Summary of LAIRD RELEASES NEW BLUETOOTH 5.1 MODULE
Laird Connectivity launched the BL653, a Bluetooth 5.1 module designed for industrial IoT in harsh environments. Powered by Nordic nRF52833 silicon, it offers extended temperature ranges up to 105°C, angle of arrival/departure direction finding, and mesh networking capabilities. The module supports multiple programming options including Nordic SDK, Zephyr RTOS, AT commands, and smartBASIC, while featuring hardware support for NFC and 802.15.4 protocols.
Parts used in the BL653 Module:
- Nordic nRF52833 silicon
- Cortex-M4F CPU
- Bluetooth 5.1 transceiver with AoA/AoD
- USB access interface
- NFC hardware support
- 802.15.4 (Thread/Zigbee) hardware support
- Development kits
- smartBASIC environment
Laird Connectivity released the new BL653 embedded Bluetooth 5.1 module series which enables industrial OEMs to implement longer range BLE applications in the harshest industrial operating environments. The BL653 is a complete multi-protocol embedded wireless offering with processing capability, Bluetooth 5.1 direction finding with angle of arrival (AoA) and angle of departure (AoD), and extended temperature range ideal for challenging RF environments and wireless industrial IoT applications.
Powered by the Nordic nRF52833 silicon, the small form factor BL653 modules and development kits provide a BLE and Cortex-M4F CPU for any OEM’s product design. The BL653 provides programming options for the Nordic SDK or Zephyr RTOS, a AT command set, or Laird Connectivity’s own smartBASIC environment.
The BL653 series utilizes the nRF52833 hardware features and capabilities including USB access, up to +8 dBm transmit power, and up to 5.5V supply range. In addition to the Bluetooth 5.1 features, the BL653 also has the potential to be Bluetooth 5.2 capable and has hardware support for NFC and 802.15.4 (Thread and Zigbee).
According to the company, the BL653 enables industrial applications previously challenged in supporting wireless connectivity. With Bluetooth meshing capabilities, OEMs can create wireless mesh networks, which extend the reach of messages by relaying them from node to node in a large group of connected devices. Mesh networks are well suited for smart lighting and factory automation applications, which also benefit from the BL653’s operating temperature range (up to 105°C).
Read more: LAIRD RELEASES NEW BLUETOOTH 5.1 MODULE
- What is the primary purpose of the BL653 module?
The BL653 enables industrial OEMs to implement longer range BLE applications in the harshest industrial operating environments. - Which silicon powers the BL653 series?
The modules are powered by the Nordic nRF52833 silicon. - Can the BL653 support mesh networks?
Yes, the module features Bluetooth meshing capabilities that allow nodes to relay messages to extend reach in large groups. - What is the maximum operating temperature for the BL653?
The BL653 has an operating temperature range of up to 105°C. - Does the BL653 support Bluetooth 5.2?
The module has the potential to be Bluetooth 5.2 capable, though it currently ships as Bluetooth 5.1. - What programming options are available for the BL653?
Users can choose from the Nordic SDK, Zephyr RTOS, an AT command set, or Laird Connectivity's smartBASIC environment. - What additional wireless protocols does the hardware support?
In addition to Bluetooth, the hardware supports NFC and 802.15.4, which includes Thread and Zigbee. - How does the BL653 enable direction finding?
It provides Bluetooth 5.1 direction finding with angle of arrival and angle of departure capabilities.
