Overview of SparkLink Technology

SparkLink  is a new-generation short-range wireless communication technology independently developed in China, launched by the SparkLink Alliance. It integrates the advantages of traditional wireless technologies (such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi) while featuring low latency, high reliability, high synchronization accuracy, and high security. As an important member of the SparkLink Alliance, EBYTE has launched a variety of products based on SparkLink technology, providing innovative connection solutions for IoT applications.

SparkLink includes two basic communication modes:

  • SLE (SparkLink Low Energy): Focuses on low-power scenarios, similar to an enhanced version of Bluetooth.

  • SLB (SparkLink Basic): Focuses on high-speed, high-performance scenarios, similar to an enhanced version of Wi-Fi.

EBYTE SparkLink Product Line

According to the provided documents, EBYTE's SparkLink product line currently mainly focuses on the SLE (Low Energy) protocol, offering serial-to-wireless bridge modules to facilitate rapid integration for users.

1. E105-BS21 Series (Core SLE Module)

  • Product Models: E105-BS21, E105-BS21X (with IPEX external antenna interface)

  • Key Features:

    • Protocol: Serial-to-SLE module supporting SparkLink Protocol Version 1.0.

    • High Performance: Features long transmission distance, fast speed, strong anti-interference capability, and low latency.

    • Low Power Consumption: Typical operating current is only about 2mA, and sleep current is about 6uA.

    • Fast Connection: Maximum connection speed can reach 4ms.

    • Ease of Use: Configured using general AT commands, no in-depth development of the SparkLink protocol stack required, with parameter saving support.

    • Interface: Communicates with the user's MCU via UART serial port to achieve transparent data transmission.

  • Application Scenarios: Smart wearables, home automation, security, personal healthcare, smart home appliances, industrial sensing and control, etc.

2. E105-WBS36 Series (Multi-Mode Fusion Module, Including SparkLink)

  • Product Models: E105-WBS36 Series

  • Key Features: A flagship three-in-one module integrating SparkLink (SLE), Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth (BLE) simultaneously.

    • Supports SLE 1.0.

    • Supports 1MHz/2MHz/4MHz bandwidth, with a maximum air interface rate of 4Mbps.

    • Supports a maximum transmit power of 20dBm, adjustable within the range of -5~20dBm via AT commands.

    • SparkLink (SLE) Part:

    • Wi-Fi Part: Supports 2.4GHz 802.11b/g/n/ax, with a maximum rate of 150Mbps.

    • BLE Part: Supports Bluetooth 5.4.

    • Powerful Interfaces: Provides up to 19 GPIOs, SPI, I2C, I2S, UART, ADC, PWM, etc. (realized through multiplexing).

  • Product Positioning: Designed for complex high-end applications requiring extremely high flexibility, high performance, and multiple connection methods, such as high-end smart home hubs, industrial IoT gateways, etc.

3. Development and Evaluation Kits

  • Product Models: E105-BS21 Series Development Board (as described in the document E105-BS21 Series Development Board+datasheet_CN_v1.0.pdf)

  • Key Features:

    • Integrates the E105-BS21 module, USB-to-UART, reset button, status indicator (RGB light), and pin headers for all GPIOs.

    • Provides Type-C USB interface for power supply and communication.

  • Purpose: Helps developers quickly build prototypes with zero foundation, conduct functional evaluations and early-stage development, greatly shortening the time to market.

4. Pure Domestic Solution Product Line

In the document Pure Domestic Solution.doc, SparkLink products are categorized under the "Bluetooth/SparkLink" chapter, highlighting their status as one of the core domestic wireless technologies.

  • Representative Model: E105-BS21 (clearly listed)

FAQs about SparkLink Products

Combining the general "Frequently Asked Questions" section of EBYTE products and the characteristics of SparkLink products, the following is summarized:

1. What to Do if Transmission Distance is Unsatisfactory?

  • General Causes (Applicable to All Wireless Modules):

    • Environmental Obstacles: Walls and metal objects significantly attenuate signals.

    • Interference: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices in the same frequency band (2.4GHz) cause co-channel interference.

    • Improper Installation: Placing the antenna inside a metal casing or close to a metal surface is one of the most common causes of poor signal.

    • Ground Signal Absorption: Testing near the ground or walls yields poor results.

    • Power Supply Voltage: A supply voltage lower than the recommended value leads to insufficient transmit power.

