# 232: Blob Is a Good Word

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2018-02-02
- Length: 1h 10m
- Episode: 232
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2018-02-02-232-blob-is-a-good-word
- Listen: https://makingembeddedsystems.libsyn.com/232-blob-is-a-good-word

## Summary

Jackson Keating, a firmware engineer at Identity Card who previously worked on Bluetooth stacks at Podo Labs, explains the architecture of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), focusing on the GATT database structure of services, characteristics, and descriptors. The hosts and guest discuss the practical differences between BLE and Wi-Fi, the role of advertising packets in device discovery, and the complexities of pairing and security. They also compare development experiences with Nordic nRF chips and Texas Instruments CC26xx devices, recommending vendor tutorials and the Core Bluetooth API for learning.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2018-02-02-232-blob-is-a-good-word#t=6) Introduction and Guest Background
- [3:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2018-02-02-232-blob-is-a-good-word#t=213) BLE Architecture: Central, Peripheral, Server, and Client
- [11:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2018-02-02-232-blob-is-a-good-word#t=696) GATT Database: Services, Characteristics, and Descriptors
- [36:39](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2018-02-02-232-blob-is-a-good-word#t=2199) Advertising, Scan Responses, and Device Discovery
- [44:26](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2018-02-02-232-blob-is-a-good-word#t=2666) Pairing, Security, and PIN Codes
- [51:16](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2018-02-02-232-blob-is-a-good-word#t=3076) Hardware Choices: Nordic, TI, and Host Stacks
- [1:01:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2018-02-02-232-blob-is-a-good-word#t=3662) Learning Resources and BLE 5 Overview

## Topics

- [Wireless & RF](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/wireless-and-rf)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [Security & privacy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/security-and-privacy)
- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Jackson Keating (other)
- Identity Card (company)
- Podo Labs (company)
- Nordic (chip)
- Core Bluetooth (tool)
- LightBlue (tool)
- Texas Instruments (company)
- CC26xx (chip)
- BlueZ (tool)
- Adafruit (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [How Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Is Made for IoT | Mohammad Afaneh, Founder of Novel Bits | #AskIoT E010](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2019-02-13-how-bluetooth-low-energy-ble-is-made-for-iot-mohammad-afaneh-founder-of-novel-bi) (IoT For All Podcast)
- [Using Bluetooth Low Energy for IoT Connectivity | Blecon's Simon Ford | Internet of Things Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2024-08-20-using-bluetooth-low-energy-for-iot-connectivity-blecons-simon-ford-internet-of-t) (IoT For All Podcast)
- [#001: The future of Bluetooth connectivity with Blecon Founder, Simon Ford](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/coredump-sessions/2024-11-27-001-the-future-of-bluetooth-connectivity-with-blecon-founder-simon-ford) (Coredump Sessions)
- [How To Build High Quality Bluetooth Products | SwaraLink Technologies's Sandeep Kamath | Internet of Things Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2022-12-29-how-to-build-high-quality-bluetooth-products-swaralink-technologiess-sandeep-kam) (IoT For All Podcast)
- [The Spark Gap - Episode 8](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-08-05-the-spark-gap-episode-8) (The Spark Gap)

## Citing this page

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