Electronic – Using Bluetooth 4.0/LE verses RF

bluetoothbluetooth low energyremote controlRFwireless

I am asking this question in hopes to get a solid answer from anyone who has direct experience dealing with the most recent RF as well as Bluetooth 4.0/LE developments.

What I am essentially trying to understand is why so many devices such as keyboards, mice and remote controls seem to always opt for using RF verses using Bluetooth.

More specifically – my understanding is that the new 4.0 specs of Bluetooth and the LE (low energy) variations would be the ideal protocol to use while not requiring a dongle.

My thought was that there must be something I am not aware of which you electrical/RF engineers do know.

In my view these reasons my be related to one or more of the following:

  • RF interference
  • Higher battery usage
  • Increase Latency
  • Company Policy decisions (like with Logitech that seems to always force the use of their own dongle)

Can someone enlighten me on the pros/cons based on their direct experience using both. Please provide any supporting facts to convince me that Bluetooth 4.0 or Bluetooth LE is the wrong wireless protocol to use for example as the wireless technology for a small handheld (apple style) remote control which does not need to be charged every week (other than the distance factor)?

Best Answer

Bluetooth LE is a licensed technology. You have to pay to create and sell a BLE compatible device. As such, it could be cheaper to use either a unlicensed off the shelf RF technology or roll you own. BLE 'qualification & listing' Fees.