What is the maximum throughput of nRF53 BLE, and what challenges need to be addressed to achieve it?

[sabik c3]

Hi,

We are developing a BLE device that needs to store around 1 GB of sensor data and send that data to an Android application via BLE.

Before starting development, we tested throughput and successfully transmitted 1MB with 70KBps (using 1M phy), and we expect 2M will go over 130KBps.

If the nRF maximizes its ble throughput, what problems might arise?

Does it affect other device BLE communication?

Thanks

[Einar Thorsrud]

Hi,

Under ideal conditions, you can typically achieve 700 kbps on 1 Mbps PHY and 1.4 Mbps on 2 Mbps PHY. This is typically not achievable in practice when the peer is a mobile phone is the peer device though, as it typically also do other 2.4 GHz stuff, like Wi-Fi and communicating with other Bluetooth devices.  So the numbers you are seeing seems good for a real world application.

If you want to see optimal configurations and numbers, I recommend you experiment with the Bluetooth: Throughput sample (which requires 2 DKs).

[sabik c3]

Hi,

Thanks for your reply. we have tested iOS throughput with the same nRF device. At this time the speed is reduced to 12KBPS.

What will be the maximum throughput achievable in an iOS device?

What will be the reason for the speed difference?

Thanks

[Einar Thorsrud]

Hi,

Which connection parameters are used for the link when you test with iOS? A sniffer trace could be used to show what is actually being used and happening on the link. Have you attempted to make connection parameter updates to get a set of parameters better suited for higher throughput?

That said, iOS is quite restrictive with regards to Bluetooth, which I believe is both because of other 2.4 GHz activity, but also to reduce battery usage. This blog post that a previous colleague of mine wrote gives some information. And it is also useful to make sure you follow Apple's Accessory Design Guidelines. I also recommend this post.