The “Must Know” about WPC-ETA certificate before entering Raytac Bluetooth module into India

Intro:

You will get a brief understanding of WPC-ETA certificate (India) and how it relates to Raytac low energy Bluetooth module and how it helps you entering Raytac Bluetooth module into India by passing through importing and Customs clearance procedure way efficiently.

There are some types of ETA certificate categorized by the spec of your wireless transmission product (Bluetooth/Wifi/RFID and by device using frequency spectrum).

Hereafter we’re talking about the WPC-ETA compliance regulation to specifically on “Raytac’s low energy Bluetooth module.”

 

Outline of the article:

  1. What is WPC Certificate/Equipment Type Approval (ETA) in India?
  2. Raytac Bluetooth module applied to WPC-ETA Regulation Category
  3. What is essential to get the ETA-SD license (ETA Approval)?
  4. How the ETA-SD license works during importing process

A. What is WPC Certificate/Equipment Type Approval (ETA) in India?

The WPC (Wireless Planning & Coordination) is the broadcasting authority and is part of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in India.

Products with radio and/or wireless functionality imported or manufactured or marketed in India are required to have an Equipment Type Approval certificate (ETA certificate) from the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC India) Wing of the Ministry of Communications of the government of India. This includes product with Bluetooth, wireless local area network access technology (Wi-Fi), small digital radios (Zigbee), and radio frequency identification (RFID) and else more. The WPC-ETA certificate is required for anyone who wants to do wireless device business in India.

B. Raytac Bluetooth module applied to WPC-ETA Regulation Category

–ETA Through Self Declaration (ETA-SD License)

To specifically recognize what is the compliance regulation of equipment applies to Raytac Bluetooth module, we can be assured with our Bluetooth module spec located within “De-licensed Frequency Band list” , 2400-2483.5MHz / Limit with 10mW EIRP / Use of low power and very low power short range radio frequency device for Non-Specific Short range device, from the following chart which was released from WPC authority.

Once we confirm Raytac Bluetooth module spec is operated in De-License Frequency Band with low transmission power, at the mean time making sure the device is exempt from import license as per Import Policy of DGFT (Directorate General Of Foreign Trade), Ministry OM ETA-WPC-Policy-2018-19 dated 26th February 2019, free from EXIM Policy of DGFT, Raytac is granted to apply for “ETA Through Self-declaration” application procedure which was enabled by SARAL SANCHAR Portal of DoT on 12th April, 2019.

Here’s Raytac’s ETA through self-declaration (ETA-SD license) of module MDBT50 certified by WPC authority. (Please refer to the following image)

 

C. What is essential to get the ETA-SD license (ETA Approval)?

After getting idea of what ETA-SD license means to Raytac low energy Bluetooth module business, we need to get ready of the following points for applying the ETA Approval (ETA-SD License)

  • Applicant must be India manufacturing or authorized Indian representative
  • Making sure product exempt from import license
  • Making sure product working in the de-licensed frequency band
  • Wireless RF test report conducted by accredited laboratory
  • Details of Accreditation laboratory & Accreditation certificate issuing authority
  • Authorization letter

 

D. How the ETA-SD license works during importing process

  1. Once ETA through self-declaration is generated for a model, subsequently it may be utilized by other person(s) for import/usage purpose in India. It is not necessary the importing agent/manufacturer is same party to the applicant of the license.
  2. Question: How to import products falling under the category of ETA through Self-Declaration?      Answer: Such category of product(s) may be imported by submitting an undertaking to the customs along with ETA-SD License without additional payment.
  3. The ETA-SD license remains valid and NO renewal is needed until the technical parameter/design of the device is modified or altered.
  4. Generally speaking , India doesn’t follow Modular policy nor Non-Modular policy. It determines how you proceed WPC-ETA certificate by product type (Semi-finished & End-product) and product technical spec (Frequency spectrum & Max output power).  For instance: When the product is manufactured in India and its RF module(s) having ETA certificate is/are fitted inside it without any modification/alteration; then NO separate ETA is required for such finished product during import process. However, if finished product(s) are manufactured outside India, then ETA is required for each product before its import.
  5. For the product which does not fall under De-Licensed frequency band and exempt from import license, WPC/ETA Certificate shall be obtained by routine proceeding to the concerned RLO ETA certificate. Both ETA (RLO) certificate and Import license shall be submitted to Customs during importing process whereas ETA-SD license Raytac module certified is exempt from import license that is way easier to proceed.

