- LG Innotek’s development of small communication module for IoT applications enables convenient tracking of essential data
- It includes integrated components along with a built-in antenna technology for enhancing communication performance
LG Innotek has claimed to develop the world’s smallest Bluetooth module in order to advance the communication modules built for the Internet of Things (IoT).
BLE module for IoT is key in enabling data communications for IoT devices such as glucose measuring patches, smart lighting, outlets, switches, wireless earphones and hearing aids. Using its low-power consumption feature, the module can be used for IoT devices that require a limited power supply, such as small wearable devices.
By linking various IoT devices to the smartphone, users can conveniently track blood glucose levels, remotely control lighting, outlets and switches, and operate wireless earphones or hearing aids at a short distance.
Although being small and slim, the BLE modules allow good communication performance. With differentiated radio frequency (RF) signal design and antenna technology, and ultra-precision circuit technology, component space gets reduced while the data transmission distance is increased.
Integrated components
By implementing LG Innotek’s minimised BLE module, IoT device manufacturers can freely design products in various shapes and sizes. It has dimensions of 6mm (width) x 4mm (height) in which more than 20 components including ICs (communications chips), resistors, and inductors are housed, thanks to ultra-precision, high-density and ultra-fine processing technologies. At the same time, there is no signal interference.
The BLE module also enables device control and real-time data inquiry even if there is an obstacle between the user’s smartphone and the IoT device, due to 30 per cent increase in the communication performance of the module compared to existing products. For example, even when there is a single obstacle, such as a wall, between the user’s smartphone and the IoT device, other modules may lose communications, but the BLE module can transmit data smoothly even if there are multiple obstacles.
To make this happen, the company has applied an “integrated antenna” technology within the module (that used to be installed separately outside conventional modules). In particular, the antenna covers the entire module, maximising the antenna area and improving communication performance.
With such innovation, LG Innotek plans to accelerate its foray into the IoT communication module market across the world for manufacturers of lighting, healthcare, smart home and audio products.
