Distance of BLE

[Inspectron]

I have a nRF51-DK. I would like to control the nRF51-DK through my mobile device.

What is the max. distance which can be reach with BLE(nordic chip)?

Is it possible to increase the distance?

If want, that the nRF51-DK only can connect with mobile devices in the area from 1-5 m. Is it possible to fix the distance of the BLE signal?

[Hung Bui]

Hi Inspectron,

The range of RF signal depends on the environment. So it's hard to say how far can BLE reach. But we usually give the estimation of 10m indoor (office environment) and 30-50m outdoor light of sight.

You can increase the distance by adding power amplifier. If you connect to a phone, then it will be a oneway communication, because most likely you don't have amplifier on the phone.

It's possible to use RSSI to detect (estimate) the signal strength and can convert that to distance. It will not be very accurate.

To fix the distance of BLE or any RF signal, I think the only solution is to build a Faraday cage around.