In today's booming wireless audio technology landscape, Bluetooth modules, as core components of audio devices, directly determine the user's listening experience. Chengdu EBBTE Electronics Technology Co., Ltd.'s meticulously crafted EWM104-BT61SX dual-mode Bluetooth audio module, with its leading technology, rich features, and superior performance, has become a benchmark product in the wireless audio field. This article will delve into the characteristics and functions of the EWM104-BT61SX dual-band Bluetooth audio transceiver module and compare it with the EWM104-BT60SP2 series Bluetooth audio modules to help you fully understand this outstanding product.

I. EWM104-BT61SX: A Perfect Fusion of Performance and Functionality

1. Cutting-Edge Technology, Leading the Wireless Audio Trend

The EWM104-BT61SX and EWM104-BT61SP series Bluetooth audio receiver + broadcast transmitter modules from EBBTE are based on the Bluetooth BLE 5.4 protocol version for communication, and simultaneously support LE Audio (Low Power Audio) and classic Bluetooth technology. Employing a 160MHz 32-bit dual-core DSP, it provides powerful computing support for audio processing. The Bluetooth audio module operates in the globally unlicensed ISM 2.4GHz band, with a maximum transmit power of 8dBm. In clear, open environments with 8dBm and an antenna height of 1.5m, the communication distance can reach over 160 meters, ensuring stable and smooth audio transmission.

2. Rich Functionality to Meet Diverse Needs

① Flexible Audio Input/Output Methods
Three input methods: Supports Bluetooth wireless input, USB differential signal input, and IN_L/IN_R analog signal input, comprehensively meeting the audio input needs of different scenarios. You can connect the module via Bluetooth from devices such as mobile phones and computers to achieve wireless audio transmission; you can also connect to a computer via the USB interface to transmit audio signals from the computer to the module; and you can also connect to other audio devices such as CD players and radios via the analog signal input interface.

Two output methods: Supports OUT_L/OUT_R analog signal output and Bluetooth broadcast channel output. In transmit mode, the module outputs audio signals via the Bluetooth broadcast channel, enabling one-to-many audio broadcasting. In receive mode, the module outputs received audio signals via the analog signal output interface, allowing connection to speakers, headphones, and other devices for playback.

② Convenient Operation and Management Functions
Easy Mobile Phone Connection Authorization: In transmit mode, the module supports connecting to a mobile phone via Bluetooth, acting as a Bluetooth receiver for local music playback, and can also forward music to other receiving devices on the same channel. Upon initial connection to a mobile phone/computer or other Bluetooth device, simply confirm the pairing request via the falling edge of the SW pin when it pops up to complete pairing; the operation is simple and convenient.

Flexible Channel Selection: The module provides D1~D6 as pairing codes. Through high-low level conversion of D1~D6, a 6-bit binary channel selection is achieved, with 64 combinations. When the corresponding bit levels of D1~D6 are the same in transmit mode and receive mode, broadcast interoperability is achieved, meeting the audio broadcasting needs of different scenarios.

Practical Button Controls: The module provides button interfaces KEY1~KEY3, enabling play/pause, volume down/previous track, and volume up/next track control. You can easily control audio playback, pause, volume adjustment, and track switching via these buttons; operation is simple and convenient.

Intelligent Lithium Battery Charging Management: The module supports VBAT lithium battery power and can also be powered/charged via the VPWR pin. During use, you can charge the lithium battery at any time to ensure continuous module operation.

Considerate Default Prompt Tones: The module emits default prompt tones during operation, such as the "Power On/Off" tone when turning on/off, the "Low Battery (Looping Reminder)" tone when the battery is low, and the "Broadcast Speaker Mode" tone when the radio is turned on, allowing you to understand the module's operating status at any time.

3. Compact Design, Easy Integration and Application:

The EWM104-BT61SX module uses a stamp hole package, measuring only 14*16.8mm, and has a reserved IPEX-1 antenna mount, allowing users to easily select a suitable antenna according to their actual needs. The module's compact design makes it easy to integrate into various audio devices, such as Bluetooth stereo speakers, Bluetooth audio receivers, audio broadcast transmitters, and audio receivers, providing greater flexibility for device design and development.

II. Comparison of EWM104-BT60SP2 Series Bluetooth Modules

To meet the needs of different users, EWM104-BT60SP2 series Bluetooth modules have been launched, including two products: EWM104-BT60SP2 and EWM104-BT60SP3. The following compares the differences between the EWM104-BT61SX and this series of modules in several aspects:

1. Protocol Version and Function Support Differences

Bluetooth Protocol Version: The EWM104-BT60SP2 series uses Bluetooth 5.2, while the EWM104-BT61SX uses Bluetooth 5.4. Bluetooth 5.4 offers further improvements over Bluetooth 5.2 in terms of low power consumption, audio transmission quality, and multi-device connectivity, providing users with a better experience.