Edited by Account Manager: Jocelyn Tsai

Raytac Corporation 勁達國際電子有限公司
A Bluetooth & WiFi module maker based on Nordic nRF53, nRF52, nRF70 solution 
www.raytac.com email: service@raytac.com Tel: +886.2.3234.0208                             

Bluetooth Solution:  nRF5340, nRF52840, nRF52833, nRF52832, nRF52820, nRF52811, nRF52810, nRF52805, nRF51822                                                                                                                                                     WiFi Solution: nRF7002 

                         

 

 

What’s New In BT5.4 Bluetooth Specification?

Bluetooth Core Specification 5.4 released in 2023 introduces four significant capabilities to the existing specifications.

1. Periodic Advertising with Response(PAwR)

PAwR is one of the key feature. Prior to Bluetooth 5.4, connectionless bidirectional communication is not possible. PAwR now allows bidirectional transfer of data in connectionless mode between a single central device and a large number of multiple devices (up to 32,640) in a star network topology. 

2. Encrypted Adverting Data (EAD)

EAD provides a standardized approach to the secure broadcasting of data in advertising packets and enables the encrypted data over-the-star network to be decrypted only by devices that have shared the key material previously. This security feature protects PAwR communications to safeguard against data tampering, human error, and data leaks.

3. LE GATT Security Levels Characteristic(SLC)

When a GATT Client attempts to access a server attributes (characteristics, descriptors), attributes permissions are checked. If permissions are insufficient, the access is denied and all GATT features will not work properly. With SLC, the client can upgrade its security level to reattempt access of the previous failed operation. SLC enables devices to identify the security mode and level for all their GATT functionality.

4. Advertising Coding Selection

For LE Coded PHY, a Forward Error Correction (FEC) algorithm is used which results in significantly longer transmission distances. FEC parameter (S) uses one of two values (S=2 or S=8) and controls how much data is made to fix errors and how much Bluetooth range may be achieved. Prior to Bluetooth 5.4, specifying the value of the S coding parameter was not impossible. Bluetooth 5.4 allows the host to specify the value of the coding parameter S (S=2 or S=8) when the LE Coded PHY is selected for use with extended advertising.

Main beneficiary market of Bluetooth 5.4

The combination of these features enables ultra-low power, efficient radio usage and secure star networks that can be deployed in large scale ESL (Electronic Shelf Labels) and sensor applications with transferring a small amount of data. Devices accept slightly longer advertising-delay to exchange an extended battery life. It’s easy to see the retail industry as well as the market for ESL and shelf sensors will benefit greatly. ESL are devices that display pricing information for product on retail store shelves. They use small electronic paper displays powered by batteries and can replace traditional paper labels. Besides, ESL use wireless technology and a central hub device to transmit data, allowing retailers to automate pricing and replace traditional manual processes, and creating more efficient in-store operations.

Edited by Account Manager: Ms. Gracie Chuang

Raytac Corporation 勁達國際電子有限公司
A Bluetooth & WiFi module maker based on Nordic nRF53, nRF52, nRF70 solution 
www.raytac.com email: service@raytac.com Tel: +886.2.3234.0208                             

Bluetooth Solution:  BT5.4 & BT5.3 & BT5.2 & BT5.1 & BT4.2 with nRF5340, nRF52840, nRF52833, nRF52832, nRF52820, nRF52811, nRF52810, nRF52805, nRF51822                                                                                         WiFi Solution: nRF7002 

Matter, New Era of Connection, Introduction & Certification

Matter aims to build a universal IPv6-based communication protocol to make it easier for smart home devices to communicate with each other. The protocol defines the application layer that will be deployed on devices as well as the different link layers to help maintain interoperability. Matter protocol built from the best pieces of existing trustworthy protocols, including Google Weave, Apple HomeKit, and Zigbee.

