[June 18, 2013] Broadcom unveils new Bluetooth Smart SoC Tweet Jun 18, 2013 (Datamonitor via COMTEX) -- Broadcom Corporation, a provider of semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications, has unveiled the BCM20732, a new Bluetooth Smart system-on-a-chip, or SoC, to propel a range of low-cost, low-power peripherals to work with Android-based smartphones and tablets. The company also announced the contribution of its Bluetooth software stack, including classic Bluetooth and Bluetooth Smart (formerly Bluetooth Low Energy) technology, to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). The new Broadcom chip and contribution of its software will help drive proliferation of Bluetooth technology in the 'Internet of Things' ecosystem. Broadcom's new BCM20732 Bluetooth Smart SoC allows original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to connect peripheral devices like heart rate monitors, pedometers, door locks, lighting, proximity alarms and more. Designed for simple integration into coin cell batteries, the ARM Cortex M3-based BCM20732 will inspire a new range of connectivity for previously unconnected devices, the company said. The introduction of Broadcom's Bluetooth Smart software expands opportunities for OEMs in the explosive 'Internet of Things' market, particularly with in health, fitness, personal security and home automation markets. Broadcom's stack includes built-in application programming interface calls (APIs) to enable instant control of peripheral devices directly from Android-based smartphones and tablets, as well as application development kit (ADK) peripheral support to help OEMs develop products with the latest profiles and customized applications for enhanced consumer experiences, the company added. Features of Broadcom BCM20732 include: Bluetooth Smart compliant single mode low energy solution; integrated ARM CM3 microcontroller unit (MCU), radio frequency (RF) and Embedded Bluetooth Smart Stack all on a single chip; full software support, including GATT, profiles, stack, APIs and application software development kit (SDK); power optimized for single mode coin cell operation and from 1.2V supply; on-chip support for 2 serial peripheral interfaces (SPIs); and on-board 12-bit analog to digital converter (ADC); on-board wakeup timer. Brian Bedrosian, Broadcom's senior director, embedded wireless, Wireless Connectivity Combo Group, said: "The integration of Bluetooth Smart into the Android community is a huge step forward for the 'Internet of Things.' Broadcom is committed to driving new standards of connectivity for OEMs by providing both software and hardware for simplified development of high-performance products. Adding direct support for Bluetooth Smart directly into the most widely used mobile OS will greatly expand the opportunities for users to easily monitor and control aspects of their health, fitness, and security for smartphones and tablets." http://www.datamonitor.com Republication or redistribution, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without prior written consent. Datamonitor shall not be liable for errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]