Bluetooth Classic (BR/EDR)
Bluetooth Classic, also referred to as BR/EDR (Basic Rate / Enhanced Data Rate), represents the original radio technology of the Bluetooth standard. It is designed for continuous point-to-point connections with moderate data rates and supports a wide range of standardized profiles.
Frequency & Modulation
Bluetooth Classic operates in the globally license-free 2.4 GHz ISM band, using 79 channels with 1 MHz spacing. It employs frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) with up to 1600 hops per second.
BR (Basic Rate): GFSK (Gaussian Frequency Shift Keying), 1 Msymbol/s
EDR (Enhanced Data Rate):
π/4-DQPSK (2 Msymbol/s, ~2 Mbit/s net)
8DPSK (3 Msymbol/s, ~3 Mbit/s net)
EDR enables higher throughput through more efficient modulation but requires more precise frequency and phase control.
Summary Table
| Feature | Bluetooth Classic (BR/EDR) |
|---|---|
| Frequency Band | 2.402 – 2.480 GHz (ISM) |
| Channels | 79 (1 MHz spacing) |
| Modulation | GFSK (BR), π/4-DQPSK, 8DPSK (EDR) |
| Max Data Rate | 3 Mbit/s (EDR) |
| Frequency Hopping | 1600 hops/sec |
| Typical Applications | Audio, data, peripherals, automotive |
| Power Consumption | Higher than BLE |
| Topology | Point-to-point (piconet) |
| GATT Support | No |
| Feature | Bluetooth Classic (BR/EDR) |
|---|---|
| Frequency Band | 2.402 – 2.480 GHz (ISM) |
| Channels | 79 (1 MHz spacing) |
| Modulation | GFSK (BR), π/4-DQPSK, 8DPSK (EDR) |
| Max Data Rate | 3 Mbit/s (EDR) |
| Frequency Hopping | 1600 hops/sec |
| Typical Applications | Audio, data, peripherals, automotive |
| Power Consumption | Higher than BLE |
| Topology | Point-to-point (piconet) |
| GATT Support | No |
Typical Applications
Bluetooth Classic is used for applications requiring permanent connections or higher data throughput:
Audio transmission: A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile), HFP (Hands-Free Profile)
Data communication: SPP (Serial Port Profile), OBEX (file transfer)
Peripherals: HID (keyboard, mouse), PAN (Personal Area Network)
Automotive integration: Infotainment systems, hands-free devices
Differences from the Base Version
Bluetooth Classic serves as the foundational version. Differences only emerge with later variants such as BLE, Mesh, or LE Audio. Compared to BLE:
Higher power consumption
Lower flexibility for broadcast and multicast scenarios
No native support for GATT-based profiles
Relevance for Testing & Certification
Bluetooth Classic devices are subject to regulatory requirements for radio equipment, including:
Frequency use and bandwidth (e.g., EN 300 328, FCC §15.247)
Output power and range (e.g., Class 1 to Class 3)
Modulation and spectral properties as defined for BR/EDR
In addition to regulatory compliance, Bluetooth SIG Qualification is mandatory for any product using Bluetooth technology and marketed under the Bluetooth name – regardless of the profiles implemented. Only SIG members may use the Bluetooth name and logo after successful qualification and listing.