BT and WiFi Dual Core simultaneous operation using ESP32?

[kowshik1729]

Hey guys,

I recently learned that ESP32 has Tensilica dual-core processor. So I'm just wondering whether I can run Bluetooth on one core and WiFi on other core. Is this possible?

[salmanfaris]

Hi @kowshik1729, That was an interesting question. it can be done, but since the wifi and Bluetooth shares one radio and only one antenna, switching back and forth between wifi and Bluetooth same time while receiving packets will be difficult and cause some packet loss, but it can be done.

But instead of doing that, you can schedule two task's and switch between the task will only occupy wifi or Bluetooth. (Just a suggestion)

There is a special option called “Software controls WiFi/ Bluetooth coexistence” it can control the ESP32's Bluetooth and Wi-Fi coexistence using software, more details: https://www.espressif.com/sites/default/files/documentation/ESP32_FAQs__EN.pdf

Source: https://www.espressif.com/sites/default/files/documentation/ESP32_FAQs__EN.pdf

[kowshik1729]

@salmanfaris Thanks for the detailed explanation. I would like to add that, while the ESP32 switches from BLE to Wi-Fi so fast, the power consumed will also be very high, and also there is a high risk of having losing data. Hence one has to use an RF High-speed switch like this https://www.digikey.in/short/zf3dzc and have two antennas to switch between the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. This is the best solution I've got, let me know if you find any.

[salmanfaris]

@kowshik1729 If you are using an external high-speed switch, there is only one one clock generator for both wifi and BLE and the high-speed switch you mentioned is Ultra-Wideband (UWB) 3–8 GHz from its datasheet

you also check this solution that I shared in the previous post.

@salmanfaris said in BT and WiFi Dual Core simultaneous operation using ESP32?:

There is a special option called “Software controls WiFi/ Bluetooth coexistence” it can control the ESP32's Bluetooth and Wi-Fi coexistence using software, more details: https://www.espressif.com/sites/default/files/documentation/ESP32_FAQs__EN.pdf