Users Manual

Document:
SHARKY - User’s Guide 2020/11/18
Doc: UG_MDX-STWBx, Rev 1.7
pag. 8 of 38
Figure 2. BLE Sta
r
-bus Topology
While BLE inherits the operating spectrum and the basic structure of the communication
protocol from the classic Bluetooth protocol, BLE implements a new lightweight Link Layer
that provides ultra-low power idle mode operation, fast device discovery, and reliable and
secure point-to-multipoint data transfers. As a result, BLE offers substantially lower peak,
average, and idle-mode power consumption than classic Bluetooth. Averaged over time, BLE
consumes only 10% of the power consumed by classic Bluetooth.
In addition to its ultra-low power consumption, BLE has several unique features that set it apart
from other available wireless technologies, including:
● Interoperability: Like classic Bluetooth devices, BLE devices follow standards set by
the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), and BLE devices from different
manufacturers interoperate.
● Robustness: BLE uses fast frequency hopping to secure a robust transmission even
in the presence of other wireless technologies.
● Ease of Use: BLE has been developed so that it is straightforward for designers to
implement it in a variety of different applications.
● Latency: The total time to send small chunks of data is generally fewer than 6 ms, and
as low as 3 ms (compared to 100 ms with classic Bluetooth).
● Range: Thanks to an increased modulation index, BLE technology offers greater range
(up to 200 feet and beyond, in ideal environments) than to classic Bluetooth offers.