IoT Device Sourcing & OEM Manufacturing in China
5 resources tagged with "Iot"
Most connected products start from a reference design built around a Wi-Fi/BLE SoC like ESP32 or an nRF52840, then get wrapped in OEM firmware and an app. Chinese factories will quote ESP32-based modules at MOQs around 1,000 units and BLE modules from a few hundred, but the recurring trap is certification: a module pre-certified for FCC/CE only stays valid if the antenna, enclosure, and RF layout match the test report. Platforms like Tuya power a large share of white-label smart home devices, which speeds time-to-market but locks you to their cloud region and app.
When you source an IoT device, you are sourcing three things at once — the hardware, the radio certification, and the firmware/cloud stack. The common pitfall is assuming a module's certification covers your finished product; any layout or antenna change can require a fresh CE/FCC test.
Guides (4)
Wiki (1)
FAQ
What is the typical MOQ for an OEM IoT module from China?
ESP32 Wi-Fi/BLE modules usually start around 1,000 units, while BLE-only modules (nRF52840/nRF52833) can start in the low hundreds. Custom firmware or enclosure tooling raises the practical minimum.
Does a module's FCC/CE certification cover my finished product?
Only if you keep the antenna, RF layout, and enclosure as tested. Module-level (modular) approval transfers to your product only under specific conditions; change the antenna and you likely need re-testing.
Should I use a platform like Tuya or build custom firmware?
Tuya cuts development time and ships a ready app, but you are tied to their cloud region and licensing. Custom firmware on ESP32/nRF gives control but adds engineering cost and a longer certification path.
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