How Bluetooth Low Energy is Revolutionizing Automotive Connectivity

Bluetooth^® technology has long been a staple of consumer electronics, enabling seamless wireless connectivity across devices. However, its role in the automotive industry is rapidly expanding beyond phone pairing and hands-free calling. With advancements in Bluetooth Low Energy (LE), the technology is now being adopted for a range of applications that enhance vehicle efficiency, security, and user experience.

One of the most compelling use cases for Bluetooth LE in automotive is Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS). With the latest advancements in automotive-grade Bluetooth LE solutions like the Renesas DA14533 system-on-chip (SoC), automakers are leveraging this technology to create smarter, more efficient vehicles while reducing system complexity and cost.

The Growing Role of Bluetooth in Automotive

Modern vehicles are becoming increasingly reliant on wireless connectivity to replace traditional wired systems. This transition is especially significant in electric vehicles (EVs), where reducing weight is critical for maximizing range. By eliminating excessive wiring in sensor systems, Bluetooth LE can help reduce vehicle weight while maintaining robust data transmission.

Beyond TPMS, Bluetooth is being explored for applications such as wireless sensor networks for monitoring vehicle health, Phone-as-a-Key (PaaK) and Passive Entry/Passive Start (PEPS) systems, and in-car entertainment and driver assistance systems.

With these applications in mind, Bluetooth LE is proving to be an essential technology for next-generation automotive solutions.

The Shift to Bluetooth LE for TPMS

TPMS is a crucial safety and efficiency feature in modern vehicles. Traditionally, TPMS solutions relied on sub-GHz proprietary wireless protocols, requiring dedicated receivers and increasing system complexity. By shifting to Bluetooth LE, automakers can take advantage of:

• Lower power consumption, extending battery life in sensor units
• Reduced system complexity by using standardized communication protocols
• Seamless integration with mobile apps, providing real-time monitoring and an enhanced user experience

Regulatory requirements worldwide, including the U.S. TREAD Act and European UN ECE R141, have made TPMS mandatory in new vehicles. Bluetooth LE provides an ideal solution to meet these regulations while enhancing system capabilities.

The Renesas DA14533 is a Bluetooth LE SoC designed specifically for automotive applications. With an ultra-low power profile and AEC-Q100 Grade 2 qualification, it is optimized for use in TPMS and other sensor-driven automotive systems.

DA14533 Key Features

• Ultra-low power operation: 3.1mA (TX), 2.5mA (RX), 500nA (hibernation mode)
• Qualified against Bluetooth Core 5.3
• AEC-Q100 Grade 2 qualification (-40 °C to +105 °C)
• Arm^® Cortex^®-M0+ processor for efficient system integration
• Integrated low IQ buck DC/DC converter for optimized power management
• Compact 3.5mm x 3.5mm WFFCQFN 22-pin package

By incorporating the DA14533, automakers can develop cost-effective, high-performance Bluetooth LE-based TPMS solutions that meet stringent industry standards.

Switching to Bluetooth LE for TPMS offers several key advantages that enhance both performance and efficiency. One of the most significant benefits is longer battery life, as the low-power operation of Bluetooth LE ensures that TPMS sensors can function for years without the need for frequent battery replacements. Additionally, manufacturing costs are reduced by minimizing the number of external components required, simplifying the bill of materials (BOM), and lowering overall system expenses. Beyond cost savings, Bluetooth LE enhances the user experience by enabling seamless connectivity to mobile applications, allowing drivers to monitor tire pressure in real time. Moreover, the future-ready security of Bluetooth LE ensures reliable and secure data transmission, safeguarding TPMS systems against potential cyber threats.

Expanding Automotive Applications for Bluetooth LE

Beyond TPMS, Bluetooth LE is set to play a pivotal role in other automotive connectivity solutions, including:

• Wheel locationing – Using Bluetooth-based positioning techniques like Angle-of-Arrival (AoA) and Angle-of-Departure (AoD) to identify individual wheel positions accurately.
• Commercial Fleet Management – Enabling fleet operators to monitor tire pressure, fuel efficiency, and predictive maintenance through cloud-connected Bluetooth LE systems.
• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) – Supporting wireless sensor networks to provide critical data for improved vehicle safety.

Accelerating Time-to-Market with Renesas Winning Combinations

To help developers streamline product integration, Renesas offers pre-validated system architectures known as Winning Combinations. These solutions combine the DA14533 Bluetooth LE SoC with complementary Renesas products like R-Car H3/M3/E3 SoCs, PMICs, and timing devices. By using Winning Combinations, manufacturers can accelerate design cycles and reduce development risk.

Bluetooth LE is set to transform the automotive landscape, offering low-power, cost-effective, and secure wireless connectivity solutions. With its ultra-efficient design and automotive-grade reliability, the Renesas DA14533 Bluetooth LE SoC is leading the charge in TPMS and other next-generation automotive applications.

As automakers continue to embrace wireless sensor technology, Bluetooth LE will play a key role in enhancing vehicle efficiency, safety, and user experience. To learn more about how Renesas is driving innovation in automotive connectivity, visit renesas.com/da14533.