What is the version of S110 inside S120

[hathach]

HI,

We have just upgraded our application to support the latest S110 v8.0.0 but also evaluated the possibility to use S120 instead of S110, so that our customer only need to upgrade application and get "central-capacity" in the future without upgrading SD (which can cause our product bricked).

As mentioned in the specs S120 essentially contains a S110 inside (or at least what I get from the specs), however the latest S120 v2..0.0 is released several weeks ago. And We are afraid that its contained S110 is much older than the S110 v8.0.0, which is a major release comparing to S110 v7 and could pose some compatible issue with our current application. So my question are

1. what is the equivalent S110 version inside the current S120 (v2.0.0)
2. If it is a variant of version 7, could you guys give us a hint on when the next S120 release with a contained S110v8.

[Ulrich Myhre]

Hi,

The answer to this question really depends on what you want from the peripheral.

• "Bluetooth feature"-wise, the peripheral in S120 is equal to 7.1.0, and references the same qualification.
• API-wise, it is closer to 8.0.0, and contains the newer encryption key format seen in the 8.0.0 and both include the API calls for all roles.
• For proprietary features and bug-fixes, the S110 8.0.0 is indeed newer and contains fixes that are not available in the S120.

The intention of including a peripheral inside the S120 was to increase performance and compatibility when doing DFU. The throughput of the peripheral is greater, and some peer devices are still limited to central mode only (notably mobile phones). This makes it possible to boot into DFU mode as a peripheral and still retain the performance you are used to.

So if you want to be on the bleeding edge of S110 fixes and features, you want the S110 8.0.0. I would consider the S120 for its central capability over its peripheral ability, and rather look towards S130 if you need all roles simultaneously.

[Ulrich Myhre]

The SDK will most likely be updated to support concurrent roles when the S130 is out, and there are indeed some challenges going from what we have now, but I am confident it will be better by then.

I am not sure about the bootloader, as the internal MBR might be different. I would test this thoroughly, or contact support for help backporting the changes if you have trouble.

As for release plans, I will have to refer you to contact our Sales department. They have the most up-to-date schedules, and they could also help us prioritize based on interest.