Bluetooth Certifications

[CorintechTD]

I’m in the process of putting together a comparison of development costs, and wonder if someone can help me with some guidance on Bluetooth qualification. I’d like to understand the quickest/cheapest qualification route using the NRF52832. Can Nordic help with a pre-qualified design? What is their recommended course using this SOC?

We are already SIG members.

[Jared]

Hi,

The cheapest route would be to use a pre-certified third party module. We have a list of third-party modules and some information here.

regards

Jared

[CorintechTD]

We are set on a chip-level solution based on cost. This is a super-low-cost product.

What is the most cost effective and quickest route to qualification based on this solution?

Does using the NRF52832 with a Nordic PCB trace antenna reference layout, constitute a 'pre-certified' design, and does does this assist us in getting through the BT certification process?

[Kaja]

Hi,

3rd part modules can be found on our web site. 

CorintechTD said:

Does using the NRF52832 with a Nordic PCB trace antenna reference layout, constitute a 'pre-certified' design

If you design it your self, then you need to do certifications, if you find a module vendor that have a Nordic IC + a trace antenna, then you can use the modules certification. 

Note: Smart to check what certifications the modules have, before choosing, so that you choose an module with certifications for the marked you need.


For BT certification, Bluetooth SIG has a path called "no-required"  testing, and you can go this path by referencing our QDID's  or the module vendors (if they have).

Best regards,
Kaja

[CorintechTD]

so .. if I understand this correctly, there is no way to use the "no-required testing" route if designing a chip level solution.. even though the nRF52832 with the S132 softdevice is a Bluetooth qualified design, and has a QDID? 

QDID COMPATIBILITY TABLE

[Kaja]

You can use the no-required testing route if you design your own as well, and then reference our QDID's, but then you should do a RF-PHY retest to make sure you are compliant with our RF-PHY part, but this test we can do for you. 

But if you make a design your self, IC + antenna, then you have to do the regulatory radio tests. 

Best regards,
Kaja