modules: how to go about them - WiFi-Forum - Wi-Fi Discussion Forum

candyman · #1 12-07-2003, 07:19 PM

Can Bluetooth modules work with any microcontroller, or are they specific to a particular micro?

I'm looking into class 2 Bluetooth modules, but with a whole heap available on the net, can anyone suggest a reliable source?

Any comments appreciated.

Xoder · #2 12-08-2003, 07:32 AM

Most Bluetooth modules have a micro that is used for controling the radio. I suppose you could use an external microcontroller to command that one. However, most modules (aka, all that I know of) the controler for the radio also runs applications. There's a certain amount of flash ROM and RAM onboard any of these.

Quote:

Originally Posted by candyman

Can Bluetooth modules work with any microcontroller, or are they specific to a particular micro?

I'm looking into class 2 Bluetooth modules, but with a whole heap available on the net, can anyone suggest a reliable source?

Any comments appreciated.

candyman · #3 12-09-2003, 09:02 PM

Yeah, at first I imagined I would be using an external microcontroller to control a Bluetooth module, as I'll be writing a code for a specific application using a Bluetooth link. So I guess there's gonna be 2 modules and 2 micros to establish a link. Is this sensible or is there an another approach?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xoder

Most Bluetooth modules have a micro that is used for controling the radio. I suppose you could use an external microcontroller to command that one. However, most modules (aka, all that I know of) the controler for the radio also runs applications. There's a certain amount of flash ROM and RAM onboard any of these.

Xoder · #4 12-10-2003, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by candyman

Yeah, at first I imagined I would be using an external microcontroller to control a Bluetooth module, as I'll be writing a code for a specific application using a Bluetooth link. So I guess there's gonna be 2 modules and 2 micros to establish a link. Is this sensible or is there an another approach?

Well, if you're going to be developing this for a separate link as well (i.e. Serial), or need more processing power/RAM/whatever, you should use a separate microcontroller. If, however, you can get away with it, I suggest you try to stick to the module's own controller/RAM/etc.

My $0.02

candyman · #5 12-12-2003, 04:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xoder

Well, if you're going to be developing this for a separate link as well (i.e. Serial), or need more processing power/RAM/whatever, you should use a separate microcontroller. If, however, you can get away with it, I suggest you try to stick to the module's own controller/RAM/etc.

My $0.02

Thank you for your replies Xoder!

I'm not experienced in Bluetooth development, but yeah, there would have to be a separate serial link for the whole system to work, because a module would be soldered on the microcontroller board that would in turn connect to a PC via serial port. However, now that I learned that modules can be stand-alone and work fine, I wonder how I can change the design.

If not using external microcontroller, how would you best interface a Bluetooth module with a PC?

Xoder · #6 12-12-2003, 07:24 AM

Many have UARTs that you can use a serial or parallel (I have forgotten) port cable to program. I'm not clear on the specifics of that, unfortunately.

Quote:

Originally Posted by candyman

Thank you for your replies Xoder!

I'm not experienced in Bluetooth development, but yeah, there would have to be a separate serial link for the whole system to work, because a module would be soldered on the microcontroller board that would in turn connect to a PC via serial port. However, now that I learned that modules can be stand-alone and work fine, I wonder how I can change the design.

If not using external microcontroller, how would you best interface a Bluetooth module with a PC?

candyman · #7 12-12-2003, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xoder

Many have UARTs that you can use a serial or parallel (I have forgotten) port cable to program. I'm not clear on the specifics of that, unfortunately.

That's okay, thanks again!

patthan · #8 06-30-2009, 05:04 PM

Most Bluetooth modules have a micro that is used for controling the radio. I suppose you could use an external microcontroller to command that one. However, most modules (aka, all that I know of) the controler for the radio also runs applications. There's a certain amount of flash ROM and RAM onboard any of these.