BLE-USB, USB to Bluetooth Low Energy Converter (Ver. 1.0, Oct/6/2016) 1
Version
Author
Date
Note
1.0
Jack
2016/9/20
Release version
Warranty
All products manufactured by ICP DAS are under warranty regarding
defective materials for a period of one year from the date of delivery to the
original purchaser.
Warning
ICP DAS assumes no liability for damages resulting from the use of this
product. ICP DAS reserves the right to change this manual at any time without
notice. The information furnished by ICP DAS is believed to be accurate and
reliable. However, no responsibility is assumed by ICP DAS for its use, or for any
infringements of patents or other rights of third parties resulting from its use.
Copyright
Copyright 2016 by ICP DAS. All rights are reserved.
Trademark
The names used for identification only may be registered trademarks of their
respective companies.
Technical Support
If you have any problems, feel free to contact us via e-mail at
service@icpdas.com
Document Revision
BLE-USB, USB to Bluetooth Low Energy Converter (Ver. 1.0, Oct/6/2016) 2
1.1 FEATURES ................................................................................................................................................ 6
2.2.1 LED Indicator ................................................................................................................................... 12
2.2.2 USB type-A plug................................................................................................................................ 14
3.1.4 AT ...................................................................................................................................................... 18
3.1.5 ATE ................................................................................................................................................... 18
BLE-USB, USB to Bluetooth Low Energy Converter (Ver. 1.0, Oct/6/2016) 4
1. Introduction
The BLE-USB module is small-sized wireless Bluetooth low energy (LE) converter based on
the Bluetooth 4.0 standard that allow USB interface to be converted to Bluetooth LE piconet
network. The BLE-USB has two transmission modes – advertisement and connection mode.
Users not only can send advertising packet in the advertisement mode but also can send
connection packet in the connection mode. It supports different roles in each transmission mode.
One is broadcaster and observer in advertisement mode and the others is master and slave in
connection mode. User can use AT command to setup the BLE-USB. The AT command not
only can set role of Bluetooth LE, but also it can set some connection parameters (e.g. RF
power level, broadcast parameters and slave amount).
The BLE-USB also provide slave security mechanism. The mechanism can obstruct illegal
master, and the slave will ignore connection request from illegal master. In addition, ICPDAS
provides software utility to easily configure and test the BLE-USB modules via USB.
Figure 1-1. The application architecture of BLE-USB
BLE-USB, USB to Bluetooth Low Energy Converter (Ver. 1.0, Oct/6/2016) 5
1.1 Features
[BLE-USB]
Frequency: ISM 2.4 GHz
Standard: Bluetooth 4.0
Fully Compliant with the USB 1.1/2.0 (High Speed)
Baud Rate :9600~115200 bps
Operating Temperatures: -25 °C ~ +75 °C
Supports multiple connections – Max slave is 3
Supports two types of communication- advertisements and connection
Provides AT commands to setup the module
Provides status / RF link indication LEDs
GUI Configuration Software (Windows Version)
No External Power Supply and Antenna required
[BLE Utility]
ICP DAS provides the BLE-USB configuration utility for Windows OS.
Parameters configuration
Firmware upgrade
Easy test to transmit/receive
Setting files management
1.2 Applications
Building Automation
Factory Automation
Machine Automation
Home Maintenance
1.3 Transmission Mode
The transmission mode of BLE-USB can divide into two categories: Broadcast and connection.
Each mode had different roles. The Broadcaster/Observer (scanner) used in the broadcast mode.
The Master/Slave was used in the connection mode.
BLE-USB, USB to Bluetooth Low Energy Converter (Ver. 1.0, Oct/6/2016) 6
A
B
7
3
Group ID = 1Group ID = 2
4
5
10
9
8
2
1
6
Broadcaster
Observer
1.3.1 Broadcast Mode
The broadcast mode is the new features in the Bluetooth LE. The Bluetooth LE
Broadcaster device broadcasts packets to every device around it. The Bluetooth LE
Observer device can receive the information without connection. The BLE-USB supports
another feature in broadcaster mode. The Broadcaster and Observer (refer to 1.5.2) had an
identification ID, and it call “Group ID”. The “Group ID” (refer to 3.1.16) parameter
specifies the logical group identity for BLE-USB devices, and each BLE-USB module
must be set to the same value if it is in the same group as other modules.
