The BLE Beacon, also known as a Low Energy Bluetooth Beacon, is a sophisticated yet compact wireless device that broadcasts signals using BLE technology. Its broadcast nature eliminates the need for pairing with receiving devices. Each beacon houses a unique identifier detectable by nearby Bluetooth technology-enabled devices, such as ESP32 and smartphones that support BLE scanning.
This advanced beacon features a built-in 11-bit ADC and an I2C interface, adept at collecting and broadcasting data from different sensor types in real-time. Users can effortlessly access this data within the broadcast range using any Bluetooth-enabled device, making it an indispensable tool for seamless data collection in various applications. (Note: I2C functionality is available only in the Fermion version.)
With its multi-sensor compatibility, this BLE beacon effortlessly integrates with 3.3V digital, analog, or I2C sensors. Transforming regular sensors into wireless ones becomes a breeze, facilitating flexible data collection and transmission. Picture a scenario where garden moisture systems, which once required placing controllers near each planter, can now be managed efficiently with BLE sensor beacons, providing real-time soil moisture information for each pot effortlessly.
Low power consumption is another standout feature, consuming just 650nA in sleep mode, allowing the beacon to operate for months or even years on a single battery. In smart homes, this results in smart locks that essentially operate maintenance-free. As a user approaches, the lock seamlessly connects to the phone, enabling swift authentication without frequent battery replacements.
The beacon's customizable broadcast parameters give it versatility, supporting formats like iBeacon and Eddystone, with user-defined options available. Through PC software, users have control over adjusting broadcasting formats, intervals, and dynamic power control, tailoring operations to specific needs. Retailers, for instance, can use this to communicate with customers entering the store, offering discount alerts or navigation services. This functionality minimizes power usage and extends operational periods, enhancing its utility as a smart sensor node.
User-friendly configuration ensures that no programming knowledge or Bluetooth protocol expertise is needed. An intuitive graphical interface simplifies the setup process, reducing development time and costs. Once set, the device acts as an IoT sensor node, effectively streaming sensor data across a wide array of environments ranging from smart farms to office spaces, simplifying data collection.
Brand | DFRobot |
Model | TEL0168 |
More info | Fermion: BLE Sensor Beacon Wiki - DFRobot |