connectivity-ble
npx machina-cli add skill beriberikix/zephyr-agent-skills/connectivity-ble --openclawZephyr Connectivity: BLE
Implement robust, low-power Bluetooth Low Energy applications using Zephyr's industry-standard BLE stack.
Core Workflows
1. BLE Fundamentals
Set up advertising, define GATT services, and manage connections.
- Reference: ble_fundamentals.md
- Key Tools:
BT_GATT_SERVICE_DEFINE,bt_le_adv_start,BT_CONN_CB_DEFINE.
2. Send-When-Idle Pattern
Optimize radio usage by bundling data and transmitting only during idle periods.
- Reference: send_when_idle.md
- Key Tools:
k_work_delayable, Workqueues, SMF integration.
3. Power Optimization
Fine-tune intervals and connection parameters for maximum battery life.
- Reference: power_optimization.md
- Key Tools:
bt_le_conn_param, Advertising intervals, PHY selection.
Quick Start (Advertising)
CONFIG_BT=y
CONFIG_BT_PERIPHERAL=y
#include <zephyr/bluetooth/bluetooth.h>
void start_simple_adv(void) {
bt_enable(NULL);
bt_le_adv_start(BT_LE_ADV_CONN_NAME, NULL, 0, NULL, 0);
}
Professional Patterns (Wireless Design)
- Aggressive Latency: Increase peripheral latency to allow the radio to stay off longer during quiet periods.
- Decoupled Messaging: Use Zbus to feed data into the BLE module, keeping the radio logic separate from the application logic.
- Idle Bundling: Use the "Send-When-Idle" pattern specifically to reduce the number of wake-ups for the radio controller.
Resources
- References:
ble_fundamentals.md: GATT, GAP, and connection basics.send_when_idle.md: Implementing the idle-bundle pattern.power_optimization.md: Parameter tuning and power-saving Kconfigs.
Source
git clone https://github.com/beriberikix/zephyr-agent-skills/blob/main/skills/connectivity-ble/SKILL.mdView on GitHub Overview
Enable robust, low-power BLE apps on Zephyr’s BLE stack. This skill covers GATT services and characteristics, GAP advertising, connection parameters, power optimization, and the Send-When-Idle design pattern to minimize radio activity.
How This Skill Works
Leverage Zephyr’s BLE APIs to define GATT services (BT_GATT_SERVICE_DEFINE), start advertising (bt_le_adv_start), and manage connections (BT_CONN_CB_DEFINE). Optimize radio usage by tuning connection parameters, advertising intervals, and PHY settings, and implement the Send-When-Idle pattern with k_work_delayable, workqueues, and SMF integration for idle bundling.
When to Use It
- When adding BLE connectivity to a Zephyr-based device
- When battery life is a top priority for wireless devices
- When implementing custom GATT profiles beyond standard services
- When you want to reduce radio wakeups with idle bundling
- When decoupling application logic from BLE radio using Zbus
Quick Start
- Step 1: Enable BLE in Kconfig: CONFIG_BT=y and CONFIG_BT_PERIPHERAL=y
- Step 2: Initialize BLE and start advertising using bt_enable(NULL); bt_le_adv_start(BT_LE_ADV_CONN_NAME, NULL, 0, NULL, 0);
- Step 3: Implement GATT services, configure power-optimization params, and test idle-bundling patterns
Best Practices
- Use BT_GATT_SERVICE_DEFINE to declare GATT services and characteristics
- Apply the Send-When-Idle pattern to bundle data and reduce wake-ups
- Tune bt_le_conn_param, advertising intervals, and PHY for best power vs. performance
- Choose appropriate PHY and monitor current consumption under real conditions
- Keep radio logic separate from app logic with decoupled messaging (e.g., Zbus)
Example Use Cases
- Wearable device implementing custom GATT services for health data
- Environmental sensor node using idle bundling to extend battery life
- Smart home button with efficient peripheral advertising and low latency
- Industrial BLE node with optimized connection parameters for long duty cycles
- BLE gateway that feeds data to the radio module via Zbus
