The Wireless Connectivity and Sensors division at Würth Elektronik eiSos has released a firmware update (Version 3.4.0) of its Proteus I Bluetooth module. One of the most important updates comes in the form of more than two-fold increase in UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) baud rate with the maximum data throughput going from 36 kbps to 80 kbps.
The newly introduced UART flow control at the same time guarantees that no data packets get lost on the UART. This and extensive possibilities for firmware individualization are further improvements on an already highly regarded product. It was recently awarded with the “Product of the Year 2018” award in the category “Smart Automation” by the trade magazine SmarterWorld.
With firmware version 3.4.0, the data throughput of 80 kbps can be achieved with a single BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) packet per connection interval and is therefore compatible with all BLE 4.2 devices on the market. Manufacturers that make their products Bluetooth-enabled using the Proteus I Bluetooth low energy module can now also completely determine how it appears to the communication partner. This starts with its appearance, i.e. the device name and icon displayed to the user in the list of possible Bluetooth connections. A profile can also be added with the Device Information Service (DIS) to make more of the device’s information available with wireless technology – for example the name of the device manufacturer or the serial number.
Selectable UUID (Universally Unique Identifier)
The Proteus I 2.4-GHz BLE wireless module with dimensions of just 11 x 8 x 1.8 mm has something that is actually no longer intended in the Bluetooth Low Energy standard (Bluetooth Smart): The serial port profile for emulating a serial cable connection. Data transmission is enabled with the AMBER SPP-like (Serial Port Profile) profile, which is based on the optional Bluetooth 4.2 feature “data length extension” and increases the data throughput. Firms can make this BLE profile their own by assigning their own UUID, for example to register the profile with the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG). Würth Elektronik eiSos also offers customers individualization of the firmware and yet guarantees adherence with the relevant guidelines in the wireless domain.
