BEACON EVO & DISK BEACON
The comparison
The comparison between beacon evo and disk beacon
The Beacon EVO enters the market as a true game changer in the world of IoT technology, as well as an evolution of the Disk Beacon, the foundational unit for all products in the Beacon Consumer family. Both offer advanced features, but they differ in several key aspects that make them more suitable for specific application needs.
Bluetooth and Transmission Range
One of the main differences between the two devices lies in Bluetooth technology and transmission range. Beacon EVO leverages Bluetooth 5.0, allowing it to reach a maximum transmission distance of 500 meters. This makes it an ideal choice for applications requiring wider coverage or higher communication speed.
System on Chip (SoC) and Performance
The technological core of these two beacons is represented by their System on Chip (SoC). The Beacon EVO is equipped with the Silicon Labs EFR32BG22, a chip known for energy efficiency and high performance. The Disk Beacon, on the other hand, uses the Nordic 52810. The difference in SoC technology results in better energy efficiency and faster transmission for the Beacon EVO, which can be crucial in some application contexts.
Sensors and Additional Features
The Beacon EVO features an advanced accelerometer capable of fall detection (man down), essential for safety applications in construction sites and industrial settings. It also supports an optional temperature and humidity sensor. Both models offer an additional feature that may be crucial for certain applications: NFC (Near Field Communication) integration. This functionality allows the beacons to be used for proximity applications, such as quick authentication or interactions with smartphones and other NFC-enabled devices.
Transmission Power and Adjustments
Another technical difference between the two devices is transmission power management. The Beacon EVO offers a wider adjustment range, with levels ranging from -26dBm to +6dBm, allowing for more precise control over transmitted energy and coverage distance. The Disk Beacon, on the other hand, has fixed settings at -23dBm, -6dBm, 0dBm, and +4dBm, still providing a good level of customization, though with less flexibility compared to the Beacon EVO.
Firmware and Updates
From a software perspective, both beacons offer update capabilities, but with different approaches. Beacon EVO supports Over-The-Air (OTA) updates, enabling the device to stay up-to-date without the need for physical intervention. Disk Beacon, however, provides various firmware options available upon request, offering greater customization during the initial configuration phase.
Design and Durability
From an aesthetic and structural standpoint, the two beacons are essentially identical. Both have a 31mm diameter and a 10mm thickness, with a polycarbonate IP65-certified enclosure, ensuring protection against dust and water splashes. This robustness makes them suitable for industrial environments or applications requiring resistance to harsh conditions. Both models also feature silicone casings, making them adaptable for different uses, including wristbands for wearability, keyfobs for mobile applications, wall-mounts for fixed installations on walls or shelves, and suction cups for easy placement on smooth surfaces.
Which One to Choose?
The choice between Beacon EVO and Disk Beacon depends on the specific needs of the user. As analyzed, Beacon EVO stands out for its greater range, energy efficiency, and transmission speed, thanks to the adoption of Bluetooth 5.0 and a more advanced SoC. This makes it ideal for long-range transmission applications, optimized energy consumption, advanced advertising customization, and integrated sensors.
The Disk Beacon, on the other hand, is suitable for applications that do not require advanced features and where a more cost-effective solution is preferred without sacrificing performance.
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