Best BLE Chip for Maximum Transmission Power and Long-Range iBeacon Applications

I'm a fresh out of school computer engineering major, I didn't learn a lot about RF but my first DIY project demands it!


For my project, I'm looking for a chip that can act as an iBeacon from very far away, so data throughput is not a concern - I just need the bluetooth sensor in my receiver(Iphone/Android phone) to pick up my transmission. It is a purely proximity based application.


I've read that Class 1 bluetooth v5 chips can transmit up to "[up to four times the range of Bluetooth 4.2 LE, for a maximum of around 800 feet][1]" while still being able to achieve decent throughput.
I found a [chip, nRF52840, from Nordic Semiconductors][2] that is bluetooth v5 and should be able to reach around 800ft. It can Tx at 8dbm. 
According to another answer, [the FCC limit for Class 1 devices is 20dbm][3], so there should be something on the market that can go even further. I found some [pre-built modules][4] and [one with an antenna that can reach 4000m][5] all based on this [Feasycomm chip that can transmit at +18.5 dbm][6].
It seems far too good to be true though.. that this chip could work. Why wouldn't any other companies make a chip like this? And all the reviews on Amazon are very sketchy. The Qualcomm chip is uses [(CSR8811A12) says it only transmits at 9dbm "typically"][7]. Furthermore, I can't even find an SDK so I have no idea how I would load code onto it. There has to be a more reputable company that sells a higher Tx ble 5 solution.
Thank you all for your help! 
 
  [1]: https://www.macworld.com/article/3262664/hard...etooth-5-faq-everything-you-need-to-know.html
  [2]: https://os.mbed.com/platforms/Nordic-nRF52840-DK/
  [3]: https://electronics.stackexchange.com/questio...4/how-can-i-extend-bluetooth-range-at-maximum
  [4]: https://www.amazon.com/Feasycom-programmable-bluetooth-eddystone-technology/dp/B078N2B7RD
  [5]: https://www.amazon.com/Feasycom-eddystone-ibeacon-Android-Bluetooth/dp/B073RFLJWS
  [6]: http://www.feasycom.net/bluetooth-module/blue...le/greater-than-1000m-long-range-class-1.html
  [7]: https://datasheet.octopart.com/CSR8811A12-ICXR-R-Qualcomm-datasheet-49674442.pdf

Hi Ryan, Good on you for getting your degree. Now the real learning begins as you've noticed. DIY projects are the perfect way to learn new things.
I don't have much experience with Bluetooth (and none with ble 5) so I can't give you any specific help on what chip to use but there has been a recent series of columns on wireless technology here on EEWeb. The focus is on WiFi but Bluetooth operates in the same frequency band so the signal behavior will be similar.
https://www.eeweb.com/profile/jstewart-ruckus...logy-fundamentals-signal-carriers-multipathIf you didn't have the requirement of receiving this signal on your phone,I'd recommend that you use something that operates in a lower frequency band (say about 900 MHz) with better propagation. But then you'd need something to translate that into bluetooth to get it into your phone.Elizabeth

Ryan, I second Elizabeth's congrats to you. The main reasons MOST BT chips run at much lower power levels are 1) security (BT is intended for "personal" applications, originally under 10 meters range or so; with minimal real security built in to BT coding, keeping range DOWN helps), and 2) 20 dBM is 100 milliwatts, so at the typical 30-50% efficiency, the BT circuits will suck about 1/4 watt + (from the battery, typically) as long as BT is turned on.  These are "real world" considerations, that, as you gain experience in real-world designs, you will come to understand and appreciate!  
Mark Rackin

One more point: Amazon is a wonderful site, but the LAST place I would ever look for reliable accurate technical information.  Stick with engineering-centric sites (like EEWeb!)  Also, while the Part 15 FCC regulations do exempt 100 mW and lower devices from type registration, the various industry standards (like Bluetooth) set other, often lower, limits on power/range based on other requirements.

BLE is a wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances. Like all communication technologies, BLE is a better fit for some applications than others. Bluetooth is especially intended for the communications between devices, such as mobile telephones, computers and peripheral equipment. Bluetooth eliminates the need for wires.

Mark, those two concerns don't necessarily apply to my application. The BLE is acting as a beacon, so it is solely advertising its existence/location. In this case scenario, the BLE can be plugged in if necessary.
I'm sure there are other radio technologies that will work far more effectively, but an iPhone or Android wont be able to hear them.

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HiI have never used BlueTooth. You mention the nRF52840 module. Could you not use that as there is quite a bit of support available for programming etc?
Regards