Bluetooth – Technology and Compliance

• Operates in the globally harmonized 2.4 GHz ISM band (2400–2483.5 MHz)

• Covers multiple variants: BR/EDR (Classic), Low Energy (LE), Mesh, and LE Audio

• Subject to regulatory approval under regional short-range device (SRD) frameworks (e.g., CE, FCC, ANATEL, SRRC)

• Requires Bluetooth SIG qualification for trademark use, interoperability assurance, and listing in the SIG database

• Requires both regulatory and SIG testing to verify spectrum compliance, RF performance, and protocol conformance

• Key RF test parameters include transmit power, bandwidth, spurious emissions, and TRP for OTA-only designs

• Real-world examples show how design choices influence certification and market access

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless standard designed for license-exempt use in the 2.4 GHz ISM band. It enables robust device-to-device communication using Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) and supports several protocol variants:

• Bluetooth Classic (BR/EDR): Continuous data and audio transmission with legacy profile support

• Bluetooth Low Energy (LE): Optimized for low power consumption and short data bursts

• Bluetooth Mesh: Many-to-many communication architecture based on BLE, suitable for scalable device networks

• Bluetooth LE Audio: Next-generation audio transmission over BLE, including broadcast and multi-stream features

All variants operate in the same frequency band and typically implement Adaptive Frequency Hopping (AFH) to minimize interference. Devices are classified by transmit power levels (e.g., Class 1, 2, or 3), depending on range and application.

Bluetooth-enabled products must be qualified through the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) if they use the Bluetooth logo, claim interoperability, or implement official Bluetooth profiles and protocols. This process is mandatory in addition to regulatory testing and ensures trademark compliance and cross-device compatibility.

The qualification is based on protocol conformance, profile support, and RF-PHY (radio frequency physical layer) performance.

The Bluetooth qualification workflow follows a standardized sequence. Even when using a pre-certified module, each manufacturer must complete their own declaration and listing.

1. SIG Membership
   Join the Bluetooth SIG (Adopter or Contributor level) to gain access to Launch Studio and listing rights.

2. Create a project in the Launch Studio
   Define the product, select the appropriate design type (e.g., End Product, Controller Subsystem), and declare Bluetooth version and features.

3. Reference or create a Qualified Design ID (QDID)
   Reference a QDID for existing modules (simplified) or create a new one if implementing your own Bluetooth stack.

4. Perform required testing
   Conduct required protocol and RF-PHY testing at a Bluetooth Qualified Test Facility (BQTF) or under manufacturer responsibility, depending on the test category defined in the current TCRL (Test Case Reference List).

5. (Optional) Work with a Bluetooth Qualification Consultant (BQC)
   A BQC can review the setup and speed up acceptance. Listings involving a BQC are often exempt from audits for up to three years.

6. Submit Declaration of Compliance and documentation
   Complete the listing via Launch Studio. Upload logs, reports, and the official Declaration of Compliance (DoC).

7. Pay listing fees
   Adopter members must pay a per-design listing fee (typically around USD 8,000), while Contributor members benefit from reduced or waived fees depending on their membership level.

Tip:
Qualification requirements may vary depending on Bluetooth version and feature set. Always consult the latest Test Case Reference List (TCRL) and Launch Studio guidance before listing.

Qualification listings remain valid as long as the product implementation does not change significantly. However, updates such as firmware modifications, antenna changes, or version upgrades may require requalification. These cases must be evaluated carefully based on current SIG rules and the design type used.

→ See also: Design Types and Qualification Paths

To manage the diversity of Bluetooth implementations, the Bluetooth SIG defines specific design types. These define how a product must be qualified and whether it can reuse previously tested components via QDID referencing.

A device can consist of multiple subsystems. Depending on the design path, some components may be reused, while others require new testing and listing.

Bluetooth SIG qualification ensures protocol compliance and authorizes use of the Bluetooth trademark. However, it does not guarantee real-world interoperability with third-party devices or replace regional regulatory approvals such as CE, FCC, or ANATEL certification. These requirements must be addressed separately to ensure full market access and reliable product performance.

To ensure a seamless user experience, manufacturers are encouraged to conduct interoperability testing as part of their development and validation process—especially when custom profiles, new Bluetooth versions, or unique device combinations are involved.

