The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) approved the adoption of version 5.4 of the Bluetooth Core Specification, which defines new features and requirements for both host software as well as operation at the controller level. More specifically, these features relate to security enhancements, new transport capabilities, and new applications that include use cases for large-scale retail business operations.
The Bluetooth SIG also released qualification testing documentation and associated requirements based on the updated core specification and related profiles. Tests defined in this documentation are already supported by the Ellisys suite of protocol analysis systems and the Ellisys Bluetooth Qualifier (EBQ) dual-mode radio controller qualification test system, enabling immediate test, debug, and qualification of Bluetooth 5.4 radio controllers.
"As is our practice, we have been closely following the progression of this latest core specification update from the earliest stages, and incrementally adding and carefully validating our test and analysis support internally and during structured Bluetooth SIG interoperability events," says Mario Pasquali, Ellisys president and CEO. "We aim to enable radio controller manufacturers and stack developers with early support for qualification test and protocol analysis, to stay ahead of advancements in Bluetooth technology. Product integrators downstream of these early developers benefit from this approach in that they can confidently populate their end products with highly tested and qualified Bluetooth components, with minimal time-to-market lag. Put simply, early and accurate testing and qualification promotes a compressed development cycle for the entire Bluetooth ecosystem, enhances quality, and saves our customers time and money."
"Packetcraft has a long history of collaboration with Ellisys because as leaders in Bluetooth technology, our solutions complement each other's development," says Bob Brand, VP of Software Engineering at Packetcraft. "Packetcraft brings industry-leading stacks and software to market implementing new Bluetooth features like LE Audio and Periodic Advertising with Responses (PAwR). Starting from pre-released Bluetooth specifications and working with Ellisys test tools in the early days helps validate our implementations such that semiconductor and product companies can quickly bring new innovative products to market."
This latest iteration of the Bluetooth Core Specification defines various updates for Bluetooth technology, primarily aimed for implementation over the Bluetooth Low Energy radio. These include the addition of new security level characteristics (LE GATT Security Levels) and flexibility for coding schemes selections involving Bluetooth Long Range capabilities (Coding Scheme Selection on Advertising).
Controller updates include a new logical transport called Periodic Advertising with Responses (PAwR), which adds broadcast capabilities that allow for optional responses to advertising packets and addressing potentially tens of thousands of end nodes. Security enhancements (encryption) for advertising data are also added. Many of the new features are directed at higher layer applications, such as Electronic Shelf Labels.
Ellisys Bluetooth test and analysis solutions are used by developers worldwide, including radio and controller manufacturers, IP companies, including software stack creators, makers of consumer electronics, cyber security services, automotive companies, test labs, and others. The company’s solutions include the Ellisys Bluetooth Qualifier (EBQ) platform, and several protocol analyzer tools supporting both Bluetooth radio types – Low Energy and Classic (BR/EDR).
The Ellisys Bluetooth Qualifier is a comprehensive compliance, validation, and development system for Bluetooth technology, targeting the behaviors of the lower communications layers, including implementation of more than a thousand test cases defined by the Bluetooth SIG. Ellisys protocol analyzers include the ubiquitous Tracker, Explorer, and Vanguard systems, offering deep features sets designed to meet a variety of customer requirements.
The EBQ is available from stock to Bluetooth SIG-recognized test labs, known as Bluetooth Qualification Test Facilities (BQTF) and Bluetooth Recognized Test Facilities (BRTF), and to Bluetooth SIG member companies involved with radio controller and IP development.
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