The schematic diagram of broadcast mode was shown in Figure 1-2. It had two
broadcasters and ten observers. The Observer 1~5 can receive packet from broadcaster A.
The Observer 6~10 can receive packet from broadcaster B. The Observer 1~5 can receive
the information without connection. The Observer 1 also can receive packet from
broadcaster B, but the Observer 1 only can receive packet from broadcaster A because the
Group ID is different.
Figure 1-2. The schematic diagram of BLE-USB
1.3.2 Connection Mode
The connection mode need make a connection before packet exchange. The slave will
broadcast after power on. If the master receive broadcast packet from the Slave and it will
send connection request to the Slave. The Slave can connect to one Master unless it
disconnect with current Master. The Master can connect with three Slaves. If the number
of slave connections was reached to 3. The Master will not send connection request unless
the connections was less than 3. The Slave and Master also had “Group ID” (refer to
3.1.16). The Slave and Master must be set to same “Group ID”, and the Master will send
connection request to the Slave. The Slave had a master identification mechanism. The
BLE-USB, USB to Bluetooth Low Energy Converter (Ver. 1.0, Oct/6/2016) 7
5
3
Group ID = 1Group ID = 2
6
2
1
4
Master
Slave
B
A
initialization
mode
transmission
mode
AT command
mode
“+++<CR>”
“ATE<CR>”
After 50 sec
Slave receive connection request from Master. If the illegal Master was connected to the
Slave, and then the Slave will be disconnect from Master. The master identification
mechanism can disable by AT command.
The schematic diagram of broadcast mode was shown in Figure 1-3. It had two Masters
and six Slaves. The Master A will connect to the Slave 1~3, and the Master B will connect
to the Slave 4~6. The Slave 1 is in the commutation range of Master B, but the Master will
not send the connection request to the Slave 1 because the Group ID is different.
Figure 1-3. The schematic diagram of BLE-USB
1.4 Operation Mode
The module will in the initialization mode after power on. If the initialization was success, and
the module will went to the transmission mode. The module can send data or it can receive the
data in the transmission mode. User sends the “+++<CR>” to the module. It will go to the AT
command mode. The module will be in the AT command mode until 50 second without any
commands or send the “ATE<CR>”. The AT command mode can refer to 3.13.1.
Figure 1-4. The block diagram of operation mode
1.5 Bluetooth LE Role
BLE-USB, USB to Bluetooth Low Energy Converter (Ver. 1.0, Oct/6/2016) 8
The Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) had four roles. The roles are Master (Central), Slave
(Peripheral), Broadcaster and Observer. The Master and slave had used in the connection mode.
Master
(Central)
Slave
(Peripheral)
Slave
(Peripheral)
Scan
Broadcast packet
Connection Request
Link establish
Broadcast packet
Scan
Broadcast packet
Connection Request
Link establish
The Broadcaster and Observer has used in the broadcast mode.
1.5.1 Master and Slave
First, there is the concept of Master (Central)/ Slave (Peripheral), which has to do with
establishing a link. This is also known as the GAP role. A Peripheral can advertise, to let other
devices know that it's there, but it's only a Central that can send a connection request to
establish a connection. When a link has been established, the Central is also called a Master,
while the Peripheral could be called a Slave. The Slave only can connect to a Master, but the
Master can connect to three Slaves in our module. The Slave will not be sending broadcast
packet after link has been established.
Figure 1-5. The workflow of Bluetooth LE connection
The Slave has two broadcast patterns. One is the high discoverable mode. The other is low
discoverable mode. The Slave will be broadcasting for 30 second in high discoverable mode,
and the broadcast interval is 20ms for 3 channels. The Slave will be broadcasting for 60 second
in low discoverable mode, and the broadcast interval is 640ms for 3 channels. The Slave will in
the high discoverable mode after power on. If the Slave didn’t received connection request from
the Master in high discoverable mode and it will switch to low discoverable mode.