  • Inspections Specific to SparkLink Modules:

    • Confirm whether the transmit power set via AT commands has been adjusted to the maximum allowed value (e.g., 6dBm for E105-BS21, up to 20dBm for E105-WBS36).

    • For models like E105-BS21X or those with IPEX interfaces, ensure a high-quality external antenna with impedance matching (50Ω) and correct frequency (2.4GHz) is used and properly installed.

2. No Response After Module Power-On or Easy to Damage?

  • Power Supply is Key: Strictly ensure the supply voltage is within the range specified in the data sheet (usually 3.3V). Exceeding the maximum voltage will permanently damage the module.

  • Anti-Static (ESD): Wireless RF chips are sensitive to static electricity. Anti-static measures must be taken during soldering and operation.

  • Soldering and Humidity: Follow the reflow soldering temperature curve in the manual. Avoid long-term storage or soldering in high-humidity environments, as some components are Moisture Sensitive Devices (MSD).

3. High Communication Bit Error Rate or Garbled Data?

  • Interference Troubleshooting: First suspect environmental interference in the 2.4GHz band. Try changing the SparkLink channel or moving away from the interference source.

  • Power Supply Quality: Using an unstable power supply or LDO with excessive ripple will cause abnormal module operation and data errors. Be sure to use a clean, stable power supply.

  • Serial Port Configuration: Check whether the serial port parameters (baud rate, data bits, stop bits, parity bits) between the host MCU and the module are completely consistent.

  • Line Issues: If long serial cables or antenna feeders are used, poor-quality cables will introduce loss and noise.

4. How to Start Developing with EBYTE SparkLink Modules?

  • Step 1: Model Selection

    • If the requirement is for low-power, low-latency, fast-connection sensors or control nodes, choose the E105-BS21 Series.

    • If the requirement is for complex functions, simultaneous connection to multiple networks (such as SparkLink + Wi-Fi for cloud connectivity), and rich interface resources for smart host devices, choose the E105-WBS36 Series.

  • Step 2: Obtain Evaluation Tools

    • It is strongly recommended to purchase the corresponding official development board (such as the E105-BS21 Development Board). The development board integrates USB connection, level conversion, and all interfaces, allowing direct testing via computer serial port tools by sending AT commands without the need to design a baseboard yourself.

  • Step 3: Read Core Documents

    • User Manual: Understand the product overview, pin definitions, working modes, and AT command set.

    • Data Sheet: Obtain detailed electrical parameters, dimensions, and limit values.

  • Step 4: Configure Using AT Commands

    • EBYTE SparkLink modules are designed in "transparent serial port" mode. After setting network parameters (such as role, connection object, transmit power, etc.) via AT commands, data can be sent and received through the serial port without the user needing to handle the underlying wireless protocol.

5. What are the Advantages of SparkLink (SLE) Compared to Bluetooth (BLE)?

  • Lower Latency: SLE can achieve millisecond-level or even sub-millisecond connection and response, which is superior to traditional BLE.

  • Higher Reliability: Adopts more advanced anti-interference technology and protocol design, making it more stable in complex wireless environments.

  • Higher Synchronization Accuracy: Supports high-precision synchronization among multiple devices, suitable for scenarios requiring collaborative work (such as wireless surround sound, industrial synchronous control).

  • More Flexible Topology: Supports more flexible network networking methods.

  • Domestic and Independent Controllability: As a native Chinese standard, it has unique advantages in security and supply chain.

EBYTE's SparkLink product line takes the E105-BS21 Series as the starting point for current promotion and application, providing a high-performance, low-power, and easy-to-develop SparkLink access solution. The E105-WBS36 Series demonstrates future-oriented fusion communication capabilities.

Recommendations for Developers:

  1. Start with Evaluation Boards: Avoid direct hardware design; first use official evaluation boards to verify whether communication distance, rate, and stability meet expectations.

  2. Master AT Commands: AT commands are the key to controlling the module. Proficiency allows flexible configuration of all network parameters.

  3. Emphasize Hardware Design: Refer to the recommended circuits in the user manual, especially the power supply circuit and antenna layout (ensure antenna area clearance), which are the cornerstones of product stability.

  4. Utilize Official Resources: When encountering problems, first consult the "Frequently Asked Questions" section of the product user manual, which covers most typical issues.

With the continuous growth of the SparkLink ecosystem, EBYTE is expected to launch more SparkLink products supporting SLB (high-speed) mode and richer forms, providing more powerful Chinese wireless connection solutions for industrial IoT, smart cars, smart homes, and other fields.