Matter is using Thread, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet for transport and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for device commissioning to support a host of smart home devices. Any smart home gadgets you have that use these technologies should be able to be bridged into Matter.

Overall, Matter 1.0 simplifies the process of connecting smart home devices and enables seamless communication between them, regardless of their brand or manufacturer.

Matter 1.0 specs already support a variety of common smart home products, including lighting and electrical, HVAC controls, window coverings and shades, safety and security sensors, door locks, media devices including TVs, controllers as both devices and applications, and bridges. Support for security cameras, smart speakers, home appliances and robotic vacuums is already planned for subsequent versions of Matter. With the ecosystem expansion, new use cases and applications are expected to emerge.

Certification Process

Matter Testing

 

The Matter 1.0 standard launches with test cases and comprehensive test tools for Alliance members and a global certification program including nine authorized test labs who are primed to test not only Matter, but also Matter’s underlying network technologies, Wi-Fi and Thread. Wi-Fi enables Matter devices to interact over a high-bandwidth local network and allows smart home devices to communicate with the cloud. Thread provides an energy efficient and highly reliable mesh network within the home.

Authorized Testing Providers

Edited by Sales Manager: Mr. Neo Hsu

Raytac Corporation 勁達國際電子有限公司
A BT5.2 & BT5.1 & BT5 module maker based on Nordic nRF53 & nRF52 solution 
(nRF5340 & nRF52840 & nRF52833 & nRF52832 & nRF52820 & nRF52811 & nRF52810 & nRF52805)
www.raytac.com email: service@raytac.com Tel: +886.2.3234.0208

FCC Amends Equipment Authorization Program – A written and signed attestation Needed

For protecting against National Security Threats reason, FCC newly announced a new request added in Equipment Authorization program. FCC Publication Number: 986446. date:01/24/2023

FCC amends the rules related to equipment authorization program to prevent any unacceptable risk result from communications networks and supply chains from equipment. DA/FCC #: FCC-22-84. FCC Amends Equipment Authorization Program require applicants for certification need to provide a written and signed attestation. Also, any equipment certification needs to identify a agent, located in United States for service or the process.

Raytac Corporation has pointed US subsidiary, Raytac USA LLC., poses as the US agent for Raytac Corporation to fulfill the FCC new requirements. Customers has any issues to adopt this new regulation may contact Raytac for further support.

Edited by Sales Deputy Manager: Ms. Vicky Huang

Raytac Corporation 勁達國際電子有限公司
A BT5.2 & BT5.1 & BT5 module maker based on Nordic nRF53 & nRF52 solution 
(nRF5340 & nRF52840 & nRF52833 & nRF52832 & nRF52820 & nRF52811 & nRF52810 & nRF52805)
www.raytac.com email: service@raytac.com Tel: +886.2.3234.0208

How To Get Started With nRF5340 Module Program Coding and Compiling

Intro:

As the chipset of nRF5340 is built by Dual Core structure (net core and application core), we need to proceed the coding and compiling process individually to net core & application core.

After the coding and compiling process done, we could get the separate zephyr.hex file respectively which are used for BLE module FW.

