Bluetooth (Traditional Bluetooth):
Traditional Bluetooth, also known as Classic Bluetooth, is the original Bluetooth technology that was introduced in the 1990s. It is designed for more data-intensive applications, such as transferring files, streaming audio, and connecting devices that require continuous data transmission. Classic Bluetooth has higher power consumption compared to Bluetooth Low Energy.
Use Cases of Traditional Bluetooth:
Audio streaming (e.g., wireless headphones, speakers).
File transfer between devices.
Connecting peripherals like keyboards, mice, and printers to computers.
Connecting smartphones to car infotainment systems.
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE):
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is an optimized version of Bluetooth that was introduced in Bluetooth 4.0 (Bluetooth Low Energy). It was specifically designed to reduce power consumption and cater to applications where low data rates and periodic communication are sufficient. BLE is ideal for devices that run on batteries and need to operate for extended periods.
Use Cases of BLE:
Wearable devices, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches.
IoT (Internet of Things) devices, including smart home sensors and beacons.
Healthcare devices like heart rate monitors and blood glucose meters.
Remote controls and other low-power, intermittent communication devices.
Key Differences:
- Power Consumption: BLE is optimized for low power consumption, making it suitable for devices running on small batteries or energy-harvesting systems. Traditional Bluetooth consumes more power, which may not be suitable for some low-power devices.
- Data Rate: Traditional Bluetooth offers higher data transfer rates, making it better suited for applications requiring continuous and high-speed data transmission. BLE has lower data rates but is sufficient for periodic updates and short bursts of data.
- Range: Classic Bluetooth typically has a longer range compared to BLE. However, BLE can be sufficient for short-range applications where devices are relatively close to each other.
- Compatibility: BLE is not backward compatible with older versions of Bluetooth. Devices that support BLE will not necessarily support Classic Bluetooth and vice versa.
Bluetooth modules are also divided into two main types according to applications and support agreements. Different types have different prices, positioning, and functions.
Traditional Bluetooth module: generally refers to the module that supports the Bluetooth protocol below 4.0, and is generally used for the transmission of relatively large data volumes, such as the transmission of relatively high data volumes such as voice and music. Classic Bluetooth modules can be subdivided into: traditional Bluetooth and high-speed Bluetooth modules. The traditional Bluetooth module was launched in 2004. The main representative is the module supporting the Bluetooth 2.1 protocol, which has been widely used during the outbreak of smart phones. The high-speed bluetooth module was launched in 2009, the rate has been increased to about 24Mbps, and the transmission rate is eight times that of classic bluetooth, which can be easily applied to data transmission between video recorders and TVs, PCs and PMPs, and UMPCs and printers.
Bluetooth Low Energy Module (BLE): Refers to a module that supports Bluetooth protocol 4.0 or above, also known as a BLE module. The biggest feature is the reduction of cost and power consumption, which can be applied to products with high real-time requirements, such as: smart home (Bluetooth locks, Bluetooth lights), data transmission of sensor devices (sphygmomanometer, temperature sensor), consumer electronics (electronic cigarettes, remote control toys), etc.
There is a big difference between Bluetooth low energy and traditional Bluetooth. Bluetooth low energy is developed on the basis of Nokia’s Wibree standard. In terms of power consumption, traditional Bluetooth has three levels of power consumption. Class1, class2, and class3 support transmission distances of 100m, 10m, and 1m respectively; Bluetooth low energy consumption has no power consumption level, and the general transmission power is about 7dbm. The BLE 5.1 module can support Bluetooth Mesh technology.
