How to extend the range of nRF52832 BLE module In SDK15.0?

[Boris]

Hi, everyone,

We are developing BLE project on the nRF52832 chip (SDK 15.0) that must transmit to the big distances for about 20m. We set the transmission power to +4dBm, but practically the device is not seen in air at the distances more than 10m. In the distances 8-9m the RSSI fails to -90dBm. What is possible to do without hardware extension?

We also tried to find the way to decrease the connection speed, but couldn’t find it: The register (from the type “NRF_RADIO_Type”) “NRF_RADIO->MODE” is equal to 0 that means the transfer rate is 1MBps. According to datasheet the rate 250kBps is deprecated. According to this site https://blog.nordicsemi.com/getconnected/things-you-should-know-about-bluetooth-range the throughput is up to 305kBps on BT4.2. But how is it possible to decrease it to lower datarate?

Best regards

Boris Fridman

[awneil]

Is that 20m indoors & through walls, or 20m in "free space" ?

Whatever, you should be able to achieve 20m with a good antenna and good RF design.

eg, Fanstell have "long range" modules which differ from their "standard" modules only in having better antennas.

[Boris]

Hi, Awneil,

 

We had checked the device indoor, but not through walls. The devices were checked at the distance of sight in the big room and in the corridor. And the distance was not 20m in which the future devices will have to work, but only 10m.

 

To change the antenna design is a good idea, but because we use the modules with already designed antenna, in additional to changing the board design for new modules we will not be able to do anything with previously ordered modules.

Due to this reason I have to ask if it is possible to do anything without redesigning the hardware and making the changes in the software instead.

Can you say if reducing the bitrate can solve the problem and how is it possible to do it in SDK 15.0 for chip nRF52832?

 

Best Regards

Boris Fridman

[ketiljo]

The range is still very short. How have you placed the module on your board?

There's very little in SW that can be done with the range, it's mostly up the HW.

[awneil]

Boris said:

we use the modules with already designed antenna

What modules are you using?

What range does the module manufacturer claim for their modules?

As ketiljo says, the hardware design is critical here - so have you carefully studied and fully followed the module manufacturer's recommendations for optimum performance?

Have you contacted the module manufacturer for assistance in applying their product?

[awneil]

What modules are you using?

What range does the module manufacturer claim for their modules?

As ketiljo says, the hardware design is critical here - so have you carefully studied and fully followed the module manufacturer's recommendations for optimum performance?

Have you contacted the module manufacturer for assistance in applying their product?