Is Real time NRF5 Bluetooth data link with an android smartphone possible?

[MikeLemon]

Hello there, 

In my next project I need a data link similar to BLE classic (like the HC-05 module) and it needs to respond with an app API fast and push data rather then throwing it to the air in shape of  a "Service" and waited to be read.

Is such a thing possible with any of the NRF5 platforms?

If so is there an example available for that that uses UART to communicate with the NRF5 to the PC?

thanks for helping.

[Edvin]

Hello,

Yes. In the SDK, you will find an example under:

SDK\examples\ble_peripheral\ble_app_uart that does exactly this. That is, it will update any message from the uart, and notify the connected device. It still uses the shape of a "Service", which all BLE devices use, but you can use this method to transfer at between 1300 and 1400 kbps of payload data. If you use a phone in one end of the connection, the limit of the transfer rate is usually limited by the phone's OS not letting the BLE link use the radio for BLE all the time. You will have to test it to see how fast it is with your phone.

 

The ble_app_uart example works with the apps nRF Connect and nRF Toolbox. The transfer speed of the application is not 13-1400kbps "out of the box", but if you use a longer MTU and DLE (data length extension), it will be the phone that will limit the speed. Newer phones usually have better BLE capabilities for high speed. 

 

This application uses the notification option in BLE, meaning that the nRF will tell the connected device that it has a new value every time you update it. Hence, you don't have to wait until the connected device reads the new value.

 

Best regards,

Edvin