Bluetooth Enhanced Data Rate (EDR): The Wireless Evolution

Bluetooth wireless technology is a short-range communication system intended to provide connectivity of voice and data between information appliances. Initially designed to operate with a peak data rate of 1 Mb/s, the Bluetooth core specification has evolved to support 2 Mb/s and 3 Mb/s peak data rates with the introduction of the enhanced data rate (EDR) feature. The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), chartered to advance and promote Bluetooth wireless technology, has defined a test specification for conformance testing of the RF layer including the EDR mode. This article is intended for the Bluetooth EDR operation and test. Included is a brief discussion of the market needs that drove the evolution of the core specification from v1.0 to v1.2 and continuing on to v2.0+EDR. An in-depth examination of the Bluetooth EDR standard will be provided which includes new test cases for provisional testing of transmitter and receiver designs.