Can nrf52840 work with ESP32 in Bluetooth low energy application?

[davidm]

I want to create a Bluetooth LE application, one peripheral and multiple (2- 5) centrals.For centrals I will use nrf52840 boards, but for peripheral, I was thinking of using ESP32 because I want to use it as a gateway to the cloud.

But my questions are

1. First is it possible for nrf52840 to work with ESP32? (It seems like ESP32 uses Bluetooth V4.2)
2. If yes are there any limitations? can the range be affected,comparing if I would have used nrf52 on both ends?

[Simonr]

Hi David

1. Yes, this will be possible, as the ESP32 is BLE compatible. We don't have any example code for the ESP32 devices though, so you'll have to find that part yourself. We do have a bunch of BLE peripheral examples compatible with nRF devices though, which might be a good starting point for your peripheral device.

2. Well, you'll be limited to using BLE 4.2 specifications. While BLE 5.0 supports both 2Mbps data rate and Coded PHY(Long-range mode), which would be available when using two nRF52840/nRF52833. You'll have to find out whether this is something your application needs or not.

Best regards,

Simon

[davidm]

Thank you, Simon,

In my case I care about the range, not data rate, I expect the two communicating devices to be  30 meters apart. Since I am using nrf52840 as central, I wonder if I would be able to take advantage of its BLE 5.0 long range, even though the other end is 4.2.