Bluetooth Low Energy (LE)

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.

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

Extended features

The extended features help you implement services for specific industries or scenarios.

• MCU OTA update service
• Production test service
• Bluetooth control service
• Weather service
• Door lock service
• Extended networking service
• Remote control service
• Accessory communication service
• Integration service of Find My for iOS