Bluetooth modules based on earlier versions from 2.0 to 4.2 and up to the 5.3 specification can be easily sourced from China. They are assembled using chips, antennas, PCBs, filters and other materials obtained from domestic or foreign suppliers, depending on buyers’ preferences. For chips, manufacturers usually turn to major companies such as Nordic Semiconductor, TI, Dialog Semiconductor, Infineon and Telink Semiconductor.
Widely available modules have an operating frequency of 2.4 to 2.4835GHz and rated voltage of 3.3V and support profiles and protocols such as HSP, HFP, PBAP, SPP, OPP, HCI and HID. In terms of interfaces, the options include PIO, UART, USB and PCM.
Manufacturers accommodate customization to meet diverse requirements in wearable and smart home devices, automotive and medical applications. Such modules account for more than 80 percent of their shipments.
To keep up with upgrades in electronic devices, suppliers have been expanding their product catalogs with more modules supporting Bluetooth 5.3 and 5.4 specifications. Others provide Bluetooth and Wi-Fi combo modules to capitalize on what both wireless technologies can offer.
The cost of chips decreased slightly while that of other components did not change much in the past year. This lowered Bluetooth module prices by 5 to 10 percent.
In the months ahead, chip costs are expected to stabilize and keep module manufacturers’ quotes unchanged.
Bluetooth 5.3 module, 224m range
Company: Shenzhen Shengrun Technology Co. Ltd
Shenzhen Shengrun’s HY-234004IC-03 is a Bluetooth 5.3 module with 2,402 to 2,480MHz frequency on the 2.4GHz ISM band, -96dBm typical receiver sensitivity and 224m transmission distance in open air. Its operating voltage is 1.71 to 3.8V and operating temperature is -40 to 125 C. This 11.59x17.9x2mm module meets CE, IC, FCC and BQB standards.
MOQ: Negotiable
Lead time: 3 days
Bluetooth 5.3 module, 252m range
Company: Shenzhen Shengrun Technology Co. Ltd
The HY-234011PC from Shenzhen Shengrun is a Bluetooth 5.3 module with 2,402 to 2,480MHz frequency on the 2.4GHz ISM band, -93dBm typical receiver sensitivity and 252m transmission distance in open air. Its operating voltage is 1.71 to 3.8V and operating temperature is -40 to 125 C. This module complies with CE, IC, FCC and BQB standards. MOQ: Negotiable
Lead time: 3 days
Bluetooth 5.0 module, -93dBm receiver sensitivity
Company: Shenzhen Shengrun Technology Co. Ltd
Shenzhen Shengrun’s Bluetooth 5.0 module, the HY-40R201WC, has a frequency range of 2,402 to 2,480MHz and receiver sensitivity of -93dBm. The operating voltage is 1.71 to 3.8V and the operating temperature is -40 to 85 C. This 25.16x15.22x1.9/2.2mm module meets CE, IC, FCC and BQB standards.
MOQ: Negotiable
Lead time: 3 days
Bluetooth 4.2 module, -94dBm receiver sensitivity
Company: Xi'an Xinle Electronic Technology Co. Ltd
Xi'an Xinle has this Bluetooth 4.2 module, the XDE050-A0-MB-2, with an operating frequency of 2,400 to 2,480MHz and receiver sensitivity of -94dBm.
MOQ: 100 units
Lead time: 7 days
Bluetooth 5.0 module, -20 to 85 C
Company: Xi'an Xinle Electronic Technology Co. Ltd
The XDE55-A0-MB from Xi'an Xinle is a Bluetooth module based on the 5.0 specification. It has an operating frequency of 2,400 to 2,480MHz, operating voltage of 3.6V and operating temperature of -20 to 85 C.
MOQ: 100 units
Lead time: 7 days
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1 combo module
Company: Xi'an Xinle Electronic Technology Co. Ltd
Xi'an Xinle’s XDW027-A0-MWB is a Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.1 combo module. Its main frequency is 120MHz and the operating voltage is 3.3V. This product, with a TCP/IP stack, has built-in low-power 32-bit MCU, 256KB RAM and antenna.
MOQ: 100 units
Lead time: 7 days
