Nrf24 vs BLE

[Leonardo]

Hello all,

In a network of sensors with power constraints in a room which protocol is the best?

Newer devices seem to use BLE but I don't want to discard good old nrf24l01+

Sensors are like accelerometers, flex sensors, gyroscopes, led lights, etc.. that should talk with a gateway mini-pc in the room (can have a custom receiver). I don't know number of sensors but I think a dozen max.

Thank you Leonardo

[Asbjørn]

Using nRF24L01+ is a good solution for the setup you describe. You can also have a look at the nRF24LE1, which has the same radio, but also a simple 8051 MCU built into to. So you could potentially run everything on one chip. These also come in cost optimized OTP (One-Time-Programmable) variant.

For the computer side you could have a look at the nRF24LU1+ which is the same nRF24L01+ radio, but with an 8051 MCU and a built in USB controller.

[Asbjørn]

You are correct. M0 is much more powerful, but you can do a lot of basic simple stuff with the 8051. For simple sensors it could be a simple method to do it. You will of course have more functionality and power available with the nRF51 and the M0 onboard that one. Good luck.