1.5.2 Broadcaster and Observer
The Broadcaster does so by constantly advertising, and the Broadcaster usually has useful data
in the advertising packet. The advertising packet is meant for everyone to see. The Broadcaster
is broadcasting to others, so it never accepts connections. The Observer is the opposite of the
BLE-USB, USB to Bluetooth Low Energy Converter (Ver. 1.0, Oct/6/2016) 9
BroadcasterObserverObserver
Broadcast packet
Scan
Scan
Scan
Scan
Scan
Broadcast packet
Broadcast packetBroadcast packet
Didn’t receive
packet
Didn’t receive
packet
Master
(Central)
Slave
(Peripheral)
Slave
(Peripheral)
Link establish
identification packet
Connection Request
disconnect
Packet incorrect
identification packet
Link establish
Packet correct
Broadcaster: it passively listens to BLE devices in its area and processes the data from the
advertising packets it receives.
Figure 1-6. The workflow of Bluetooth LE broadcast
1.6 Master Identification Mechanism
The Slave had a master identification mechanism. The Master will send identification packet to
the Slave. The Slave will check the identification packet that the identification packet was
incorrect. The Slave will disconnect with the Master. The feature can enable by AT command
(refer to 3.1.21).
Figure 1-7. The architecture of master identification mechanism
BLE-USB, USB to Bluetooth Low Energy Converter (Ver. 1.0, Oct/6/2016) 10
Hardware
LED indication
Status / RF link
RF Specification
Frequency Band
2.4 GHz ISM(2402~2480 MHz)
Tx power
-20~4 dBm
Rx sensitivity
-94 dBm
Antenna type
1.0 dBi chip antenna
Transmit Range
30 m
RF data rate
85 kbps
Max. Slaves Supported
3
Bluetooth LE Stack
Stack Version
Bluetooth 4.0
Connection Role
Master/Slave – connection mode
Observer /Broadcaster – broadcast mode
Communication Interface
Interface
USB 2.0
USB
Connector
Type-A Plug
Compatibility
USB 1.1 and 2.0 standard
Driver Support
Windows 98/2000/XP/Vista/7/10
WinPAC (WinCE6.0/7.0)
LinPAC (Linux kernel 3.0.0-19)
Baud Rate
9600~115200 bps
Data Format
N,8,1
Power
Operating Voltage
USB Socket Powered
Power Consumption
0.1 W (Max.)
Mechanical
Casing
Plastic
Dimensions (L x W x H)
58.4 mm x 19.8 mm x 9 mm
Environment
Operating Temperature
-25 ~ +75°C
Storage Temperature
-25 ~ +75°C
Relative Humidity
5 ~ 95% RH, Non-condensing
2. Hardware
2.1 Specifications
BLE-USB, USB to Bluetooth Low Energy Converter (Ver. 1.0, Oct/6/2016) 11
LED Indicator
LED Color
Description
RF Link
Green
The connection status of Bluetooth LE
Status
Red
The module status of BLE-USB
Master
LED Indicator
Status
Description
RF Link
Steady Lit
Connect to all salves
Blink (1 s)
Connect to slave, but not connect to
all slaves
Blink (200 ms)
Not connect to slave
Status
Steady Lit
Module initializes success(only
turn on for 3 second after power
on)
Blink (50 ms)
Module initializes fail(keep turn
on)
Blink (200 ms)
Temporary Buffer was full
Blink (50 ms)
RF receive data (flash once)
RF Link LED(Green)
Status LED(Red)
USB Type-A
2.2 BLE-USB Front View
Figure 2-1. Front View of BLE-USB
2.2.1 LED Indicator
The LED had different pattern in the connection and broadcast mode.