 Firmware Development Steps : Code Building / Compiling

Case Study : 

    NON-Audio Project

  nRFConnect SDK V2.1.2

    Nordic Example code -“hci_rpmsg” & “peripheral_uart”

  1. Nordic example code of “hci_rpmsg” extracted for coding and we will get zephyr.hex file for net core
  2. Nordic example code of “peripheral_uart” extracted for coding and we will get zephyr.hex file for application core

Step 1. Net core Layer

1a) Activate “Open VS Code” IDE in NCS V2.1.2

1b) Select “Add an existing application” and extract “hci_rpmsg” file moving forward

1c) Click “Add Build Configuration” icon

1d) Select “nrf5340dk_nrf5340_cpunet” and check Nordic boards then Execute “Build Configuration”

1e) zephyr.hex file is successfully generated for net core layer if the coding process is properly executed

Step 2. Application core Layer:

2a) Activate “Open VS Code” IDE in NCS V2.1.2

2b) Select “Add an existing application” and extract “peripheral_uart” file moving forward

2c) Click “Add Build Configuration” icon

2d) Select “nrf5340dk_nrf5340_cpuapp” and check Nordic boards, then Execute “Build Configuration”

2e) zephyr.hex file is successfully generated for application core layer if the coding process is properly executed

Find more nRF5340 module development resources in below link

How To Get started with MDBT53/53V Demo Board Set up (MDBT53-DB-40/MDBT53V-DB-40)

How To USE Nordic Connect SDK (NCS) Flashing Built Code into nRF5340 Module

Edited by Account Manager: Jocelyn Tsai

Raytac Corporation 勁達國際電子有限公司
A BT5.2 & BT5.1 & BT5 module maker based on Nordic nRF53 & nRF52 solution 
(nRF5340 & nRF52840 & nRF52833 & nRF52832 & nRF52820 & nRF52811 & nRF52810 & nRF52805)
www.raytac.com email: service@raytac.com Tel: +886.2.3234.0208

How to Get nRF52840 & nRF52833 Module Zephyr Project Started

Zephyr is hosted by The Linux Foundation, which is an open source to build a small, scalable, real-time operating system (RTOS) across multiple architectures. Zephyr Project’s is aiming to provide a collaborative effort between technologies to reduce the cost and accelerate time to market for Internet of Things (IoT) industry.

Nordic, the leading wireless solution provider across Bluetooth, WiFI, LTE, NB-IOT, provides documentation for developers which are interested in starting Zephyr projects. Nordic Zephyr Project Support Page.

Raytac, a Taiwan base professional module maker built up various form factor modules based on Nordic solution, has listed both nRF52833 / MDBT50Q-DB-33 and nRF52840 / MDBT50Q-DB-40 module demo boards in Zephyr support boards data base. Believed these completed and comprehensive support boards reference design can provide all developers a break through path toward success.

Raytac Corporation 勁達國際電子有限公司
A BT5.2 & BT5.1 & BT5 module maker based on Nordic nRF53 & nRF52 solution 
(nRF5340 & nRF52840 & nRF52833 & nRF52832 & nRF52820 & nRF52811 & nRF52810 & nRF52805)
www.raytac.com email: service@raytac.com Tel: +886.2.3234.0208

How To USE Nordic Connect SDK (NCS) Flashing Built Code into nRF5340 Module

Edited by Jocelyn Tsai / Account Manager

Intro:  With the ready built code of zephyr.hex file for net core and application core individually, we would like to proceed code flashing into the MDBT53/53V Nordic nRF5340 BLE module.

  • Ready Built Code Programming Steps

Step1. 

Execute nRF Connect >>  Programmer  > > Open

Step2.

Click “SELECT DEVICE” >> Find icon of “nRF5340 DK” which is detected by the programmer app

Step3.

Click icon of “nRF5340 DK” >> “Erase All” to remove the flash memory from MDBT53/53V BLE Module

Step4.

Click “Add File” to load the net core zephyr.hex and application core zephyr.hex both into programmer

Step5.

Do “Erase & Write ” to execute the flashing process for both zephyr.hex into memory of MDBT53/53V Module.

Step6.

To validate the wireless broadcast of default name “Nordic_UART_Service” from MDBT53/53V Module, please check on the “nRF Connect for mobile” APP and do “Scan device” through your mobile.   Once the device name is detected in your mobile , the wireless connection is successfully done.

