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The potential market for Bluetooth low energy technology is huge and the stakes are high. The number of wearable wireless sensors could reach more than 400 million devices by 2014, according to ABI Research, and several wireless technology companies are staking their claim to applications for the health, sports and entertainment markets. While some rivals are already selling finished products, the Bluetooth SIG is confident Bluetooth low energy technology will become the dominant standard in this space. One major reason: With nearly 3 billion classic Bluetooth enabled devices already on the market, Bluetooth low energy technology promises greater application potential.
Here’s how two rival low energy specifications stack up against Bluetooth low energy technology. – C.C.W.
| Radio Frequency |
Bluetooth Low Energy Technology |
ZigBee |
ANT |
| 2.4 GHz |
2.4 GHz |
2.4 GHz |
| Distance/Range |
10 to 100 meters |
10 to 100 meters |
1 to 30 meters |
Frequency Hopping
(to minimize interference and avoid multi-path fading and canceling out signal) |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Total time to send data |
3-6 milliseconds |
Less than 10 milliseconds |
Less than 10 milliseconds |
| Connection to mobile phone / computer / watch |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Peak Power Consumption |
Less than 15 mA |
Less than 30 mA |
Less than 15 mA |
| Network Nodes |
Unlimited |
65,535 |
65,536 |
| Primary Use Cases |
Health and fitness monitoring, wrist devices/watches, proximity applications, remote control (e.g., home entertainment), mobile phones, industrial automation, gaming, PCs, automotive |
Industrial, building and home automation |
Health and fi tness monitoring, wrist devices / watches |
| Certification Body |
The Bluetooth SIG |
ZigBee Alliance |
ANT Alliance |
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