Client – Who are they/what do they do
Multinational consumer medical device manufacturer.
Challenge – What did they need us to do
The client engaged Embed to evaluate several potential Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) system-on-chip (SoC) replacements for their current product. This assessment involves a comprehensive review of technical documentation – including datasheets, user manuals and errata – against the specific requirements of the client’s product portfolio. A key criterion is that the BLE stack must support Bluetooth Low Energy version 5.3 and maintain backward compatibility with earlier BLE versions. The evaluation also considers the availability and robustness of development toolchains, as well as the quality of technical support provided for each candidate BLE SoC.
Solution – How did we solve it for the client
A selection of BLE SoCs was identified based on their potential fit for the target application. Each option was then subjected to an in-depth comparison to evaluate its strengths and weaknesses. The assessment centred on key parameters such as processor speed, onboard flash memory size, available I/O pins, physical dimensions, supported voltage range, and operational temperature limits. Special emphasis was placed on the integrated peripherals, with a comprehensive analysis of their technical details to confirm compatibility with the product’s specific functional needs.
While power consumption was an important factor in the selection process, BLE performance and compatibility with the product’s existing BLE requirements were given higher priority. This included assessing radio sensitivity, transmission power, BLE stack maturity, and support for required profiles and features. In the absence of representative firmware for testing, power usage was estimated using data provided in manufacturers’ datasheets. These estimates helped identify BLE SoCs that could potentially meet the low-power demands of the final product, particularly in energy-constrained scenarios.
To validate hardware compatibility, each BLE SoC was checked against the product’s peripheral requirements. This involved confirming not only the presence of necessary peripherals but also their ability to support the required functionality. While spare I/O pins were considered beneficial for debugging and future expansion, they were treated as a secondary priority rather than a strict requirement.
As part of the study, the use of Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) and BLE Software Development Kits (SDKs) was scrutinised to assess their suitability for the target application, as well as to identify any cybersecurity concerns. This included evaluating integration with BLE stacks, resource efficiency, and known vulnerabilities such as insecure communication protocols or privilege escalation risks. A key requirement was that both the RTOS and BLE SDK must be royalty-free, ensuring there are no ongoing licensing costs that could impact the product’s commercial viability or scalability.
In parallel with the hardware evaluation, a review of available compiler toolchains was conducted. Several vendors were shortlisted, and their offerings were assessed based on ease of use, support for both onboard and offboard debugging, pricing models, programmer hardware options, and the quality of technical support. These factors were essential in determining the long-term viability and developer experience associated with each BLE SoC platform.
To conclude the feasibility study, the pros and cons of each BLE SoC were documented in detail. A final report was produced summarising all findings, including a comparative analysis, risk mitigation strategies and a clear recommendation for the most suitable BLE SoC. This report serves as a foundational reference for subsequent design and development phases.
