Bluetooth Smart ICs with class-leading low current performance
Three new ICs that support Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) version 4.1 communications[1] are now available from Toshiba Electronics Europe. The TC35678FSG, TC35678FXG and TC35679FSG achieve low current consumption and can be used in Bluetooth Smart devices. These include wearable technology, medical equipment, smartphone accessories, remote controls and a variety of emerging IoT solutions.
Adoption of a highly efficient DC-DC converter and a low-power circuit design permit a current reduction of nearly 46% when compared with previous products, such as the TC35667FTG. At a 3V voltage supply, the ICs achieve peak current consumption of 3.6mA, in transmitting mode and 3.3 mA in receiver mode. In deep sleep mode, this is reduced to 100nA.
Both the TC35678FXG and TC35678FSG incorporate 256 KB of built-in Flash ROM to store user programs and data in standalone operations without a need for an external host MCU. Dedicated memory capacity for user programs is now extended from 64 KB in previous products to 100KB in both ICs, contributing to greater expansion options for application programs. This built-in Flash ROM eliminates any need for external EEPROM and contributes to reductions in cost and mounting-area, by reducing the number of external parts.
The TC35678FXG is a repackaged version of the TC35678FSG, in a QFN60 package that extends the number of general purpose IO from 16 to 32. It is suitable for use in equipment such as keyboards and remote controls that require a large number of control pins.
In comparison, the TC35679FSG has no built-in Flash ROM and can consequently achieve even lower current operation. It achieves long operating times for applications powered by small coin batteries. For example, using a CR2032 type coin battery, the new IC can carry out beacon operation for over a year, says the company...
