•
iAP
- This is the iPod Accessory Protocol, and it allows you to
connect the module to any Apple devices such as iPhones, iPods,
and Mac laptops and computers.
*Note:
Multiple profiles can be implemented at once. The default settings
are set to have all profiles discoverable.
Range
The RN-52 is a Class 2 Bluetooth device, meaning that the range of the on
board antenna is about
10m
. Thus, you should be able to stream audio to
the module from about 32 ft in open air. If you are streaming through walls
or windows, that range will diminish.
Wireless Audio
The RN-52 is different than other Bluetooth modules in that it can stream
audio. It does this via an on-board Digital Signal Processing (DSP) chip.
When streaming audio
to
the RN-52, the DSP converts the radio waves
sent from the transmitter device (phone, computer, etc.) into electrical
signals that can then be sent to the amplifier and then to your audio output
(speakers/headphones). When streaming audio
from
the module, it
converts the electrical signals from the audio input device (mic/line-in) to
radio waves for the receiver device (stereo, computer, phone).
Many people ask why it isn’t possible to send audio over just any old
Bluetooth connection. The lack of an on-board DSP is the main reason
most “regular” modules cannot support audio streaming.
Communication
Aside from a wireless Bluetooth connection, the RN-52 has four paths on
which it can communicate to outside devices: UART, USB, SPI, and PCM.
We’ll discuss these in more depth in the next section.
The RN-52 Breakout
There is a lot going on with the RN-52 breakout board. Let’s break it up into
sections to find out what pins are needed for what purposes.
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