market.

Advanced Bluetooth LE Fingerprinting Techniques

There’s new research that explores advanced methods for indoor localisation focusing on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and fingerprinting techniques. Due to the limitations of GPS in indoor environments, this study evaluates alternative methods, including novel algorithms and hybrid approaches, for improving localisation accuracy.

Key insights include the Positive Weighted Centroid Localisation (PWCL) algorithm, which prioritises stronger signals, and the HYBRID-MAPPED method, which integrates multiple filtering techniques like outlier detection and mapping filters. These methods were tested in a real-world environment with 47 sample points, employing Bluetooth LE based iBeacon devices to collect data. The experimental setup included mapping a space onto a coordinate system and implementing four localisation strategies.

Results demonstrated that PWCL outperformed the traditional Weighted Centroid Localisation (WCL) algorithm by reducing errors. The HYBRID-MAPPED approach achieved the highest accuracy with an average error of 1.44 metres, a significant improvement over WCL’s 2.51 metres. The study’s findings underscore the effectiveness of combining BLE with filtering techniques to overcome noise and environmental challenges.

The research highlights potential applications in healthcare, retail, and other public settings, where accurate indoor localisation is critical.

Value in the Mundane and the Internet of Diversity

The Internet of Things (IoT) is often considered a nebulous and expansive concept, encompassing numerous specialist areas and industries. A more fitting description might be an “Internet of Diversity” rather than an Internet of Things, reflecting its vast array of applications and unique scenarios.

Consider a real-world use case discussed at an IoT Meetup we attended. A US company provides rodent control as a service, deploying thousands of traps across tens of retail sites, primarily in the food sector. Traditionally, their process required personnel to physically inspect traps daily, incurring substantial costs in manpower and vehicle deployment. However, by integrating IoT, the company outfitted traps with sensors that notify when intervention is required. This has significantly reduced operational costs by eliminating unnecessary site visits.

This example illustrates two key observations. First, value can be found in usecases that might initially seem mundane or low-tech. Second, the diversity of IoT applications means that one-size-fits-all solutions are often impractical. In this scenario, there is no off-the-shelf IoT solution for rodent control, nor is it cost-effective for a third party to develop and market one. Generic RTLS (Real-Time Location Systems) platforms might collect relevant data, but their dashboards and analytics are unlikely to meet the specific requirements of this application.

This highlights an emerging trend in the IoT ecosystem: the most effective IoT platforms are those that are both simple to adapt and flexible in their functionality. Platforms must be user-friendly enough to customise for a wide variety of unique use cases while also being robust enough to present data in a way that aligns with domain-specific needs. These attributes are critical for the IoT to continue thriving as a genuinely diverse and impactful technology space.

Beaconzone Consulting

Attendance Tracking Using Solar Bluetooth Beacon Badges

Recent research outlines the design and deployment of an attendance tracking system using battery-free photovoltaic Bluetooth beacon badges. These badges, powered by indoor light, transmit Bluetooth packets to stationary gateways for collection and upload to a cloud-based platform for real-time visualisation. The system addresses issues of environmental sustainability and maintenance by replacing traditional chemical batteries with light-harvesting technology, enabling operation even in low-light conditions (as low as 17 Lux).

The badges are compact, cost-effective (under $1 each), and incorporate a photovoltaic panel and an energy management circuit. This setup ensures that the devices accumulate and store energy efficiently before broadcasting signals via Bluetooth. Gateways equipped with Bluetooth and WiFi capabilities capture these signals and relay attendance data to a cloud service for analysis. The system’s applications include academic conferences and similar events requiring crowd tracking without privacy concerns associated with cameras or WiFi-based methods.

Field tests during a conference in Auckland validated the system’s functionality, demonstrating effective attendance monitoring in multiple rooms. This innovative approach reflects a move towards environmentally friendly and low-maintenance solutions in the growing field of ambient IoT.

Does Bluetooth LE Work the Same Way in all Countries?

Bluetooth technology operates on a global scale using the 2.4 GHz ISM band, allowing devices to be used internationally without specific adaptations for local radio spectrum regulations. The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) ensures that all devices meet international standards for compatibility and interoperability.

However, there are certain regulatory considerations that vary by country. Some nations require Bluetooth devices to undergo type approval, for example CE (for Europe) or FCC (for USA), to ensure they adhere to local standards. Additionally, power output limitations for Bluetooth devices can differ from one country to another. For example, Australia permits a maximum of 200 mW e.i.r.p. within a specific frequency range, while most European countries adhere to standard ISM band regulations.

Do Bluetooth Beacons Need a Licence to Use?

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology does not require a licence for use, making it a popular choice for various devices including smartwatches, fitness trackers, laptops, PCs, smartphones and industrial equipment.

BLE operates in the 2.4 GHz ISM (Industrial Scientific Medical) band, which is licence-free in most countries. This means that anyone can use this frequency range without obtaining a specific permit which has contributed to the widespread adoption of BLE technology. BLE is an open standard managed by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), which allows for broad implementation across various devices.

Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W

The Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W has been released, bringing WiFi and Bluetooth to the popular microcontroller platform at an incredibly affordable price of just $7 (£4.80). This new iteration builds upon the success of its predecessor, offering improved performance and connectivity options that make it ideal for a wide range of IoT and Bluetooth projects.

The integration of Wi-Fi (2.4GHz 802.11n) and Bluetooth 5.2 provides wireless connectivity, making the Pico 2 W an excellent choice for a variety of solutions. The most exciting advancement in the Pico 2 W for us is the addition of Bluetooth 5.2 making the board ideal for Bluetooth LE applications, such as beacon detection or transmitting iBeacon or Eddystone. The Pico 2 W can be used in indoor positioning systems for precise navigation and tracking in large spaces, proximity-based marketing to deliver personalised promotions in retail environments and asset tracking for real-time inventory management.

Beacons Without Batteries

The batteries in the beacons we sell can last from months up to 7+ years depending on the beacon, battery size and type.

While the latest power efficient SoC beacons can make more of the available battery power you might want to consider not using batteries at all so as to ease maintenance.

USB-powered beacons can operate from any USB socket, allowing them to be connected to devices like desktops or used with affordable plug-in mains USB power supplies costing just a few pounds, dollars, or euros. However, placing the antenna in close proximity to the desktop or power supply can limit the range and block the spread of the Bluetooth radio signal. To address this issue, some USB beacons are designed with external dipole antennas.

The Bluetooth (Class 1) standard has a maximum output power of 20dBm. (Read our article for explanation of power). Many beacons don’t use this maximum as it would quickly flatten the battery. Most only allow up to +4dBm, +6dBm or +8dBm. In most cases battery beacons are set to operate at 0dBm. An advantage of USB powered beacons is that they can emit more power than is practical with a battery. For example, the the FSC-BP109 up to 4000m.

USB Beacons

Understanding UPS Delivery

We send beacons using UPS for our courier service. When we book a shipment, you will receive a notification email from UPS. However, it’s important to note that this email does not confirm the package has been collected.

The actual pickup of your shipment depends on whether UPS has already completed our collection for the day. If they have, the pickup will take place on the next working day (Monday to Friday). Unfortunately, the pickup time is not fixed and can vary, so we are unable to provide a specific cut of time for next day delivery. To increase the likelihood of same-day dispatch, it’s best to place your order as early in the day as possible.

Additionally, if the initial email from UPS includes a delivery date, we recommend ignoring it. This date is frequently inaccurate and should not be relied upon as a guarantee of when your package will arrive.

For most shipments within the UK, excluding those destined for very remote areas, UPS typically delivers the day after pickup.