Bluetooth Low Energy (LE)

Last Updated on : 2026-07-20 02:29:43Copy for LLMView as MarkdownDownload PDF

The Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) protocol is a popular solution to integrate with the MCU standard protocol. In this solution, connect the device’s MCU to a Bluetooth module through a serial port. Then, the Bluetooth module is connected to the mobile app or gateway through Bluetooth, enabling the device to connect to the internet. Tuya provides one-stop services including network modules, mobile apps, and cloud services.

Wireless communication method: Bluetooth LE

Two power consumption options:

  • Standard power consumption
  • Low power consumption

How it works

Compared with other wireless protocols such as Wi-Fi, Zigbee, and LTE Cat.1, the Bluetooth LE standard protocol allows the modules to connect to the cloud services through a mobile phone or gateway. Significant features include:

  • Low power consumption: Bluetooth LE focuses on low-power communication and is suitable for long-running, battery-powered devices. For example, smart watches and fitness trackers.
  • Short-range communication: Characterized by short-range communication, Bluetooth LE connects devices within close proximity. For example, smart home devices in home automation scenes.
  • Cost effectiveness: Bluetooth chips are relatively cheap, making their application in a large number of devices more affordable, especially in the Internet of Things (IoT) field.
  • Simple deployment and connection: Connecting and pairing Bluetooth LE devices is generally simple, lowering the barriers to device deployment and use.
  • Extensive support: Bluetooth LE is a widely recognized standard. Almost all modern mobile devices are compatible with Bluetooth LE, facilitating interoperability between devices.
  • Suitable for a Personal Area Network (PAN): Bluetooth LE helps build a PAN that can connect multiple devices within a small area.

The following block diagram shows how communication works.

Bluetooth Low Energy (LE)

The Bluetooth LE module communicates with the MCU through a serial port by default. For more information, see Serial Communication Protocol.

Recommended development process

  1. Create a product and download the MCU SDK.
  2. Port the MCU SDK to your project.
  3. Use the module simulation mode in the Module Debugging Assistant to test the serial communication, Bluetooth network status indicator, and product functionality.
  4. Connect a Bluetooth module to the MCU, connect the module to the cloud using the mobile app, and test all product features.
  5. Test the end product for quality assurance.

Command list

Basic features

Command Description
0x00 Heartbeat check
0x01 Query product information
0x02 Get the working mode
0x03 Synchronize the working status
0x04 Reset the module
0x05 Reset the module (new)
0x06 Send a command to the module
0x07 Report data to the cloud
0x08 Query status
0x09 Unbind the module
0x0A Query the working status of the module
0xE0 Report record-type data
0xE1 Synchronize the time
0xA0 Query the module’s version number
0xA1 Notify of factory reset
0xE8 Query the MCU’s version number
0xE9 MCU proactively reports version number

Extended features

The extended features help you implement services for specific industries or scenarios. The command codes are as follows:

Service Command code Description
Bluetooth control service 0xE7 Control the Bluetooth module to proactively disconnect the Bluetooth connection
0xA3 Control the broadcasting switch of the Bluetooth module
0xBC Pairing window configuration
0xA5 Request the gateway to initiate a connection
0xE2 Modify the low-power broadcasting interval
0xB1 Modify the connection interval
0xBA HID proximity unlock
0xBB Set the Bluetooth broadcast name
0xBD Modify the Bluetooth transmission power
0xBE Query the Bluetooth module MAC address
Extended firmware upgrade service 0xF9 Extended firmware information reporting
0xFA Extended firmware upgrade request
0xFB Extended firmware upgrade file information
0xFC Extended firmware upgrade file offset request
0xFD Extended firmware upgrade data
0xFE Extended firmware upgrade end
MCU OTA update service 0xEA MCU OTA upgrade request
0xEB MCU OTA upgrade file information
0xEC MCU OTA upgrade file offset request
0xED MCU OTA upgrade data transmission
0xEE MCU OTA upgrade end
Low-power service 0xE5 Enable low-power feature
0xE4 System timer configuration
0xE3 Module wake-up pin configuration
0xB0 MCU low-power wake-up configuration
File transfer service 0xF5 Send file request
0xF6 Send file offset request
0xF7 Send file data
0xF8 Send file end
Door lock service 0xA7 Dynamic password verification
0xA2 Offline password verification
0xA6 Door lock service configuration
Production test service 0x0E RF test
0xF0 Production test passthrough
Weather service 0xB6 Get weather data
Extended networking service 0xC0 Extended networking module protocol
Remote control service 0xC1 Bluetooth remote control
Accessory communication service 0xC2 Accessory plug/unplug status synchronization
Integration service of Find My for iOS 0xC3 Find My integration
Serial port encryption service 0xD8 Serial port encryption negotiation
Business passthrough channel service 0xC4 Passthrough channel
iBeacon service 0xA8 iBeacon configuration