Connection mode
The RF link LED will blink for 3 second after BLE-USB power on, and the status LED
also will turn on for 3 second. The connection had two roles – master and slave. Each role
had different LED pattern. The LED pattern was shown in following table:
BLE-USB, USB to Bluetooth Low Energy Converter (Ver. 1.0, Oct/6/2016) 12
Slave
LED Indicator
Status
Description
RF Link
Steady Lit
RF signal is good (RSSI is greater than 60 dBm)
Blink (1 s)
RF signal is normal (RSSI is between -61
and -80 dBm)
Blink (2 s)
RF signal is bad (RSSI is between t-81
and -100 dBm)
Blink (200 ms)
Not connect to master
Status
Steady Lit
Module initializes success(only turn on
for 3 second after power on)
Blink (50 ms)
Module initializes fail(keep turn on)
Blink (200 ms)
Temporary Buffer was full
Blink (50 ms)
RF receive data (flash once)
Broadcaster
LED Indicator
Status
Description
RF Link
Steady Lit
The RF Link LED will keep on in the
broadcast mode
Status
Steady Lit
Module initializes success(only turn on
for 3 second after power on)
Blink (50 ms)
Module initializes fail(keep turn on)
Blink (1 s)
Broadcast is start
Blink (2 s)
Broadcast is stop
Observer (scanner)
LED Indicator
Status
Description
RF Link
Steady Lit
The RF Link LED will keep on in the
broadcast mode
Status
Radiate (ON)
Module initializes success(only turn on
for 3 second after power on)
Blink (50 ms)
Module initializes fail(keep turn on)
Blink (50 ms)
RF receive data (flash once)
Broadcast mode
The RF link LED and status LED will turn on for 3 second after BLE-USB power on. The
connection had two roles – broadcaster and observer (scanner). Each role had different LED
pattern. The LED pattern was show in following table:
BLE-USB, USB to Bluetooth Low Energy Converter (Ver. 1.0, Oct/6/2016) 13
Top View
Bottom View
Rear ViewRight View
Front ViewLeft View
Uint:mm
2.2.2 USB type-A plug
The port is used to configure BLE-USB, communicate with other BLE modules and be
powered via the USB socket.
2.3 Dimensions
Figure 2-2. Dimensions of BLE-USB
BLE-USB, USB to Bluetooth Low Energy Converter (Ver. 1.0, Oct/6/2016) 14
Type “+++<CR>”to
enter AT command
mode
Type AT command
AT+XXX=YYY<CR>
(Write command)
Type “ATE<CR> to leave AT
command mode
AutoleaveATcommand
without any command after
50 second
3. Software
3.1 The AT Command
3.1.1 The AT Command syntax
The AT commands help users to control or get the information of BLE-USB. The prefix “AT+”
must be included at the beginning of each command line (except +++, AT and ATE), and
the character <CR> is used to finish a command line. When the application would like to send a
series of AT commands, leave a pause between the preceding and the following command until
information responses (e.g. “OK”). In the present document, AT commands can divide into
four types: Write Command, Read Command, Test Command and Execution Command. If the
AT command isn’t exist or syntax error, and the BLE-USB would be reply error code. All of
AT commands will valid when the module was entering to the AT command mode (except
+++). The correct flow of AT command was shown in Figure 3-1.
Figure 3-1. The flow of AT command
1. Write Command
The write command can write configure to the BLE-USB. The format of write command is
“AT+XXX=YYY<CR>”.The “AT+” is a beginning in the command, and the “XXX” is
command name, and the “YYY” is a parameter, and the<CR> is end of the command. The
syntax or parameter was incorrect and the BLE-USB would be reply error code. The user didn’t
reset configure again because all of configure will be save in the local memory after receive
write command.
2. Read Command
The read command can read configure from the BLE USB. The format of read command is
“AT+XXX?<CR>”.The “AT+” is a beginning in the command, and the “XXX” is command
BLE-USB, USB to Bluetooth Low Energy Converter (Ver. 1.0, Oct/6/2016) 15
Command Name
Write
Read
Test
Execution
Description
Section
+++<CR>
✘ ✘ ✘
✔
Enter to AT command mode
3.1.3
AT<CR>
✘ ✘ ✘
✔
Test command
3.1.4
ATE<CR>
✘ ✘ ✘
✔
Leave AT command mode
3.1.5
AT+BC<CR>
✔ ✔ ✔
✘
Broadcast Channel
3.1.6
AT+BR<CR>
✔ ✔ ✔
✘
Baud rate
3.1.7
AT+CL<CR>
✘ ✔ ✔
✘
Connection list
3.1.8
AT+CN<CR>
✘ ✔ ✔
✘
Connection amount
3.1.9
AT+DI<CR>
✘ ✔ ✔
✘
Device information
3.1.10
✽AT+FC<CR
✘ ✘ ✔
✔
Factory setting
3.1.11
AT+LA<CR>
✘ ✔ ✔
✘
Local address
3.1.12
✽AT+PN<CR>
✔ ✔ ✔
✘
Peer amount
3.1.13
✽AT+SFR<CR>
✘ ✘ ✔
✔
Software reset
3.1.14
name, and the “?” is read command, and the<CR> is end of the command.
