Silicon Labs has introduced a fully integrated, pre-certified Bluetooth Smart module solution that gives developers the fastest way to low-power wireless connectivity to the IoT. The new BGM111 module is the first in a series of Silicon Labs' advanced Blue Gecko modules, providing first-class integration, flexibility, energy efficiency and toolchain support, and can be easily migrated to Blue Gecko system-on-chip (SoC) solutions. BGM111 Blue Gecko module simplifies Bluetooth smart design and speeds time to market for multiple applications, including smartphone accessories, beacons, connected home devices, health and fitness trackers, personal medical devices, automotive diagnostics, industrial sensors and point-of-sale terminals , The company said.
The BGM111 module is based on Silicon Labs' Blue Gecko wireless SoC and is pre-certified by providing a plug-and-play Bluetooth smart design that can be used in major markets, including North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, helping developers reduce development costs and regulatory compliance jobs. The BGM111 module is pre-loaded with a Bluegiga Bluetooth 4.1 compatible software stack and configuration files, and can be upgraded in the field using the device firmware to Bluetooth 4.2 and higher.
The BGM111 module extracts complexity from RF design, Bluetooth Smart protocol and embedded programming. Silicon Labs' Blue Gecko product portfolio gives developers the flexibility to start using the BGM111 module for Bluetooth development and then transition to the Blue Gecko SoC when needed without the need for minimal system redesign and full software reuse . Customers who want the opportunity to optimize the bill of materials (BOM) and reduce R & D costs can start designing with this module to speed time to market and reduce design work before moving to a design based on the Silicon Labs Blue Gecko SoC with a seamless software experience .
The BGM111 module is supported by the most efficient development environment in the Bluetooth market. Silicon Labs' Wireless SDK provides developers with the flexibility to use the host or operate completely independently through the easy-to-use Bluegiga BGScript ™ scripting language. Using familiar BASIC-like syntax, BGScript enables developers to quickly create Bluetooth applications without using an external MCU to run application logic. All application code can be executed on the BGM111 module, eliminating the need for an external MCU, which helps reduce costs and board space, and speeds time to market. Bluetooth Smart application configuration files and examples can also be used to simplify development.
The BGM111 module integrates all the functions of the Blue Gecko SoC and is equipped with 256 kB flash memory and 32 kB RAM, which provides ample memory for on-board applications. The SoC's built-in hardware crypto accelerator provides a future-proof roadmap for evolving security requirements. Flexible hardware interfaces allow easy connection to a variety of peripherals and sensors. Integrated high-efficiency antennas make RF design and operation consistent and straightforward for developers of all skill levels.
The ultra-low-power operation of the BGM111 module enables the Bluetooth Smart system to be powered by a standard 3 V coin-cell battery or two AAA batteries. The SoC's integrated MCU based on the ARM Cortex-M4 processor consumes 59 µA / MHz in run mode and consumes only 1.7 µA (down to 200 nA) in sleep mode. The SoC's on-chip Bluetooth smart transceiver consumes only 7.5 mA in peak receive mode and only 8.2 mA @ 0dBm in peak transmit mode. The transceiver also provides the industry's most flexible transmit power, configurable up to +8 dBm, and supports an excellent line-of-sight RF range up to 200 meters.
"Our pre-certified BGM111 module provides the fastest wireless entrance to the IoT, enabling developers to quickly bring their Bluetooth Smart products to the market, while preserving the investment in tools and software when migrating from modules to SoCs for mass production, Riku Mettälä, General Manager of Silicon Labs Wireless Module Products. "Our fully integrated module design, a first-class scripting language and software stack, and an experienced support team enable our customers to develop their own Bluetooth Smart applications with minimal R & D investment, saving months of engineering design and testing jobs."
