BLE Qualifying process for nrf81522 chip level based electronics

[Mike]

Q: Is qualification process simplified by some sort of NRF81522+ S110 stack BLE pre-qualification (up to GATT level, what BT SIG ask for BLE devices)?

We use NRF81522 with NS object code precomplied stack (S110) thus with no control of us over NS implementation of BLE protocol implementation; we just use it as APIs permit.
I hope this brings to some sort of BLE pre-qualification of NRF81522-based electronics when NS S110 stack is used.
My concern is obviously tied to boards with chip level integration (we're not using pre-qualified modules).

Can we get documentation clarifying that? Even documentation clarifying qualification steps through BT SIG online interface?
Is there any tutorial in qualifiyng process through the (nowaday free) Profile Tuning Suite (PTS) from BT SIG? Thanks in advance

[John]

The first time through the qualification process is confusing. We are just finishing up our first time and it made my head spin. I'd recommend identifying where you are going to have you device tested and contacting them. They can assign you a Bluetooth Qualification Engineer to help steer you through the process. It really helps. We used a company here in the USA and the process was very smooth once we engaged them.

[run_ar]

You will have to do a product listing following procedure B on this page. When using the S110 you should list your product referencing QDID 51748 if you are using the CE package or QDID 51744 if you are using the QFN packet. In addition you will have to do a re-assessment using the product checklist that is part of the Qualification Documents zip file followed by a RF-PHY test at a BQTF. As John suggests it is a good idea to get in touch with a BQE to help you through the process.

[wim]

Hi,

if we would use a module, could that be qualified already, such that we do not need to go through the procedure B anymore, and hence save the 8000 USD cost of a Declaration ID?

[run_ar]

Unfortunately you would still have to pay for a declaration id. But using a module could save you the effort/cost of FCC testing and RF-PHY re-testing. Note that there is a discount for smaller companies / startups for their first two declaration id's, the ​Innovation Incentive Program.