BLE Data Transfer - CODED PHY Modulation

  1. Introduction
  2. Requirements
  3. LE CODED PHY Testing Method
BL654

Introduction

Prior to Bluetooth 5, BLE operated on 1 Mbps modulation only. Bluetooth v5 adds support for an optional 500 kbps and 125 kbps modulation. This feature is known as LE CODED PHY. It allows data to be transmitted at the lower 500 kbps and 125 kbps symbol rat. The BL654 only provides support for the 125 kbps modulation.

Note: The Bluetooth 5 LE CODED PHY feature is relatively new and may take some time before it is supported by most silicon and stack vendors.

Requirements

Note: For the purposes of this document, we assume you are familiar with compiling/loading smartBASIC applications. If not, please visit the BL654 product page for the applicable application note.

LE CODED PHY Testing Method

This section describes the method used to test the LE CODED PHY feature.

Important!
As of this writing, Android and iOS have not implemented the LE CODED PHY feature. To see the full benefits of LE CODED PHY impact on long range, two BL654 kits are needed for testing.

To test LE CODED PHY throughput, follow these steps:

  1. Open the $autorun$.coded.phy.central.sb and replace BTAddr with the ATi 4 response of the BL654 onto which the peripheral app is loaded (this is for auto connection).
  2. Open two instances of UwTerminalX and uncheck DTR on both.
  3. Reset the BL654s by checking and unchecking BREAK on both UwTerminalX instances.
  4. Flash erase both BL654s using at&F*.
  5. On the first UwTerminalX window, XCompile+Load+Run $autorun$.coded.phy.central.sb.
  6. On the second UwTerminalX window, XCompile+Load+Run $autorun$.coded.phy.peripheral.sb.
  7. On both UwTerminalX instances, check DTR on both devices.
  8. Reset both devices by checking and unchecking BREAK.
    The devices should auto-connect and the connection messages should be displayed on both. The switch to the CODED PHY event should also be displayed.

You can start typing data in each terminal window which can be sent by pressing Enter.

A screenshot of a computer program Description automatically generated
VersionDateNotesContributor(s)Approver
1.027 June 2018Initial ReleaseYoussif M. SaeedJonathan Kaye
2.015 Apr 2025Ezurio rebrandingSue WhiteDave Drogowski