Extending BLE Range Between nRF52840 Device and Android App

[dutar]

Hi everyone,

I’m working with an nRF52840-based device that communicates with an Android app via BLE. I’d like to know if it’s possible to use the nRF21540 RF FEM to extend the BLE range.
Note: Updating or changing the firmware on the nRF52840 device is not an option due to the devices already being distributed.

Appreciate any advice or insights.

Best regards,

Dushyantha

[ketiljo]

The FW needs to be updates in order to control the FEM. In any case, you need a PA in both ends of the link to exend the range. And you will find it that it's not really possible to increase the output power above 10 dBm. The nRF52840 has already 8 dBm so will gain verry little by adding just 2 dB to this. 

[dutar]

Thanks, ketiljo.
So I guess nRF21540-based FEM can't solve our issue. Do you know any other module that could extend the BLE range between the nRF52840 device and the android?

[ketiljo]

Sunce you have no control of the output power on the phone side, there's no point of inreasing the outout power on one side. The only think you can do it to use a better antenna on "your" side of the link as this will help in both RX and TX directions. 

[dutar]

Got it. Thanks!