Power Consumption: The most significant difference between Bluetooth and BLE is power consumption. Bluetooth is designed for continuous data streaming and consumes more power. In contrast, BLE is designed for low-power applications and is optimized for energy efficiency, making it ideal for devices with limited power sources.
Data Rate: Bluetooth offers higher data transfer rates, which is suitable for applications requiring real-time data, like audio or video streaming. BLE, on the other hand, provides lower data rates but is sufficient for transmitting small packets of data periodically, such as sensor readings.
Range: Bluetooth typically has a longer range compared to BLE. Bluetooth can cover distances up to 100 meters, while BLE typically operates within a range of 10 to 30 meters. The shorter range of BLE contributes to its power efficiency.
Use Cases: Bluetooth is commonly used in applications like headphones, speakers, and file sharing between devices. With its power consumption and high data rate, it is ideal for reliable audio or video streaming. BLE is prevalent in low-power devices such as fitness trackers, smartwatches, healthcare sensors, and home automation devices, where energy efficiency is crucial.
Compatibility: Bluetooth and BLE are not directly compatible with each other. However, many modern smartphones and devices are equipped with both Bluetooth and BLE capabilities, providing flexibility for various applications.
The DTM (Direct Test Mode) is used to allow testing the PHY by controlling the DUT to send and receiving test packet sequences. It skips the host stack and communicates directly with the PHY via UART or USB/Serial communication.
BLE tester can perform fundamental RF PHY tests including:
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