Typical IOP activities include:

• Testing against reference implementations or widely used Bluetooth chipsets

• Verifying key use cases with smartphones, headsets, medical devices, or automotive systems

• Participating in Bluetooth SIG UnPlugFest events for collaborative interoperability testing

Note:
Even if a product meets all formal qualification requirements, poor interoperability may result in support issues, customer dissatisfaction, or market rejection.
For support with interoperability evaluation and Bluetooth SIG coordination, see our Bluetooth SIG Qualification Services.

For the development and market approval of Bluetooth products, a solid understanding of typical test parameters and measurement setups is essential. This section outlines key characteristics of Bluetooth radio testing—both from a regulatory compliance perspective and in the context of Bluetooth SIG qualification.

Note on Coexistence:
Bluetooth radios are often integrated alongside other wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi, GNSS, or cellular modules. To ensure reliable performance, coexistence must be considered early in the design and verified during RF testing—especially in shared or adjacent frequency bands.

• Transmit Power
  Measures the maximum signal level emitted by the device, either at the antenna connector (conducted) or over-the-air (radiated). It is subject to limits under CE (e.g., 20 dBm), FCC (30 dBm for FHSS), and other regional rules. Also used for SIG conformance.

• Frequency Accuracy
  Assesses how closely the transmitted carrier aligns with the declared center frequency. Required to ensure stability across different environments. Especially relevant for CE and FCC compliance.

• Occupied Bandwidth
  Defines the bandwidth in which 99% of the signal power resides. Verifies spectrum efficiency and containment. Typically required for CE, FCC, and SIG qualification.
  → Glossary: Occupied Bandwidth

• Spurious Emissions
  Evaluates out-of-band and harmonic emissions that may interfere with adjacent systems. Strict limits apply across all major regulatory regimes (e.g., ≤ –30 dBm at band edges).
  → Glossary: Spurious Emissions

• Hopping Behavior
  Applies to Bluetooth Classic (BR/EDR), which uses frequency hopping. Key parameters include the number of hopping channels (≥75 for FCC) and dwell time (≤0.4 s per channel within 30 s). Evaluated for FCC, CE (FHSS), and ANATEL.
  → Glossary: FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum)

• Duty Cycle
  Relevant in the EU for devices that do not implement AFH and transmit above 10 dBm. Limits the proportion of time a device may occupy a channel (e.g., ≤10%).

• EIRP / ERP
  Equivalent Isotropically Radiated Power (EIRP) and Effective Radiated Power (ERP) are used to express radiated output relative to antenna type. Limits vary by region and band (e.g., 100 mW in EU, 1 W in US).
  → Glossary: EIRP and Glossary: ERP

• TRP (Total Radiated Power)
  Used when conducted measurements are not feasible (e.g., integrated antennas). Required in SIG RF-PHY qualification and sometimes for CE if OTA-only testing is applied. Assesses cumulative radiated energy in all directions.

To ensure valid and repeatable test results, Bluetooth devices must be evaluated using standardized setups. The choice between conducted and radiated (OTA) measurement depends on antenna accessibility, certification framework, and product design.

• Conducted Setup
  The DUT is connected via coaxial interface or PCB pad to lab equipment. This method minimizes variation and is preferred for power and modulation measurements.
  Common for: SIG RF-PHY, CE modular, FCC Part 15

• Radiated (OTA) Setup
  Used when RF ports are not accessible or to verify real-world emissions. Measurement occurs in shielded chambers using antennas and reference methods.
  Common for: CE spurious/OTA, SIG fallback, FCC radiated

1. Test Mode Activation
   Required by CE, FCC, and SIG to generate fixed-pattern emissions. Often configured via HCI or vendor CLI.

2. RF Test Port Access
   For conducted testing, devices must expose RF outputs. May involve shield removal or testpad activation.

3. OTA Chamber
   Required for spurious, TRP, or fallback RF-PHY. Must include calibrated reference antennas and absorber lining.

4. Load Simulator
   Replaces dynamic components (e.g., speakers, batteries) with stable resistive loads. Needed for EMC stability.

5. Custom Firmware / CLI
   Required to fix parameters (e.g., TX power, hopping behavior) and support manual test mode selection.

6. Shielded Enclosure
   Ensures clean test environment without ambient interference. Often paired with LISN and bonding fixtures.

7. Reference Antenna
   Ensures measurement traceability when calculating ERP/EIRP or comparing emission levels.

8. Switch Matrix / Combiner
   Allows seamless port selection when multiple antennas are present—especially important in automated RF chains.

