Free e-book: Discover the world of AIoT
E-book: Discover the world of AIoT

BLE Power Optimization Lab

The right BLE controllers provide months or years of battery life without sacrificing the experience.
needCode IoT

We work with Industry Leaders

Challenges with BLE power optimization

Achieving ultra-low energy consumption in BLE devices is complicated by complex dependencies that can thwart design goals.

The trade-off paradox (Latency vs. Power)

The pursuit of low latency often requires frequent connections, which aggressively drains the battery. As a result, designers are forced to accept an undesirable trade-off between responsiveness and product lifespan.

Lack of visual control over power consumption

Without specialized engineering tools, developers rely on theoretical estimates. They lack the real-time visual feedback necessary to identify high current peaks and effectively optimize the link layer.

Ineffective throughput optimization

Many developers fail to fully utilize Data Length Extension (DLE) and ATT MTU optimization, leading to unnecessary packet overhead and wasting airtime energy.

Rigid communication profiles

Products often stick to uniform, static communication settings. The failure to implement adaptive profiles (e.g., switching from Low-Power to Low-Latency based on activity) leads to poor UX or massive energy waste.

Our solutions for BLE power optimization

Our modular ecosystem integrates hardware tools and custom software to fine-tune every element of the BLE link for maximum energy efficiency.

01

The hardware foundation

Current measurement instrumentation

We integrate specialized hardware and PMIC design principles to enable precise real-time current draw measurement (in µA and mA), essential for accurate optimization.

Optimized RF chain and antenna

Custom RF design minimizes link budget losses, ensuring maximum range and throughput efficiency at the lowest possible transmit power (Tx Power).

Sensor batching architecture

Designing the memory and interrupt architecture of the peripheral device (e.g., nRF54 + Accelerometer) for efficient data sample batching, minimizing wake-up cycles and burst transmission overhead.

02

The software intelligence

Adaptive link profile engine

Custom firmware that dynamically adjusts key parameters (Connection Interval, Slave Latency, PHY, DLE) based on device state (e.g., active use, idle, motion event), guaranteeing the optimal power-latency trade-off.

PHY switching implementation (1M, 2M, Coded)

Expert implementation of PHY switching to leverage Coded PHY for long range or 2M PHY for fast, energy-efficient data transmission with low airtime.

Advanced link layer parameter tuning

Deep expertise in optimizing LL Data Length (DLE) and ATT MTU to maximize payload per packet, drastically reducing the total airtime energy required for data transfer.

03

Analytics & Integration

Real-time KPI dashboard

A proprietary visual tool that instantly mirrors firmware parameter changes into live metrics: Average Current (µA/mA), Effective Latency, Throughput, and Estimated Battery Life (in months).

Audit tool and pre-sales calculator

Our optimization framework is used to audit client architectures and immediately deliver data-backed estimates of product lifespan improvement.

Adaptive policy engine for product launch

Creating ready-to-use profiles (e.g., Low-Power, Balanced, Low-Latency) that can be controlled via an OTA policy engine, allowing clients to remotely manage link behavior post-deployment.

Where our solutions fit

Our power optimization expertise has direct business applications in devices requiring long battery life and reliable communication.

Wearables (medical and consumer)

  • Maximizing battery life without performance loss
    Extending the lifespan of smart rings, watches, or medical patches to months, while maintaining the responsiveness needed for real-time fitness monitoring or critical events.
  • Sample-and-burst strategies
    Implementing energy-efficient batching of sensor data (e.g., ECG, accelerometer) that is transmitted in bursts only when the data buffer is full or a critical event is detected.
  • Adaptive link for UX
    Automatically switching from a low-power connection to a high-speed/low-latency link the moment the user opens the mobile application.

Asset tags and condition monitoring

  • Multi-year deployments
    Designing asset tags that utilize highly optimized low-power profiles (long connection intervals, Coded PHY) to operate for 5+ years without maintenance.
  • Event-based wake-up
    Implementing Slave Latency and sensor interrupts to ensure the device deep sleeps, waking up instantly to transmit critical alerts (e.g., vibration anomaly, temperature spike) at minimal energy cost.

Smart buildings and enterprise sensors

  • Cloud backhaul efficiency
    Optimizing the Peripheral-Central-Gateway communication path (e.g., nRF54 → nRF53 + Wi-Fi) to guarantee the most energy-efficient data delivery to the cloud.
  • High-density scalability
    Fine-tuning connection intervals and frequency hopping sequences to minimize airtime and collision risk, enabling stable deployment of hundreds of long-life sensors within a single building.

What we bring to your project

We guarantee that power optimization becomes a measurable business lever, supported by our systems expertise and dedicated validation tools.