3. Test Command
The test command can examine the syntax of command and give the information about the
command parameter. The format of test command is “AT+XXX=?<CR>”.The “AT+” is a
beginning in the command, and the “XXX” is command name, and the “=?” is test command,
and the<CR> is end of the command. All of AT commands supports the test command. If the
syntax of command is correct. The BLE-USB would be reply “OK<CR><LF>”.
4. Execution Command
The execution command can execute some functions (e.g. reset the module). The format of test
command is “AT+XXX<CR>”.The “AT+” is a beginning in the command, and the “XXX” is
command name, and the<CR> is end of the command.
3.1.2 List of AT Command
The BLE-USB supports AT commands. The command list was shown in the Table 3-1.
Table 3-1. List of AT command
BLE-USB, USB to Bluetooth Low Energy Converter (Ver. 1.0, Oct/6/2016) 16
Command Name
Write
Read
Test
Execution
Description
Section
AT+SDN<CR>
✔ ✔ ✔
✘
Slave device number
3.1.15
AT+GID<CR>
✔ ✔ ✔
✘
Group ID
3.1.16
AT+TPL<CR>
✔ ✔ ✔
✘
RF power level
3.1.17
AT+BCIV<CR>
✔ ✔ ✔
✘
Broadcast interval
3.1.18
AT+COML<CR>
✘ ✘ ✔
✔
Command list
3.1.19
✽AT+ROLE<CR>
✔ ✔ ✔
✘
Connection role
3.1.20
AT+EKEY<CR>
✔ ✔ ✔
✘
Enable master identification
mechanism
3.1.21
✽AT+SKEY<CR>
✔ ✔ ✔
✘
Set master identification key
3.1.22
✽AT+SMODE<CR>
✔ ✔ ✔
✘
Transmission mode
3.1.23
✽AT+BCROLE<CR>
✔ ✔ ✔
✘
Broadcast role
3.1.24
Execution command
Response
+++<CR>
Enter to AT mode<CR><LF>
+++<CR>
Enter to AT mode<CR><LF>
✽: The write or execution command will reset the module.
3.1.3 +++
(1) Description
This command is used to set module into the AT command mode.
(2) Syntax
(3) Example
BLE-USB, USB to Bluetooth Low Energy Converter (Ver. 1.0, Oct/6/2016) 17
Execution command
Response
AT<CR>
OK<CR><LF>
AT<CR>
OK<CR><LF>
AT
AT<CR>
Error: 05<CR><LF> (refer to 3.1.25)
Execution command
Response
ATE<CR>
OK<CR><LF>
ATE<CR>
OK<CR><LF>
3.1.4 AT
(1) Description
This command is used for testing module when the module had entered to the AT command
mode.
(2) Syntax
(3) Example
3.1.5 ATE
(1) Description
This command is used to leave the AT command mode.
(2) Syntax
(3) Example
BLE-USB, USB to Bluetooth Low Energy Converter (Ver. 1.0, Oct/6/2016) 18
The Bluetooth LE used 3 channels (CH37~39) for frequency hopping in broadcast mode.
This command allow user to change the broadcast channel when the module was in the
broadcast mode. User can choose one channel for broadcasting, or choose three channels for
broadcasting. The command only change the broadcast command in the broadcast mode,
and the broadcast will not be change in the connection mode.
(2) Syntax
(3) Parameter
(4) Example
BLE-USB, USB to Bluetooth Low Energy Converter (Ver. 1.0, Oct/6/2016) 19
+BC: 1 <CR><LF>
OK<CR><LF>
AT+BC=7<CR>
Error: 01<CR><LF> (refer to 3.1.25)
AT+BC=?<CR>
+BC: 0~3<CR><LF>
OK<CR><LF>
AT+BC<CR>
Error: 04<CR><LF> (refer to 3.1.25)
Write Command
Response
AT+BR=<baud rate><CR>
OK<CR><LF>
Error: 01<CR><LF> (refer to 3.1.25)
Read Command
Response
AT+BR?<CR>
+BR: <baud rate><CR><LF>
OK<CR><LF>
Test Command
Response
AT+BR=?<CR>
+BR: 0~5<CR><LF>
OK<CR><LF>
3.1.7 AT+BR
(1) Description
This command is used to change the baud rate of module.
(2) Syntax
BLE-USB, USB to Bluetooth Low Energy Converter (Ver. 1.0, Oct/6/2016) 20
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