ON Semiconductor introduces compact, Sigfox-verified RF SiP
ON Semiconductor introduces compact, Sigfox-verified RF SiP
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IoT
Bluetooth low energy module streamline development of connected smart objects
To help engineers and design teams streamline prototyping and development of connected smart objects, STMicroelectronics has created the SPBTLE-1S. It is a ready-to-use Bluetooth low energy module that integrates all the components needed to complete the radio subsystem, says STMicroelectronics. The SPBTLE-1S module integrates ST’s BlueNRG-1 application processor system on chip (SoC) and balun, high-frequency oscillators, and a chip antenna.
Developers can use this module to bypass hardware design and RF-circuit layout challenges, claims ST. The SPBTLE-1S is BQE-approved. Bluetooth Qualification Expert is a member of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) qualified to verify product compliance and provide compliance-related services. It is also FCC, IC, and CE-RED (Radio Equipment Directive) -certified to simplify end-product approval for North America and EU markets.
ST’s Bluetooth 4.2 certified Bluetooth low energy protocol stack is included, and the supporting software development kit (SDK) contains a range of Bluetooth profiles and sample application code.
The module has a space-efficient 11.5 x 13.5mm outline. The supply voltage range is 1.7 to 3.6V, making the SPBTLE-1S module suitable for small, battery-operated objects powered by a primary button cell or rechargeable Li-ion battery, for example. High RF output power of +5dBm and good receiver sensitivity help to maximise communication range and reliability, adds ST.
The BlueNRG-1 SoC at the heart of the SPBTLE-1S implements the complete Bluetooth low energy physical layer (PHY), link layer, and network/application processing engine comprising a low power ARM Cortex-M0 core with 160kbyte flash, 24kbyte RAM with data retention, and a security co-processor.
The SoC also implements smart power management, with a DC/DC converter capable of powering the SPBTLE-1S module to ensure optimum energy efficiency. Users can leverage an extensive set of interfaces, including a UART, two I²C ports, SPI port, single-wire debug, and 14 GPIOs, as well as peripherals including two multifunction timers, a 10-bit ADC, watchdog timer and real-time clock, a DMA controller, and a PDM stream processor interface, which can be used for developing voice-controlled applications.
The SPBTLE-1S module is in production and available now.
Evaluation kits containing the SPBTLE-1S are also available. The STEVAL-IDB007V1M combines the module with MEMS pressure and temperature sensors, LEDs, push-buttons, and programming interface to run the provided demonstration software out-of-the-box. An Arduino-compatible connector is also featured on-board, which allows development of more complex applications by adding extra expansion boards. This evaluation board is firmware-, software- and hardware-compatible with the existing STEVAL-IDB007V1 platform based on the BlueNRG-1 SoC.
The STEVAL-BLUEMIC-1 small form factor evaluation board features a MEMS microphone and an inertial module containing a MEMS 3D accelerometer and gyroscope.
RF front-end from Skyworks supports ZigBee, Thread, and Bluetooth protocols
Skyworks has introduced the SKY66403-11, a 2.4GHz integrated RF front-end module (FEM) designed to support ZigBee, Thread and next-generation Bluetooth wireless protocols (including Bluetooth low energy).
The SKY66403-11 is designed for ease of use and maximum flexibility for internet of things (IoT) applications, says Skyworks, particularly within the connected home, wearable devices and products and the machine to machine (M2M) markets. It is also suitable for coin cell battery devices, security and environmental sensors, wireless audio platforms, in-home appliances, smart thermostats and lighting systems.
The front-end module features an integrated power amplifier with up to +21dBm output power and operates over a wide supply voltage range, from 1.8 to 3.6V. It also includes low noise amplifier (LNA) and antenna diversity switching for all modes. It is supplied by Skyworks in a compact, multichip module 22-pin package, that measures 3.5 x 3.0 x 1.0mm.
The SKY66403-11 extends range up to four times when compared to standalone system on chip (SoC) solutions, according to Skyworks.
Skyworks Solutions provides analogue semiconductors for use within the automotive, broadband, cellular infrastructure, connected home, industrial, medical, military, smartphone, tablet and wearable markets. Skyworks has engineering, marketing, operations, sales and support facilities located throughout Asia, Europe and North America.
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http://www.skyworksinc.com
LTE-connected luminaires create narrowband IoT-based smart street lighting
LTE connected luminaires bring smart control to new and existing street lighting systems, says u-blox, citing the Flashnet lighting control system. The Swiss u-blox and Romanian Flashnet announced the SARA-N2 series of narrowband, internet of things (NB-IoT) LTE Cat NB1 modules that enable inteliLight, the world’s first NB-IoT connected smart street lighting control system claims Flashnet.
A pilot project is deployed on the OTE (Telekom) network in Patras, Greece.
There are hundreds of inteliLight projects deployed worldwide, continues Flashnet. The smart street lighting remote management uses a range of communication protocols. It ensures that the right amount of light is provided where and when needed, to improve resources management and sustainability.
Flashnet partnered with u‑blox on the development of its FRE‑220‑NB range of NB‑IoT-compatible luminaire controllers.
The family of controllers can be embedded into most luminaire designs and enable the individual remote control (on/off, dimming) of LED street lights with electronic ballasts up to 400W. The smart control extends to monitoring a range of electrical parameters, the ability for over the air (OTA) updates and support for autonomous operation.
The NB‑IoT protocol targets IoT applications that have low bandwidth requirements, making it suitable, says u-blox, for smart lighting. As part of the LTE family of standards, NB‑IoT can be supported within existing LTE infrastructure, offering carrier-grade reliability, security, reach and stability. u‑blox’s SARA‑N2 series was the world’s first NB‑IoT module, it combines low power consumption with an extended temperature range in a small land grid array (LGA) form factor.
Lorand Mozes, CEO at Flashnet says: “We believe the industry is ready to adopt NB‑IoT and, thanks to our work with u-blox, we are the first supplier able to offer a robust and fully featured product line-up. By selecting the SARA‑N2 modules from u‑blox we have been able to bring our FRE‑220NB range of NB‑IoT connected luminaires to market in a very short period of time”.
u‑blox produces wireless and positioning modules and chips for the automotive, industrial and consumer markets. They are used in vehicles and machines to locate the exact position and allow people and equipment to communicate wirelessly over cellular and short range networks. The company’s headquarters are in Thalwil, Switzerland, and the company has offices in Europe, Asia, and the USA.
http://www.u-blox.com
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