Hardware & Implementation

Module

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A pre-certified BLE module containing SoC, antenna, crystal, and passives on a small PCB, ready for integration.

    


    
    
    

      Also known as:
      
      BLE Module
      
    

    
  


  




  
  

    
BLE Module


A BLE SoC with antenna on a PCB." data-category="Hardware & Implementation">module is a pre-assembled, pre-certified component that packages a BLE SoC, antenna, crystal oscillator, and supporting passives onto a small PCB. Modules simplify product development by eliminating RF design complexity and reducing time-to-market through pre-obtained regulatory certifications.


Why Use a Module


Designing a BLE product from a raw SoC requires RF expertise: impedance-matched antenna traces, crystal layout, power supply decoupling, and compliance with FCC/CE/IC/MIC regulations. A module encapsulates all of this into a drop-in component that can be soldered onto a host PCB with minimal RF knowledge.


The tradeoffs are:
- Advantages: No RF design, pre-certified (FCC/CE/IC), faster time-to-market, lower NRE cost
- Disadvantages: Higher per-unit BOM cost ($2-8 vs $1-3 for raw SoC), larger footprint, less flexibility in antenna placement


Module Categories






Type
Description
Example






Stamp module
Castellated edges, solder to host PCB
Nordic BMD-340, Raytac MDBT50Q




Through-hole module
Pin headers for prototyping
ESP32-WROOM-32




System-in-Package (SiP)
Ultra-compact, QFN package
Nordic nRF52840-QIAA-based SiPs




Combo module
BLE + Wi-Fi + Thread
ESP32-C6-MINI






Certification Advantages


Regulatory certification is often the most compelling reason to use a module. The module manufacturer obtains FCC (US), CE (EU), IC (Canada), MIC (Japan), and other regional certifications. Products using the module can reference these certifications (modular approval) instead of performing full intentional radiator testing, saving $10,000-50,000 in certification costs.


However, modular approval has conditions: the module must be used with a similar antenna, the host product must not alter RF characteristics, and some regions require limited additional testing.



    

  • Nordic: BMD-340 (nRF52840), Raytac MDBT50Q, Fanstel BT840
    • 

  • Espressif: ESP32-WROOM, ESP32-C3-MINI, ESP32-C6-MINI
    • 

  • Silicon Labs: BGM220P, BGM240
    • 

  • u-blox: NINA-B3 (nRF52840), ANNA-B4 (nRF5340)
    • 



When evaluating modules, verify that the included antenna type (PCB Antenna vs Chip Antenna) meets your range requirements, and confirm that the SDK supports the specific module variant.

  

  

  
  
  




  
  
Related Terms

  

  

    
    SoC
    
  





  

  
  

  
  

  
  
  

    
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Frequently Asked Questions


  

    
    

      
      

        
Our glossary covers 90+ BLE technical terms organized by category. Each term includes a definition, related terms, and links to relevant chips and guides.