Cost estimation for nRF5x BT module & device in terms of qualification and listing.

[YILMAZ KIRCICEK]

Hi,

We intend to use nRF5x as main uC for our upcoming 4 new design. (diff. kind of measurement devices)

Instead of qualifiying each new device, we have intended to design a small Bluetooth module and using this in all 4 devices to reduce qualification cost.

[https://www.bluetooth.com/develop-with-bluetooth/qualification-listing/do-i-need-to-list-qualify-my-product]

According to link above; since we will use pre-qualified stack (unmodifable) we will skip the "Qualification Testing and Documentation" step.

Only "Product Listing and Declaration" step is required for us.

Our module with nRF5x will require RF-PHY. What is the cost for this test ?

We will pay $7500 for associate membership. Then $4000 for listing & declaration fee.

Then we are going to use this qualified and listed module in 4 different device design. Now we have to list & declare these 4 devices. Do we need to paid for each one or once for all ? Please consider the image below.

Also is there any other cost (excluding CE/FCC) that I could not foresee.

Regards.

Yılmaz K.

[Øyvind Karlsen]

Hi,

Unfortunately we cannot quote prices from the different test houses that offer RF-PHY, have a look at Bluetooth SIGs list of Recognized Test Equipment and get in touch with a test house for pricing information.

The way I read the listing fee is that you need to pay it for each product, however I encourage you to contact Bluetooth SIG support and ask them this question, they will have a solid answer.

Best regards,

Øyvind

[YILMAZ KIRCICEK]

Dear Øyvind, I just want to be sure; we will use nRF5x pre-qualified stack (unmodifable) so we do not need Qualification, is it true ?

Also, I will be appreciated if you could you say a rough cost estimation for RF-PHY test according to your experience. (or range)

[Øyvind Karlsen]

Hi,

Yes this is true.

Some of the vendors listed on the Recognized Test Equipment state prices on their websites, please consult those.

Best regards,

Øyvind

[Luis]

Just to make clear, @Yilmaz, when you say you are using nRF5x pre-qualified stack, are you referring to the softdevice or an already certified hardware module that uses nRF5x?

[YILMAZ KIRCICEK]

Dear Luis, we are planning to use soft devices for nRF5x . "S332 Concurrent ANT/Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) SoftDevice" Do I need re-qualifiacation or just declaration&listing ? Regards.

[Luis]

I really have no idea about this topic, I understood from your question that you were asking about RF certification process using a precertified HW module... But now, after reading it again, it looks like it has nothing to do with HW but you are asking about the BLE implementation certification? Do you know if the associate membership and listing and declaration fees are mandatory for every product that uses nRF5x BLE? I had no idea about this.