Users often encounter such confusion and want to add IoT functionality to a product, but they are entangled when choosing a solution. Should I choose a chip, a module, or a development board? To solve this problem, you must first clarify what your usage scenario is.
This article uses FSC-BT806A as an example to explain the difference and connection between chip,module and development board.
CSR8670 chip:
The size of the CSR8670 chip is only 6.5mm*6.5mm*1mm. In a such small size space, it integrates the core CPU, radio frequency balun, power amplifier, filter and power management module, etc., with super high Integration, high audio performance, and high stability meet the requirements of users for the Internet of Things.
However, there is no way to achieve intelligent control of the product by relying on a single chip. It also requires peripheral circuit design and MCU, which is the module we will talk about next.
Its size is 13mm x 26.9mm x 2.2mm, which is several times larger than the chip.
So when the Bluetooth function is the same, why do many users prefer to choose the module instead of the chip?
The most critical point is that the module can meet the user's secondary development needs for the chip.
For example, FSC-BT806A builds a peripheral circuit based on the CSR8670 chip, including the connection with the micro MCU (secondary development), the wiring layout of the antenna (RF performance), and the lead-out of the pin interface (for easy soldering).
In theory, a complete module can be embedded in any product you want to give it IoT functionality.
Under normal circumstances, the research and development cycle of new products should be as short as possible, modules like FSC-BT806A also has BQB, FCC, CE, IC, TELEC, KC, SRRC, etc, it provides a way for the end product to get certifications much easier. Therefore, product managers or project leaders will choose modules instead of chips to accelerate the rapid verification and launch of products.
The size of the chip is small, the pins are not directly led out, and the antenna, capacitor, inductor, and MCU all need to be arranged with the help of external circuits. Therefore, choosing a module is undoubtedly the wisest choice.
FSC-BT806A CSR8670 module development board:
There are modules first, then development boards.
FSC-DB102-BT806 is a Bluetooth audio development board based on CSR8670/CSR8675 module, designed and developed by Feasycom. As shown in the picture, the peripheral circuit of the development board is more abundant than that of the module.
Onboard CSR8670/CSR8675 module, quick verification function use;
With a micro USB interface, you can quickly enter the development stage with only a data cable connection;
LEDs and buttons meet the most basic needs for LED lighting of status indications and function controls for power-on reset and demo use, etc.
The size of the development board is several times larger than the module.
Why do many companies like to choose development boards in the early stage of R&D investment? Because compared to the module, the development board does not need to be soldered, only a micro USB data cable needs be directly connected to the computer to start firmware programming and secondary development, omitting intermediate welding, circuit debugging and other steps.
After the development board has passed the test and verification, select the module corresponding to the development board for small batch production. This is a relatively correct product development process.
If your company is now going to develop a new product and needs to add networked control functions to the product, you need to quickly verify the feasibility of the product. Because the internal environment of the product is different, it is recommended that you choose a appropriate development board or module according to your actual needs.