Tests must be conducted under worst-case RF conditions to simulate maximum regulatory load. These include:

• Maximum transmit power

• Fixed channel (low/mid/high)

• Continuous or highest allowed duty cycle

• Disabled AFH (Adaptive Frequency Hopping) and power-saving modes

• Longest PDU (Protocol Data Unit) or highest modulation rate

• All radios active (if dual-radio system, e.g. Wi-Fi + Bluetooth)

Note: All test modes must be available via firmware or CLI and documented in the test report.

Before testing begins, the device under test (DUT) must be configured according to applicable requirements:

• Firmware
  Must reflect the final product state or be a test version with identical radio frequency (RF) behavior.

• Hardware
  Include housing unless the test requires direct access to the printed circuit board (PCB).

• Power Supply
  Use a stable laboratory power source or a fully charged battery. Any deviations must be documented.

• RF Access / Connectors
  Provide test connectors or enable test mode with Over-the-Air (OTA) fallback justification, if no conducted access is available.

• Antenna Configuration
  The antenna path must be clearly defined and fixed. For products using antenna diversity or Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MIMO) technology, the test configuration must specify which path is active.

• Multi-Radio Behavior
  If the Bluetooth device includes additional radios (e.g., Wi-Fi, GNSS, LTE), all interfaces must be active during testing unless otherwise justified. This is critical for assessing coexistence behavior and interference susceptibility—especially when multiple radios operate simultaneously in adjacent or overlapping bands (e.g., Bluetooth and Wi-Fi in 2.4 GHz). Improper coexistence handling may lead to degraded performance or failed compliance under real-world conditions.

• Bluetooth Test Mode
  To enable standardized testing, Bluetooth devices must support a dedicated test mode that allows direct control of transmission and reception behavior. This mode is used during certification and production testing and is typically activated via HCI or vendor-specific interfaces. For Bluetooth LE, the Direct Test Mode (DTM) allows measurement of RF parameters without normal protocol operation.

Reporting Tip: The test documentation must include the firmware version, antenna configuration, transmit (TX) path used, and any commands or procedures required to activate the test mode. For a complete checklist of sample preparation, firmware settings, and test workflows, see the Radio Compliance Preparation Guide.

Accredited testing laboratories and recognized conformity assessment bodies play a critical role in the development and approval of Bluetooth-enabled products. Their expertise supports both regulatory compliance and Bluetooth SIG qualification—particularly when navigating complex market requirements or preparing products for international distribution.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Performing standardized RF and EMC tests under CE (RED), FCC, ISED, ANATEL, or MIC frameworks

• Supporting Bluetooth SIG qualification (e.g., RF-PHY testing at a BQTF)

• Assisting with sample preparation, firmware configuration, and test mode activation

• Providing accredited test reports for type approval, self-declaration, or SIG listings

• Advising on interoperability, regional restrictions, and product adaptations

Note: While self-declaration may be acceptable in some regions (e.g., under CE), many certification schemes require formal test reports from accredited laboratories. Early consultation and pre-compliance testing can reduce delays, ensure correct setups, and streamline approval across multiple markets.

The following case studies illustrate how Bluetooth technologies are implemented across different industries—and how specific use cases affect regulatory testing, SIG qualification, and integration workflows. Each example highlights key parameters, approval strategies, and lessons learned from practical certification scenarios.

Automotive Application: BLE Car Access System

A vehicle manufacturer implemented a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)-based access system that uses the driver’s smartphone as a digital key. BLE modules installed in the vehicle continuously advertise their presence and unlock the doors based on signal proximity.

Key Parameters

• Technology: Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), fixed beaconing

• Output Power: Very low transmit power (≤ 0 dBm)

• Hardware: Automotive-grade, pre-certified BLE module (AEC-Q100)

• Installation: Permanently embedded in the vehicle body (e.g. door handle or ECU)

Certification Strategy

• Market Classification: Treated as a standard short-range radio device, despite being vehicle-integrated

• Target Regions: CE, FCC, ISED, MIC (Japan), ANATEL, SRRC

• SIG Qualification: OEM lists the product as a Bluetooth End Product and references the pre-qualified Host + Controller subsystem (QDID)

• Regulatory Testing: No additional RF retesting required for the module, but full compliance documentation and separate approval needed

Aftermarket Option

• Product may be offered as a retrofit kit depending on platform strategy

• Separate labelling or EMC documentation may be required for aftermarket versions

• May trigger automotive EMC evaluation depending on integration depth

• For OEM integration, additional support may be needed for documentation under automotive EMC directives (e.g., vehicle type approval)

• Components installed in vehicles may be subject to ECE-R-10 requirements for electromagnetic compatibility. See also: ECE-R-10 – EMC in Vehicles

Lessons Learned

• Even fully embedded systems often require standalone SRD approval.

