Reliability and Environmental Testing of Bluetooth Modules
Teijo Kuosmanen, Seppo Rantala, E. Ristolainen · SMTA International · 2003
ABSTRACT Bluetooth can be regarded as one of the most promising technology for short-range wireless connections. Wireless connections reduce the need for cables and offer flexible means to establish a communication link between devices. In addition, the miniaturization of electronics will give more opportunities to implement new applications for example in industrial environment [8]. Despite the growing variety of commercial Bluetooth enabled devices there are only a few devices that are designed for industrial applications. Rough environmental conditions and their influence on the devices' behaviour and long-term reliability must be taken into account before Bluetooth devices are suitable for industrial applications. This paper introduces the test methods that were used to evaluate the performance and long-term reliability of full functional Bluetooth devices in heavy industrial environmental conditions. The tests were conducted using commercial Bluetooth adapters from two manufacturers. The results of the reliability tests were promising since the tests did not reduce the functionality of one tested adapter type in the industrial operating temperature range.