Raytac’s Impact on the Zephyr Ecosystem – Little Module, Huge Potential

In this article, Stanley Huang, MSc, Deputy Manager of Firmware Development at Raytac, shares insights on how Raytac’s modules and development kits strengthen the Zephyr ecosystem.

[Stanley Huang, New Taipei City]
When we talk about open-source platforms like Zephyr RTOS, most people immediately think of major chip manufacturers such as ST Micro, NXP, or Nordic. But to me, what truly makes Zephyr famous amongst the developer community is through modules that developers can actually touch: those they can instantly plug in and start using right away. In these terms, Raytac is one of the most underrated and important contributors in this ecosystem.

Raytac Modules Make Zephyr More Accessible
Instead of being a chip vendor, we specialize in producing high-quality, globally certified modules – especially Bluetooth and Wi-Fi modules based on Nordic chipsets, such as the AN7002Q, AN54LQ, AN54LV, MDBT53, MDBT50Q, and MDBT42Q.
All these modules are already certified with Regional RF compliances(FCC, IC, CE, KC, etc.) and the latest Bluetooth Specifications, offering developers the assurance of “plug and play” and “production-ready” solutions.
We assure that our modules have become one of the easiest platforms for Zephyr developers to test BLE functionality.

I paired Zephyr with Raytac’s MDBT50Q-DB-40 development board when I first applied Zephyr in a BLE Peripheral project . With a simple west build -b nrf52840dk_nrf52840 followed by flashing the firmware using J-Link or nRF Connect for Desktop, the BLE beacon immediately showed up on my phone. Clean, simple, noise-free, and developer-friendly – that’s Raytac’s style.

Modules play an invaluable role in product development
Many would say Raytac only makes modules and the real core is still Nordic’s SoC.
But I believe that in an open-source system like Zephyr, the hardware that helps your project runs first is that which contributes the most.
Our Zephyr-registered development kits eliminate the hassles of manual soldering, regulatory certification, and antenna design, allowing engineers to fully focus on developing applications based on Zephyr.
They can run Zephyr’s BLE peripheral, central, GATT, and HCI samples directly on the Raytac kits that act as a one-stop hardware solution.
In many ways, Raytac has pushed Zephyr’s usability a significant step forward.

Raytac Also Expands Zephyr’s Application Horizon
Many of Raytac’s modules are ultra-compact- ideal for wearables, smart sensors, and low-power beacons…etc. These are the scenarios where Zephyr excels, and Raytac’s modules provide the physical platform to enable companies to build their “dream devices".
When running Zephyr on a tiny module like the AN54LV-15(Product Link), developers will be amazed that something smaller than a piece of corn kernel can run a full RTOS, manage the BLE stack, trigger timers, drive I2C sensors, and even connect to the cloud, all by itself.  This combination doesn’t just make development easier – it inspires developers to realize that: “they can build their projects using Raytac’s hardware.”

Raytac may not be the star, but we’re always ready for you
On Zephyr’s main stage, companies like Nordic, STM, and Intel take the spotlight, but Raytac plays an essential supporting role – supporting the performance from behind the scenes. We offer stable, high quality, and low-power platforms, giving every line of Zephyr code a place to run and every feature a cornerstone.
Our greatest value lies in helping developers skip antenna design and RF interference concerns – so they can jump right into the Zephyr ecosystem with ease.

Our products deliver the reliability you need and the efficiency you expect.

We invite you to explore more about how Raytac supports the Zephyr ecosystem and discover our range of development kits and modules designed for seamless integration.
Visit our Zephyr page here: https://docs.zephyrproject.org/latest/boards/raytac/index.html
Visit Zephyr’s Ecosystem Vendors page: https://www.zephyrproject.org/ecosystem-vendor-offerings/

For more information, please contact:
Raytac Contact Form: https://www.raytac.com/contact/
Raytac Sales email: sales@raytac.com
abietec Service email: service@abietec.com



Article by Firmware Deputy Manager: Stanley Huang
Edited by Business Development Manager: Tony Yin

Raytac Corporation 勁達國際電子股份有限公司 / Raytac Corporation (USA) / abietec Inc.
A Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and LoRa Module Maker/ODM & OEM Manufacturer based on
Nordic nRF54; nRF53: nRF52; nRF51; nRF7002
Semtech Specification: SX1262

Bluetooth Specification: BT6 ; BT5.4 ; BT5.3 ; BT5.2.
Wi-Fi Specification: Wi-Fi 6
LoRa Specification: LoRaWAN


All products are FCC/IC/CE/Telec/KC/RCM/SRRC/NCC/WPC/RoHS/Reach Pre-Certified.
http://www.raytac.com
https://www.raytac.com/contact/
email: sales@raytac.com
Tel: +886-2-3234-0208(TW)/+1-626-217-3139(USA)

Understanding Wireless Certification and Compliance:A Guide to Module and Non-Module Approval Processes

Certification and compliance:

By obtaining wireless (Bluetooth) certification, manufacturers can demonstrate that their products comply with the required technical reliability. In another words, these certifications are like products’ passes, allow them legally entering the market and be able to import or export specific countries. Modular approval and Non-modular approval are two different approaches to the certification and regulatory processes for wireless communication devices.

Modular approval is a process in which a wireless device is certified as a modular component, such as a Bluetooth module, that can be integrated into multiple host devices without additional testing for each host device. Once certified, the module can be used in various host devices without undergo the same level of testing.

Non-modular approval is also known as end-product approval, is the traditional certification process for wireless devices, where the entire device needs to be tested and certified for compliance with wireless (Bluetooth) standards and regulations.

