Bluetooth Antenna Showdown! Chip vs. PCB vs. u.FL: Which MN54L Module Reigns Supreme in Transmit Distance?

Arad Connectivity MN54L (Nordic nRF54L15 module) Bluetooth Module open field range test

[TAIWAN, 06th Aug. 2025]

1. Test Objectives

• Verify the effective communication range of the MN54L BLE module (Nordic nRF54L15 module) in open field conditions.
• Compare communication performance among different antenna types (CHIP / PCB / u.FL).

2. Test Environment

  Outdoor Environment:

• Open and unobstructed area (Line-of-sight)

3. Equipment Required

• BLE Signal Transmitting Device (Emitting Board)
• Test Modules: MN54L-C15, MN54L-P15, MN54L-U15
• BLE Signal Receiving Device
• Test Device: iPhone 7
• Testing Software: LightBlue®

• Distance Measurement & Logging Tools: Google Maps, smartphone GPS positioning

4. Test Parameters

5. Test Procedure

1. Establish a stable BLE connection between the iPhone 7 and the transmitting module, and confirm packet reception. (Confirm data linked.)
2. Record transmission success rate at the starting point.
3. Stay at each distance point for at least 10 seconds and log connection quality.
4. Test the impact of different transmission angles on range performance.
5. Conduct at least three test runs to verify consistency.
6. Record the disconnection distance and the surrounding environmental conditions when the connection drops.

6. Test Records / Results

• Maximum distance comparison under different transmission angles
• Performance comparison table for each antenna type
• Device version and firmware information used in testing
• Anomaly logs (e.g., packet loss incidents)

**************************************Antenna Axis Defined**************************************

*****************************************************************************************************

BN54L Series

Chip ANT (MN54L-C15)

Z, -Z: 526, 461 meters

Y, -Y: 540, 549 meters

X, -X: 553, 550 meters

PCB ANT(MN54L-P15)

Z, -Z: 341, 329 meters

Y, -Y: 577, 580 meters

X, -X: 480, 516 meters

u.FL ANT / PULSE, YAGEO (MN52H-U40)

(ANTX100ETHAB24553)

Z: 304 meters

Y: 660 meters

90°Y: 643 meters

(ANTX100P011B24003)

Z: 587 meters 

Y: 640 meters 

90°Y: 650 meters

(ANTX100P111B24003)

Z: 636 meters

Y: 670 meters

90°Y: 623 meters