Data Transmission Functionality: The EWM104-BT60SP2 series supports simultaneous Bluetooth audio playback and BLE data transmission, with a maximum single data transmission packet size of 63 bytes under BLE. The EWM104-BT61SX, on the other hand, primarily focuses on audio functionality. While it also supports AT command configuration, its data transmission capabilities are relatively weaker. If users require simultaneous audio playback and data transmission, the EWM104-BT60SP2 series is a better choice.

Audio Encoding Support: Both series support AAC and SBC audio encoding, but the EWM104-BT61SX boasts superior audio processing capabilities, delivering higher-quality audio output. For users with high audio quality requirements, the EWM104-BT61SX is a more suitable choice.

2. Hardware Design and Packaging Differences

Pin Count and Functions: The EWM104-BT60SP2 is a 16-pin package, does not provide button GPIO, and does not support OTA upgrades; the EWM104-BT60SP3 is a 24-pin package, provides button GPIO, and supports OTA upgrades; while the EWM104-BT61SX is a 32-pin package, providing rich pin functions, including playback control button pins, serial port pins, etc., supporting more expansion functions. If users require more hardware expansion functions, the EWM104-BT61SX is a better choice.

Size: The EWM104-BT60SP2 series modules are all 1319mm in size, while the EWM104-BT61SX module is 1416.8mm (EWM104-BT61SX) or 14*22mm (EWM104-BT61SP). Different sizes are suitable for different device design requirements, and users can choose the appropriate module according to the space constraints of their device.

Antenna Design: The EWM104-BT60SP2 series uses a stamp-hole/PCB antenna. The EWM104-BT61SX includes both IPEX and PCB antenna versions. The IPEX version has a pre-installed IPEX-1 antenna mount, allowing users to choose the appropriate antenna for better signal transmission. The PCB antenna version comes with its own PCB antenna for ease of use. If users have high signal transmission requirements, the IPEX version of the EWM104-BT61SX module is recommended.

3. Application Scenarios Differences

EWM104-BT60SP2 Series Application Scenarios: Because it supports simultaneous Bluetooth audio playback and BLE data transmission, it is suitable for smart speakers, smart toys, massage chairs, smart home devices, and other scenarios requiring simultaneous audio playback and data transmission. For example, in smart speakers, the module can simultaneously play audio and transmit data via Bluetooth to a mobile phone, allowing users to control playback, volume adjustment, and other functions. In smart toys, the module can play audio and interact with a mobile phone, providing a richer gaming experience.

EWM104-BT61SX Application Scenarios: Focused on audio functionality, the module is suitable for scenarios requiring high audio quality, such as Bluetooth stereo speakers, Bluetooth audio receivers, audio broadcast transmitters, and audio receivers. For example, in Bluetooth stereo speakers, the module can provide high-quality audio output, allowing users to enjoy clear and realistic music; in audio broadcast transmitters, the module can achieve one-to-many audio broadcasting, suitable for audio broadcasting needs in public places such as shopping malls, supermarkets, airports, and train stations.

III. Application Scenarios of the EWM104-BT61SX Module

1. Bluetooth Stereo Speakers

Integrating the EWM104-BT61SX module into a Bluetooth stereo speaker allows users to connect the speaker via Bluetooth from devices such as mobile phones and computers for wireless audio playback. The module supports one-to-many audio broadcasting, allowing you to transmit one audio signal to multiple speakers simultaneously, achieving synchronized audio playback in multiple rooms and creating an immersive audio experience.

2. Bluetooth Audio Receiver

By connecting the EWM104-BT61SX module to traditional speakers, amplifiers, and other audio devices as a Bluetooth audio receiver, you can upgrade these devices into Bluetooth audio devices. You can connect the receiver via Bluetooth to your mobile phone, computer, or other devices to achieve wireless audio transmission and enjoy the convenience of wireless audio.

3. Audio Broadcast Transmitter

In public places such as shopping malls, supermarkets, airports, and train stations, the EWM104-BT61SX module can be used as an audio broadcast transmitter to output audio signals through a Bluetooth broadcast channel. Users can receive the broadcast signals through mobile phones, Bluetooth speakers, and other devices to achieve audio broadcast playback. This broadcasting method requires no wiring, is easy to install, and is inexpensive, suitable for audio broadcasting needs in various public places.

4. Audio Receiver

In scenarios such as conference rooms, classrooms, and home theaters, the EWM104-BT61SX module can be used as an audio receiver to receive audio signals from audio broadcast transmitters and play them through speakers, headphones, and other devices. The module supports multiple input methods, allowing you to choose the appropriate input method according to your actual needs, achieving flexible audio transmission.

IV. Summary

The EWM104-BT61SX, EWM104-BT61SP, and EWT104-BT61SP series dual-mode Bluetooth audio modules have become outstanding products in the wireless audio field thanks to their advanced technology, rich features, superior performance, and compact design. Compared with the EWM104-BT60SP2 series modules, the EWM104-BT61SX differs in protocol version, feature support, hardware design, and application scenarios. Users can choose the appropriate module according to their actual needs. Whether it's a Bluetooth stereo speaker, Bluetooth audio receiver, audio broadcast transmitter, or audio receiver, the EWM104-BT61SX module can provide you with a high-quality wireless audio solution, opening up a new era for wireless audio.