Countries follow and under modular approval such as FCC (USA), IC (Canada), Telec (Japan), KC (South Korea), NCC(Taiwan), SRRC(China)…etc.Meanwhile, countries are under non-modular approval, we have CE (Europe), RCM (Australia and New Zealand)…etc.

The elaboration and the easy steps on how the process we go through as you choose Raytac, detail for each as following:

Modular Approval:

FCC  (USA)
FCC ID Search | Federal Communications Commission
1. Part 15C –> Simply use our module FCC ID on product label
2. Part 15B (EMC) –> request lab to test on EMC, SDoc*
*Definition: SDoc(Supplier’s Declaration of conformity)
One way to show that a product, process or service to comply with a standard or technical regulation, in which a supplier provides written assurance of conformity to the specified requirements.

IC (Canada)
IndustryCanda Wireless ID Database (industrycanada.co)
1.Similar to FCC –> Simply use our module IC ID on product label.
2.–> request lab to test finished good on EMC (IC ES003).
Recommend combining test with FCC Part 15B

Telec (MIC)(Japan)
MIC ICT Policy (soumu.go.jp)
1.–> Simply use our module Telec ID on product label
2.Different from the USA and Canada –> EMC is optional in Japan, upon on end customer’s request.

KC  (South Korea)
South Korea – Labeling/Marking Requirements (trade.gov)
1. Wireless test can be continued to use module report, new test is not required.
2. EMC KN301489(same rule as CE EN301489)
–> to be tested based on final goods under EMC test policy. Same rules as FCC and IC.
Recommend combining test with FCC Part 15B.
3. If product obtain additional cable IO port, test on KN3235 is required.
4. To be KC certified, the new test is required, certification no. cannot be continued to use from other policy. And the test must be done locally.

NCC (Taiwan)
NATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (ncc.gov.tw)
1. Products is compliant with platform policy –> lab submit photo and add product under Raytac NCC no.
2. Products is not compliant with platform policy –> product must be tested as final goods at the lab to be certified.
*Definition: platform policy: product itself has it’s own function before Bluetooth was installed. For example, a Bluetooth installed pen has a new function; it vibrates when the switch is on. In this scenario, pen originally has it’s own function, and now the addition function; vibration has been added to this device. We say this product is compliant with platform policy.

SRRC (China)
State Radio Regulation of China (srrc.org.cn)
1. –>Simply use our module SRRC ID on product label.
2. Products doesn’t under the category of home electronics / office supplies, SRRC test must be implemented.

Non-Modular Approval:

CE  (Europe)
CE Marking (trade.gov)
1. Wireless test: EN300328
–> Conducted test could continue to use Raytac ‘s CE report.
–> Radiated test is required to be tested based on final goods under wireless regulation.
2. EN301489 (EMC) –> Same rules as FCC and IC. Recommend combining test with FCC Part 15B
3. Safety test: EN60950 (EN62368)–> safety test is required to be tested based on final goods under regulation.

RCM (Australia and New Zealand)
The Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) (General) – EESS
1. Products is CE certified –>lab can copy CE report to apply RCM
2. Products is not CE certified –> go through the same test as CE regulations.

Overall, it’s important to note that the certification process and requirements may vary across different regions. Manufacturers should consult the relevant certification authorities to determine the specific requirements for their wireless devices.
Raytac already took a step ahead gone through complex procedures of obtaining certifications, and we also have strong IT team to support for best solutions.Choosing Raytac would allow you to work more efficient and it will be your key in success for all the projects.

Edited by Sales Manager: Mandy Chao

Raytac Corporation 勁達國際電子有限公司
A Bluetooth & WiFi module maker based on Nordic nRF54, nRF53, nRF52, nRF7002 solution 
www.raytac.com email: service@raytac.com Tel: +886.2.3234.0208           

 

Raytac Product Change Notice (PCN) Announcement for Nordic nRF52832 Solution Module

Raytac would like to announce Product Change Notice (PCN-19121601) for all nRF52832 module lines include MDBT42Q / MDBT42 / MDBT42V series.


There is no panic for this PCN,  it is refer to module’s appearance changes only but no others. Raytac will remove YELLOW DOT marking on shielding for all modules produced based on Nordic nRF52832 (Build Code: EXX) V.2 SoC since 2020 (Date Code from 001).

In case there is anything unclear for this PCN , please do not be hesitated to contact Account Manger for further assistance.

Raytac Corporation 勁達國際電子有限公司

A BT5.1 & BT5 & BT 4.2 module maker based on Nordic nRF52 & nRF51 solution 

(nRF52840 & nRF52833 & nRF52832 & nRF52810 & nRF52811 & nRF51822)

www.raytac.com          email: cs@raytac.com          Tel: +886.2.3234.0208

Raytac Product Change Notice (PCN) Announcement for Nordic nRF52810 Solution

Correspond to Nordic new revision of the IC with key changes (Nordic PCN No.: PCN-113 rev. 1.2)

Raytac would like to announce Product Change Notice (PCN-19082201) for below Module lines which are built based on Nordic nRF52810 Solution

nRF52810 IC Revisions & Variants.png

Raytac Announces A nRF52 Solution Module, MDBT42Q-U (Deployed u.FL Connector for External Antenna)

Raytac today announces the u.FL connector version module, MDBT42Q-U series which selects Nordic nRF52832 and nRF52810 SoC to provide the Bluetooth Low Energy (Bluetooth LE, aka BLE) wireless connectivity for IoT applications.

MDBT42Q-U.png