KAGA FEI ES4L15BA1 Low-Power BLE Module Features Cortex-M33, RISC-V Coprocessor, and Multi-Rate BLE Support

Kaga FIE has recently announced the ES4L15BA1, a Low-Power BLE wireless module that’s currently under development, designed to offer high-performance connectivity with Bluetooth 6.0, supporting data rates of 2M, 1M, 500k, and 125kbps, as well as advanced features like Angle of Arrival (AoA), Angle of Departure (AoD), and channel sounding. Operating within the 2402–2480 MHz frequency range and a typical output power of +8 dBm, it runs on a single power supply (1.7–3.6V). It has an ARM Cortex M33 processor featuring TrustZone security, with 1.5MB of non-volatile memory and 256KB RAM. This compact module (3.25 x 8.55 x 1.00 mm) integrates an advanced antenna, and system clock, and includes peripherals like a global RTC, 14-bit ADC, and a RISC-V coprocessor for customizable software-defined peripherals.

The ES4L15BA1 complies with Bluetooth standards and certifications in Japan, FCC, and ISED, and meets ETSI EN 300 328 V2.2.2 standards and RoHS and lead-free requirements. The module includes applications for IoT devices, smart home systems, and wearable technology, where reliable, low-power, and secure Bluetooth communication is essential.

Previously, we have learned about the RF-star’s RF-BM-2642QB1I and RF-BM-2340QB1 Bluetooth modules and also covered some similar products including the Laird connectivity wireless modules, the Renesas RX23W module, the STM32WB5MMG Wireless Module, and many more. After checking out these, I think ES5L15BA1 is the world’s smallest Bluetooth LE module with an integrated antenna.

KAGA FEI ES4L15BA1 Low-Power BLE Specifications:

• SoC: Nordic Semiconductor nRF54L15
  • MCU:
    • Arm Cortex-M33 with Arm TrustZone upto 128MHz
    • RISC-V coprocessor for software-defined peripheral
  • Memory: 256KB SRAM
  • Storage: 1.5MB non-volatile memory
  • Wireless:
    • Bluetooth Version: 6.0
      • Data rates: 2Mbps, 1Mbps, 500kbps, 125kbps
      •  Features:
        • AoA / AoD
        • Channel Sounding
    • IEEE 802.15.4 radio for Thread / Zigbee / Matter
    • Nordic Proprietary 2.4 GHz protocol up to 4 Mbps
    • Frequency – 2402 to 2480 MHz
    • +8dBm output power
• Antenna: Integrated high-performance PCB antenna
• Peripherals:
  • 14x GPIO pins
  • Software-defined peripheral enabled by the RISC-V core
  • 14-bit ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter)
  • Global RTC (Real-Time Clock)
• Security: PSA Certified Level 3 IoT security standard
• Power Supply: 1.7V to 3.6V
• Dimensions: 8.55 x 3.25 x 1.00 mm
• Temperature Range: -40°C to 105°C
• Certifications:
  • Bluetooth logo (Japan), FCC (USA), ISED (Canada) qualification
  • ETSI EN 300 328 v2.2.2 Conducted Test Report Available
  • RoHS-compliant, Lead-Free

As far as I understand, we don’t know about the firmware or software yet, but the ES4L15BA1 will likely rely on Nordic Semi’s nRF Connect SDK, like other Nordic modules. We are expecting this module to support the latest Bluetooth 6.0 features, including channel sounding for accurate distance measurement. However, it is made ideal for compact medical devices, healthcare products, and wearables by its tiny size and low power consumption. An evaluation board (ES4L15BA1-EVB) and evaluation kit (ES4L15BA1-EVK) are also in development, though specific details about these are unavailable now.

At the time of writing, the nRF54L15 microcontroller powering this ultra-small, low-power ES4L15BA1 BLE module isn’t in mass production yet, so it will take a bit more time before it’s widely available. KAGA FEI anticipates sample availability starting in February 2025, with mass production later in the year. More details can be found on the product page and in the official press release.

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