nrf52840 - long distance range up to 1.3 km

[fausto_dmg]

Hi, we are developing a bluetooth device in my company that must transmit at a distance of about one kilometer. I saw that this soc has been tested up to 1300 meters. It's true? I read that the crucial point is in the type of transmission coded phy, which allows even with lower transmission powers to reach longer distances. Is it possible to set this type of transmission for this device?

[Karl Ylvisaker]

Hello,

I saw that this soc has been tested up to 1300 meters. It's true?

Yes, it has been demonstrated that the nRF52840 can transmit over pretty big distances. Fanstel ( a third party module retailer using the nRF52840 ) has reported results of > 3200 m successful transmits. I have spoken with Fanstel about their tests as well, and they have also confirmed 4500 m range, with estimates that they should be able to double - possibly triple - this distance as well.

While this is very impressive results, you will need to take into account the environment in which the test was conducted, and their configuration.
Choice of coded PHY is definitely crucial for long-range tests, but other major factors include 2.4 GHz interference, line-of-sight, and transmit power. 

I would not expect to achieve similar results, unless you are operating in a near identical environment.

Have you seen the nRF52840 long range demo?
It is hard impossible for me to estimate what range you may achieve - since I do not know anything about your environment or use-case other than that long range is needed - but you may test this out yourself to get an estimate, using the long range demo I referenced for convenience.

Best regards,
Karl

[fausto_dmg]

Is there a radio module for this type of chip with the chip installed above it that can be piggybacked on a custom card? All this in order not to have to weld the module on the custom board and to have a module substitutability. Thank you

[Karl Ylvisaker]

Hi,

You may have the nRF SoC on a separate module attached to your custom board, yes.
There are multiple third-party retailers that sell such modules - Fanstel being one of them.
You may read more about available third-party modules here.

Best regards,
Karl