Understanding BLE Module Based Development, BLE Membership & FCC Certification - what i can and cannot do

[D-Crazy]

I'm trying to understand the cost differences, and pros and cons between:

A) creating a two chip solution - Using a BLE module - PLUS an second micro that runs my application.

B) A single chip solution, buy purchasing a the BLE chip and integrating my application into BLE peripheral device.

I'm not worried about the 'complexities' of writing or developing the software - I can do that, it is simple.

What I don't know and don't understand is the relative costs of the "regulatory fees" - I've never done BLE development and do not understand the "RF-TAX" charged by various FCC testing labs, FCC Certification filing Fees, not only in the USA but other countries - it is a mystery to me. 

What I mean by that is the list of ??? items in the table below.  For example perhaps my device costs $25 to manufacture if I use a chip based solution - or costs $10 more (35) if I use a BLE module instead. 

An example product might be a battery powered sensor device you stick on the wall with double sided tape, and change the battery every 4 to 6 months.

Description	Chip	Module
Cost of Goods ex-factory	$25	$35
LAB Costs BlueTooth Conformance Testing	$8K	???
Bluetooth costs paid to SIG	???	???
LAB Costs FCC Testing for USA	???	???
FCC costs - filing fees, etc	???	???
LAB costs for Industry Canada(CA-FCC)	???	???
Industry Canada (CA-FCC) filing fees	???	???
LAB CE (Europe FCC)	???	???
CE (europe FCC) filing fees	???	???
LAB - CCC (China FCC)	???	???
CCC (China FCC) filing fees	???	???
Total Cost for each method

Part 2 of this question is, for my SECOND, THIRD and FOURTH product   These I think would be simple "variations" on a theme - Think of Product(A) as a temperature sensor, (B) as a humidity sensor, and (C) as a water sensor

I think from an USA-FCC point of view, this is what would be called a "permissible change" - because I would not be modifying any portion of the RF.

But I have no clue what the regulatory and testing costs would be.

[Kenneth]

Hi,

Unfortunately we don't have any overview of the cost involved by regulatory test houses, you will need to contact for instance Nemko, UL, AT4 Wireless, Dekra, or other test house for a quote depending on where you want to sell your product. I would think that it's not a big difference in cost depending on whether you qualify for FCC, ETSI, or other market, as the test setup and measurements are mostly the same, it's the test limits that are mostly different depending on target market.

 

You have 3 choices:

 

1. Use a third party qualified module as listed here:
https://www.nordicsemi.com/eng/Products/3rd-Party-Bluetooth-low-energy-Modules 

In such case the additional cost involved is the BT SIG qualifiction and listing fees (for each product):
https://www.bluetooth.com/develop-with-bluetooth/qualification-listing/qualification-listing-fees 

 

2. Create a BLE module yourself, qualify the module, and re-use the module in all design:

pros: you only need to qualify radio regulatory fees one time. You can still run different application on the module, as long as the radio protocol is the same (e.g. BLE).
cons: the form factor for the module is locked. the module will be using a metal shield (some additional cost and space).

There still will be cost involved as part of the BT SIG qualifiction and listing fees (for each product):
https://www.bluetooth.com/develop-with-bluetooth/qualification-listing/qualification-listing-fees 

 

3. 

You create a new design for each product, in such case there will be cost for regulatory test house and BT  SIG certification for each product.

 

You may also find some useful links here:
http://infocenter.nordicsemi.com/topic/com.nordic.infocenter.gs/dita/gs/certifying.html 

Best regards,
Kenneth