Bluetooth certification is one additional
step in the many challenges you will face before you can be you can go to a
retailer and proudly see your product on the shelf. Or even proudly see that
people are buying it and the retailer is out of stock! So let’s try and see how
one can pass the Bluetooth software certification process. It’s not that complicated and
should not be that costly.
First question that we get asked all the
time: If our product uses Bluetooth, does want absolutely need to go through
Bluetooth certification? The answer is Yes, yes and yes. Even if Bluetooth is
only used to connect two devices on the proprietary link? Yes and Yes. Even if
the Bluetooth product never connects to any phone or other Bluetooth device?
Yes. Even if it is used in private industrial areas? Yes. Even if I do not the
Bluetooth Logo on my product? Yes again.
Now the next question is Why? The answer is
that for anybody who licenses Bluetooth technology (i.e. buys a Bluetooth chip
or designs anything using Bluetooth Protocols) needs to follow the Bluetooth
licensing. So Bluetooth does not require you to pay any patents or anything
like that. That is the reason the Bluetooth chips are low cost. However, they
require you to certify each product that you want to produce and take to
market.
Step1, register. You can register for free
at http://www.bluetooth.org/login/register/
and become an adopter member. You will find there a lot of information you need
to certify.
Step2: Create a project you need to login to the QLI and start a new TPG
project by entering a project name and expected qualification date. You can create
as many projects as you wish and there is no charge for doing so, unless you
qualify.
Step
3: Then you begin your TPG project and define what
components of the Bluetooth protocol you will be using (ex: What Profiles?
Bluetooth Low Energy or only Classic Bluetooth?) online. Once you are done, the
TPG checks whether there are no inconsistencies (ex: you are using a Classic
Bluetooth profile but only Bluetooth low energy). You can immediately correct
these inconsistencies.
Step4:
You can then generate the test plan from the TPG. The test plan will
automatically compute all of the latest testing requirements of the
Specifications and Qualification Program required to be completed prior to
qualification and listing. The test plan is produced in Microsoft Excel format
and can be saved on your computer.
Step5: Run all the tests needed. This
usually is made at a certified test house using for example a Rhode Schwartz
BITE tester. For some software components, you can the Bluetooth Profile
Tuning Suite (PTS). The PTS is a PC-based test tool created by the Bluetooth
SIG. The PTS automates protocol and profile testing producing.
Step6: File the paperwork, purchase a QDID
and list!
Note: If you are using Bluetooth components
that have already been tested such as for example MiniStak and Melody (http://www.bluetooth.org/tpg/QLI_editQDL.cfm?qid=19755).
The Substeps of running the test plan are
described in the diagram below (source: Bluetooth SIG).
