Pair two NRF52832 devices with my android smartphone

[FacundoNoya]

Hello ! I have an issue that is making me crazy so far 

I am trying to connect to NRF52832 devices with my smartphone. They have to collect data from sensors inside smart footwear insoles. They always are going to be paired to the phone.

The question is, which is the best mode to do that connection

I will call de devices the next way:

Device A (A), Device B (B), Phone (P)

One way is connect device A and B to the P. In this way both devices should be in peripheral mode and the smartphone in central mode.

Other way is connecting device A to device B and device B to P. 

Which way do you recommend to do this kind of connection?

I can't define which is the best and efficient way to do that and it is taking me to much time to achieve it.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help me!

[Hung Bui]

Hi Facundo, 

We would need some more information about your communication to be able to give you advice. We would need to see if you are hitting any limit here. 

How much data do you collect every second ? What is the real time requirement you have ? What kind of connection interval you are expecting? Do you see any limitation on the phone that it couldn't handle the 2 connections ? Is it ok to have 2 connections on the phone or it's preferred to have only one connection ? 

Connecting both sensors to the phone make the firmware more simple but may cause higher current consumption. By combining the data of the two sensor you can send them more effectively. The example of "connecting device A to device B and device B to P " already provided in our SDK, it's the relay example: 

C:\NordicSDK\SDKv15.1\examples\ble_central_and_peripheral\experimental\ble_app_hrs_rscs_relay

[FacundoNoya]

Hi Hung! Thanks for your quickly answer!

I will try to explain better my problem,

 I have two footwear insoles that has 15 pressure sensors, 1 for temperature and 1 for humidy in each insole. They have to control the foot ambient all day but it will take samples every 5 or 10 minutes. The rest of the time is expected to be in sleep mode.

Al this information is sent in one data package and we are sending 15 of this for second. 

About the phone, we want to make it the most easy way for any kind of phone who can use this kind of technology.

Which mode do you recommend to start? and which one is less current consumption?

Thanks in advance for your time!!

Regards,

Facundo

[Hung Bui]

Hi Facundo, 

Are you saying your 15 pressure sensors also taking samples every 5-10 minutes ? What data are you sending 15 times in a second ? How big is your data ? 

In your case, I would think it's best to optimize your insole battery.  I assume you have pretty small battery on the insole ? By having one of your insole acts as both central and peripheral you may lose more current for the central role on this insole. 

I don't think it would be a problem having your phone to connect to both insoles. You can design your app to connect automatically with the 2 insoles, transparent to the end customer to make it simple.