BLE Module Sourcing from China
3 resources tagged with "Ble"
BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) module sourcing in China comes down to two ecosystems: Nordic's nRF52 line (nRF52832, nRF52840) favored for low power and a clean SDK, versus Espressif's ESP32 which bundles Wi-Fi but draws more current. The hidden cost is certification — a module with a pre-certified FCC/CE radio grant saves you the several-thousand-dollar intentional-radiator test, but clone modules sometimes reuse a grant ID that doesn't legally cover your product. Always verify the FCC grant against the FCC ID database.
When you source a BLE module, the FCC/CE grant is the thing to verify, not just the chip part number. We look up the claimed FCC ID, confirm it covers the exact module, and check for clone modules that carry counterfeit shielding cans or relabeled silicon.
Guides (1)
Wiki (2)
FAQ
Should I choose nRF52840 or ESP32 for a BLE product?
Pick nRF52840 for battery-powered, BLE-only designs where low power and a mature SDK matter. Choose ESP32 if you also need Wi-Fi and can tolerate higher current draw; it's cheaper but less power-efficient.
Does a pre-certified BLE module remove my certification cost?
Largely yes — a module with a valid FCC/CE modular grant lets you avoid the intentional-radiator test, but you still need unintentional-radiator and product-level testing. Verify the grant ID actually covers the module you receive.
How do I spot a clone BLE module?
Clones may relabel cheaper silicon, reuse another product's FCC ID, or use fake shield cans. Cross-check the FCC grant in the official database, inspect the chip markings, and test RF performance against the genuine module.
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