You may find more resources in below link:
Hardware set up works
“How To Get started with Nordic nRF5340 Project by Raytac MDBT53/MDBT53V Development Kit Demo Board”
Firmware development:
“How To Get Started With nRF5340 Module Program Coding and Compiling” (Click Me)

Edited by Account Manager: Jocelyn Tsai

Raytac Corporation 勁達國際電子有限公司
A BT5.2 & BT5.1 & BT5 module maker based on Nordic nRF53 & nRF52 solution 
(nRF5340 & nRF52840 & nRF52833 & nRF52832 & nRF52820 & nRF52811 & nRF52810 & nRF52805)
www.raytac.com email: service@raytac.com Tel: +886.2.3234.0208

How To Get started with Nordic nRF5340 Project by Raytac MDBT53/MDBT53V Development Kit Demo Board

Edited by Jocelyn Tsai / Account Manager

Here provides thHere provides the easy introduction to the article of Hardware & Firmware Set up with step-by-step guideline for nRF5340 Module demo board MDBT53-DB-40/MDBT53V-DB-40.

  1. Hardware Set Up
  2. Software Kits Resource & Preparation
  3. To recognize your nRFConnect SDK version case by case

1. Hardware Set Up

  • 1 x Nordic nRF5340-DK Board: PCA10095(2.0.0)
  • 1 x MDBT53-DB-40 or 1x MDBT53V-DB-40
  • 1 x IDC Wire 
  • 1 x Power Micro USB
  • 1 x Power Mini USB

**Reminder: Both “Nordic nRF5340-DK” and “Raytac MDBT53/53V Demo BD” should be included into the working network for program development.

Where to buy MDBT53-DB-40 , MDBT53V-DB-40
MDBT53-DB-40 (nRF5340 Solution)
MDBT53V-DB-40 (nRF5340 Solution)

  • Using Nordic DK as J-Link ( nRF5340 DK ONLY) Connects with MDBT53/53V DB by IDC wire.
  • Powered up MDBT53/53V DB by Mini USB wire.
  • Powered up the nRF5340-DK by Micro USB wire.

 

2.Software Kits Resource & Preparation

Download nRF Connect For Desktop (Please Click Me)

Download nRF Command Line Tools (Please Click Me)

Preparation

a. Prepared with the latest version of nRF Connect for Desktop

Selected version 3.12.0 Windows 32-bit and 64-bit

nrfconnect-setup-3.12.0-ia32.exe

b. Prepared with the latest version of nRF Command Line Tools

Selected version 10.18.1 Windows X86 64

nrf-Command-Line-Tools-10.18.1-x64.exe

**Note: SEGGER J-LINK Upgrade message might pop up while you’re doing above download.

 If you’re initiating Segger Embedded Studio (SES) application, please check the guideline here

c. Locate all the necessary kits for programming in PC (Check Software/Application list)

 

 

3. To recognize your nRFConnect SDK version case by case

Intro: The preparation of nRF Connect SDK Vx.x.x(NCS SDK version, ) and Nordic Example code will help you get through the program code building and trace debug in VS Code IDE or Segger Embedded Studio IDE. Here’s the brief way to recognize your nRFConnect SDK version which suits your project development.

Step1.

  Activated your “nRF Connect for Desktop”  >> “Toolchain Manager” >> “Open” >> “Install”

(**Note: The development nRF Connect SDK(NCS) provides with free VS Code IDE and Segger Embedded Studio IDE as compiling system)

Step2.

To recognize your project is with or without Audio inquiry and download the “nRF Connect SDK(NCS)” by the following classification.

A.) Project with Non-Audio case

Option1. Go with NCS V1.9.1 (Included) and previous version.

There’re either “Open VS Code” or “Open Segger Embedded Studio” IDE options could be selected for program coding.

Option2. Go with NCS V2.0.0(included) and the later.

 There’s simply “Open VS Code” IDE that could be run for program coding.

B.) Project with “Audio” inquiry

You would only have option of NCS V2.0.0(included) and the later version working in “Open VS Code” IDE.

