Laird Connectivity has released the new BL653 embedded Bluetooth 5.1 module to make it easier for industrial OEMs in implementing long-range BLE applications in the harshest industrial operating environments. Powered by the Nordic nRF52833 silicon, BL653 is a complete multi-protocol embedded wireless module with enhanced processing capability, Bluetooth 5.1 direction finding with the angle of arrival (AoA) and angle of departure (AoD), and extended temperature range that is ideal for extremely challenging RF environments and wireless industrial IoT applications.
The small form factor BL653 module and development kit provide a secure, robust BLE and Cortex-M4F CPU for any OEM's product design. Maximum development flexibility with programming options for the Nordic SDK or Zephyr RTOS, a simple, intuitive AT command set or Laird Connectivity's smartBASIC environment is what BL653 claims to provide.
Endowed with nRF52833 hardware features and capabilities including USB access, up to +8 dBm transmit power, and up to 5.5 V supply range, the BL653 series enables industrial applications. The additional features include its potential to be Bluetooth 5.2 capable and hardware support for NFC and 802.15.4 (Thread and Zigbee) and Bluetooth meshing capabilities that enable OEMs to create wireless mesh networks thereby extending the reach of messages by relaying them from node to node in a large group of connected devices.
The enhanced capabilities of the BL653 open up industrial equipment such as pumps, valves, and drives for wireless connectivity. Robust security, small footprint, modular FCC, IC, CE, RCM, MIC, and Bluetooth SIG approvals, which extend to an OEM's design with no new testing for the fastest route to production are the stand-out features of BL653.