• A pre-certified module and proper SIG referencing simplify global market access.

• Future upgrades (e.g., with UWB) would require full re-evaluation under frameworks like EN 302 065 or FCC Part 15 Subpart F.

• Close cooperation with an accredited testing laboratory supports long-term success—especially when planning multi-radio extensions or platform variants.

A compact wearable device was developed for indoor localization and emergency signaling in assisted living environments. The product communicates via Bluetooth Mesh and acts as a relay node within a multi-node BLE network.

Application Context

• Technology: Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) with Mesh Profile

• Use Case: Continuous presence detection and message relaying

• Power Level: Low transmit power (–5 to 0 dBm)

• Form Factor: Ultra-compact wristband with integrated chip antenna

• Firmware: Fixed advertising and mesh relaying with configurable UUID

• Installation: Worn on the body; no conducted test port available

Compliance Strategy

• Test Method: Over-the-Air (OTA) testing due to lack of RF connector

• CE (EU): Adaptivity required due to frequent transmissions

  • AFH active by default, exempting from 10 % duty cycle limit

• FCC/ISED: Standard BLE procedures applied

• EMC/Safety: Assessed under CE and FCC frameworks

• Labeling: CE and SIG labeling provided via e-label in companion app

Bluetooth SIG Qualification

• Design Type: End Product

• Qualification Method:

  • Referenced a certified subsystem QDID

  • Completed mesh profile testing using the PTS Tool

• Result: Fully listed in the SIG database with mesh profile version and BLE version noted

Lessons Learned

• Even compact OTA-only products must meet full RF and EMC requirements

• Mesh behavior increases transmission frequency but does not fundamentally change the regulatory test scope

• Proper antenna layout and early lab consultation help avoid certification delays

• SIG mesh testing introduces additional qualification effort

• Early AFH validation simplifies CE compliance

A premium audio manufacturer introduced a next-generation smart speaker supporting classic Bluetooth audio, LE Audio (incl. Auracast), and dual-band Wi-Fi. The device is designed for wireless pairing with headphones and smart home integration—requiring advanced coexistence handling and qualification under multiple regimes.

Application Context

The product combines multiple wireless technologies and aims to support emerging audio standards:

• Technologies: Bluetooth Classic (BR/EDR), Bluetooth LE Audio with Auracast, Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz)

• Use Case: High-quality wireless audio streaming and future-ready headphone broadcasting

• Output Power: Class 1 (up to ~20 dBm for Classic Bluetooth)

• Installation: Fixed indoor use; operates as audio source and broadcasting node

• Antenna Setup: Shared or co-located antennas for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Regulatory Considerations

Due to simultaneous use of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi in the 2.4 GHz band, the speaker was subject to advanced regulatory checks:

• EU (CE):

  • Adaptive Frequency Hopping (AFH) must remain permanently enabled to permit full 100 mW transmission

  • The lab validated AFH via controlled interference (Wi-Fi traffic simulation)

• USA (FCC):

  • Coexistence testing with concurrent 2.4 GHz operation

  • Cumulative emission and intermodulation measurements were required

• Outcome: Passed CE and FCC compliance through coordinated test scenarios

Bluetooth SIG Qualification

As a LE Audio device, the speaker underwent extended Bluetooth SIG testing:

• Profiles Covered: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP (Classic); BAP (LE Audio)

• Conformance Elements:

  • RF-PHY tests for isochronous channels (Auracast support)

  • LC3 codec implementation and broadcast features verified

• Test Category: Several functions fell under Category A, requiring BQTF execution

• Support: The manufacturer used BQE services for profile registration and Launch Studio listing

• Result: Qualified listing with Auracast logo usage rights

Lessons Learned

• Multi-radio products face elevated certification complexity—especially in the 2.4 GHz band

• Early coexistence testing helps identify critical emission and coordination issues

• AFH enforcement in firmware is essential for CE compliance at higher power levels

• SIG qualification for LE Audio involves new profiles and tools; Category A test cases require a BQTF

• Collaboration with a test lab offering combined regulatory, interoperability, and SIG services streamlines market access

Need help with Bluetooth testing, SIG qualification, or multi-market certification?
Our accredited labs provide regulatory testing, profile validation, and qualification support for Classic Bluetooth, LE Audio, Mesh, and more.

→ Bluetooth Regulatory Testing
→ Bluetooth SIG Certification Support