Step3.

 Please make sure the nRFConnect SDK is installed at same base directory with compiling system  (the root of Open VS Code)

(This is using D:\ncs-work base as example.)    

If the base is not directing to the same, do “Select directory’” to re-direct the route.

Step4.

nRFConnect SDK Vx.x.x Download ready

Find more information about nRF5340 Module firmware development resources in below link!

“How To USE Nordic Connect SDK (NCS) Flashing Built Code into nRF5340 Module” , Please click this link! 

“How To Get Started With nRF5340 Module Program Coding and Compiling” Please click this link

 

 

Raytac Corporation 勁達國際電子有限公司
A BT5.2 & BT5.1 & BT5 module maker based on Nordic nRF53 & nRF52 solution 
(nRF5340 & nRF52840 & nRF52833 & nRF52832 & nRF52820 & nRF52811 & nRF52810 & nRF52805)
www.raytac.com email: service@raytac.com Tel: +886.2.3234.0208

Raytac Extents Digi-Key’s Product Listing and Shipping Destination

Digi-Key is the most well known channel for developers to access the sample during project planning and evaluation stage. To provide a speedy, easy sample purchase experience is really a committed promise Raytac persist in. Raytac is glad to announce we have successfully listed most of Raytac products in Digi-Key. Moreover, excepting US, and Asia, to included Europe in the available shipping regions is another remarkable update for this extension. 

Currently, Raytac offer a various of options listed in below, developers may find out the best and convenient channel to access sample purchase.

Digi-Key Amazon Tindie eBay For developers who is not able to find the products, shipping destination or out of stock, please feel free to write to us at service@raytac.com, Raytac’s sales team is always happy to fulfill your demand.

Raytac Corporation 勁達國際電子有限公司
A BT5.2 & BT5.1 & BT5 module maker based on Nordic nRF53 & nRF52 solution 
(nRF5340 & nRF52840 & nRF52833 & nRF52832 & nRF52820 & nRF52811 & nRF52810 & nRF52805)
www.raytac.com email: sales@raytac.com Tel: +886.2.3234.0208

New Distribution Partnership in Greater China Region

Raytac Corporation, a leading supplier of Bluetooth modules, announced a new distribution partnership with Weltrend Semiconductor, Inc. Weltrend has strong FAE team and their extensive footprint of distribution facilities makes them a valuable distribution partner. “We look forward to building our relationship and expanding the Greater China region to serve more customers.”

As a world-renowned supplier of BLE Bluetooth module, Raytac is dedicated to launching various kinds of modules to fulfill all developers’ needs and demands. Raytac’s modules are covered all Nordic solutions, including nRF51822, nRF52810, nRF52811, nRF52820, nRF52832, nRF52833, nRF52840 and nRF5340. Moreover, the modules are fully certified with not only Bluetooth SIG (QDID/DID/BQB), but also regional safety regulation in main areas such as FCC (USA), CE (EU), IC (Canada), TELEC (Japan), KC (Korea), SRRC (China), FCC(Taiwan), RCM (ANZ) , etc.

Raytac aims to build up a value chain to provide customers with a cost-effective and speed-time-to-market solution. Raytac also offers AT Command service allowing customers to adopt easily in IoT field.

WELTREND SEMICONDUCTOR,INC.KAOHSIUNG BRANCH(Taipei Office) Address: 11F-6, No. 736, Chungcheng Rd. Chungho District, New Taipei City., Taiwan http://www.weltrend.com.tw  Tel: +886.2.8226.9297

Raytac Corporation 勁達國際電子有限公司
A BT5.2 & BT5.1 & BT5 module maker based on Nordic nRF53 & nRF52 solution 
(nRF5340 & nRF52840 & nRF52833 & nRF52832 & nRF52820 & nRF52811 & nRF52810 & nRF52805)
www.raytac.com email: sales@raytac.com Tel: +886.2.3234.0208