01

Clear business lever

We transform complex, abstract BLE tuning into a clear business case, demonstrating a direct correlation between engineering optimization and product SLA (Service Level Agreement) and ROI.

02

System thinking expertise

Our approach integrates radio engineering, protocols, and application requirements, ensuring optimization doesn't just reduce current draw but genuinely improves the overall user experience.

03

Proprietary validation tools

We leverage our unique Real-Time KPI Dashboard to audit and validate your architecture, eliminating guesswork and providing immediate, data-backed proof of energy savings.

04

Credibility in low-power architecture projects

Our proven methodology strengthens your brand's narrative around system thinking, positioning us as the ideal partner for high-stakes, low-power architecture projects.

Asset Tracking Solutions: Case studies

Read more in our E-books

Testimonials

“I think the key takeaway from needCode is their ability to adapt and understand the customer's requirements. That took away probably a large portion of what could have been a lot of development time and expense for both companies.”
Bob Folkestad
Bob Folkestad
President at Creative Werks
“One aspect that truly sets needCode apart is its profound expertise in firmware development. Their proficiency in various programming languages, embedded systems and hardware architecture is truly impressive. When faced with difficult problems, their strong problem-solving skills and analytical mindset shine through, allowing them to overcome obstacles with remarkable ease.”
avatar Semeh Sarhan
Semeh Sarhan
CEO at Xtrava
“I worked with needCode while leading the NWTN-Berlin team in 2018. A big chunk for our FW development has been outsourced to them and they had proven to iterate very quickly, following specs and deliver on time. It was great working with them. I recommend working with needCode’s team on any Embedded SW development.”
avatar Marco Salvioli Mariani
Marco Salvioli Mariani
CTO at NWTN Berlin GmbH
“needCode Team proved to be one of the best engineers I have ever met. The part I like the most about the team is the more difficult an obstacle seems to be, the more motivated they were to find a solution and a way forward.”
A Testimonial picture
Szymon Słupnik
CTO at Silvair
“needCode is an outstanding partner. Their quick follow-up, scalability, and extensive professional network set them apart. Their expertise in wireless technologies has been valuable, supporting us from low-level drivers to architecture discussions.”
avatar Tim Allemeersch
Tim Allemeersch
Director at Qorvo, Inc.
“needCode did a great job improving the firmware of the Vai Kai connected toys and developing new features, surpassing our expectations multiple times. I would definitely recommend hiring Bartek and needCode for the embedded software projects!”
avatar Matas Petrikas
Matas Petrikas
CEO & Co-founder
at Vai Kai UG

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Manufacturing

Modern manufacturing machines are typically equipped with IoT sensors that capture performance data. AIoT technology analyzes this sensor data, and based on vibration patterns, the AI predicts the machine's behavior and recommends actions to maintain optimal performance. This approach is highly effective for predictive maintenance, promoting safer working environments, continuous operation, longer equipment lifespan, and less downtime. Additionally, AIoT enhances quality control on production lines.

For example, Sentinel, a monitoring system used in pharmaceutical production by IMA Pharma, employs AI to evaluate sensor data along the production line. The AI detects and improves underperforming components, ensuring efficient machine operation and maintaining high standards in drug manufacturing.

Logistics & supply chain

IoT devices - from fleet vehicles and autonomous warehouse robots to scanners and beacons - generate large amounts of data in this industry. When combined with AI, this data can be leveraged for tracking, analytics, predictive maintenance, autonomous driving, and more, offering greater visibility into logistics operations and enhancing vendor partnerships.

Example: Amazon employs over 750,000 autonomous mobile robots to assist warehouse staff with heavy lifting, delivery, and package handling tasks. Other examples include AI-powered IoT devices such as cameras, RFID sensors, and beacons that help monitor goods' movement and track products within warehouses and during transportation. AI algorithms can also estimate arrival times and forecast delays by analyzing traffic conditions.

Retail

IoT sensors monitor movement and customer flow within a building, while AI algorithms analyze this data to offer insights into traffic patterns and product preferences. This information enhances understanding of customer behavior, helps prevent stockouts, and improves customer analytics to drive sales. Furthermore, AIoT enables retailers to deliver personalized shopping experiences by leveraging geographical data and individual shopping preferences.

For instance, IoT sensors track movement and customer flow, and AI algorithms process this information to reveal insights into traffic patterns and product preferences. This ultimately leads to better customer understanding, stockout prevention, and enhanced sales analytics.

Agriculture

Recent research by Continental reveals that over 27% of surveyed farmers utilize drones for aerial land analysis. These devices capture images of crops as they are and transmit them to a dashboard for further assessment. However, AI can enhance this process even further.

