ST rolls energy efficient Bluetooth 4.0 network processor

STMicroelectronics recently unveiled what it claims to be the industry's most energy-efficient Bluetooth 4.0 Low-Energy Single-Mode chip. ST claims that its latest device enables longer runtimes and smaller, lighter batteries in a wide range of wireless "appcessories" such as fitness wristbands, smart eyewear, or interactive clothes.

ST's BlueNRG network processor provides the functions needed to link the Bluetooth Smart device to a Bluetooth Smart Ready host such as a smartphone or a tablet. Best-in-class active current consumption enables ultra-low power devices to operate for months or even years from a small coin-cell battery. Compliant with the latest Bluetooth 4.0 standard, BlueNRG features its own radio, processor and Bluetooth firmware to simplify the wireless design allowing engineers to concentrate on creating innovative applications.

With peak current of only 8.2mA in transmit mode at 0dBm and 7.3mA in receiver mode, BlueNRG also has frugal power management and transitions rapidly between operating modes, minimising unproductive power. Moreover, BlueNRG gives designers flexibility to choose their preferred host microcontroller and comes complete with Bluetooth Low-Energy profiles to run in the external application processor. The on-chip non-volatile memory enables easy firmware upgrades in the field to maintain compliance with future releases of the Bluetooth specification.

More information regarding STMicroelectronic's BlueNRG network processor can be found here.