For example, AIoT-powered drones can photograph crops at various growth stages, assess plant health, detect diseases, and recommend optimal harvesting strategies to maximize yield. Additionally, these drones can be employed for targeted crop treatments, irrigation monitoring and management, soil health analysis, and more.

Smart Cities

Smart cities represent another domain where AIoT applications can enhance citizens' well-being, facilitate urban infrastructure planning, and guide future city development. In addition to traffic management, IoT devices equipped with AI can monitor energy consumption patterns, forecast demand fluctuations, and dynamically optimize energy distribution. AI-powered surveillance cameras and sensors can identify suspicious activities, monitor crowd density, and alert authorities to potential security threats in real-time, improving public safety and security.

For example, an AIoT solution has been implemented in Barcelona to manage water and energy sustainably. The city has installed IoT sensors across its water supply system to gather water pressure, flow rate, and quality data. AI algorithms analyze this information to identify leaks and optimize water usage. Similarly, smart grids have been introduced to leverage AI to predict demand and distribute energy efficiently, minimizing waste and emissions. As a result, these initiatives have enabled the city to reduce water waste by 25%, increase renewable energy usage by 17%, and lower greenhouse gas emissions by 19%.

Healthcare

Integrating AI and IoT in healthcare enables hospitals to deliver remote patient care more efficiently while reducing the burden on facilities. Additionally, AI can be used in clinical trials to preprocess data collected from sensors across extensive target and control groups.

For example, intelligent wearable technologies enable doctors to monitor patients remotely. In real-time, sensors collect vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose levels. AI algorithms then analyze this data, assisting doctors in detecting issues early, developing personalized treatment plans, and enhancing patient outcomes.

Smart Homes

The smart home ecosystem encompasses smart thermostats, locks, security cameras, energy management systems, heating, lighting, and entertainment systems. AI algorithms analyze data from these devices to deliver context-specific recommendations tailored to each user. This enables homeowners to use utilities more efficiently, create a personalized living space, and achieve sustainability goals.

For example, LifeSmart offers a comprehensive suite of AI-powered IoT tools for smart homes, connecting new and existing intelligent appliances and allowing customers to manage them via their smartphones. Additionally, they provide an AI builder framework for deploying AI on smart devices, edge gateways, and the cloud, enabling AI algorithms to process data and user behavior autonomously.

Maintenance (Post-Release Support)

When your product is successfully launched and available on the market we provide ongoing support and maintenance services to ensure your product remains competitive and reliable. This includes prompt resolution of any reported issues through bug fixes and updates.

We continuously enhance product features based on user feedback and market insights, optimizing performance and user experience.

Our team monitors product performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and proactively addresses potential issues. This phase aims to sustain product competitiveness, ensure customer satisfaction, and support long-term success in the market.

Commercialization (From MVP to Product

Our software team focuses on completing the full product feature range, enhancing the user interface and experience, and handling all corner cases. We prepare product software across the whole lifecycle by providing all necessary procedures, such as manufacturing support and firmware upgrade.

We also finalize the product's hardware design to ensure robustness, scalability and cost-effectiveness.

This includes rigorous testing procedures to validate product performance, reliability, and security. We manage all necessary certifications and regulatory compliance requirements to ensure the product meets industry standards and legal obligations.

By the end of this phase, your product is fully prepared for mass production and commercial deployment, with all documentation and certifications in place.

Prototyping (From POC to MVP)

Our development team focuses on implementing core product features and use cases to create a functional Minimum Viable Product (MVP). We advance to refining the hardware design, moving from initial concepts to detailed PCB design allowing us to assemble first prototypes. Updated documentation from the Design phase ensures alignment with current project status. A basic test framework is established to conduct preliminary validation tests.

This prepares the product for real-world demonstrations to stakeholders, customers, and potential investors.

This phase is critical for validating market readiness and functionality before proceeding to full-scale production.

Design (From Idea to POC)

We meticulously select the optimal technology stack and hardware components based on your smart product idea with detailed use cases and feature requirements (Market Requirements Document / Business Requirements Document). Our team conducts thorough assessments of costs, performance metrics, power consumption, and resource requirements.

Deliverables include a comprehensive Product Requirements Document (PRD), detailed Software Architecture plans, an Initial Test Plan outlining validation strategies, Regulatory Compliance Analysis to ensure adherence to relevant standards, and a Proof of Concept (POC) prototype implemented on breakout boards.

This phase aims to validate the technical feasibility of your concept and establish a solid foundation for further development.

If you lack a validated idea and MRD/BRD, consider utilizing our IoT Strategic Roadmap service to gain insights into target markets, user needs, and desired functionality. Having a structured plan in the form of an IoT Strategic Roadmap before development begins is crucial to mitigate complications in subsequent product development phases.