CSR announces launch of second generation Bluetooth Smart platforms

The news follows an announcement from Google and Bluetooth Special Interest Group that Android will include native support for Bluetooth Smart Ready and Bluetooth Smart devices in the next version of its operating system, meaning 75% of smartphones will be able to integrate seamlessly with a plethora of Bluetooth Smart Ready devices.



“Google’s announcement marks a significant milestone in the roll-out of Bluetooth Smart technology and subsequently provides a huge opportunity for developers looking to create innovative low-energy wireless devices, and more functional mobile apps,” says Paul Williamson, Director of Low Power Wireless at CSR. “CSR is committed to helping developers capitalise on this opportunity and by providing flexible and powerful platforms, like the CSR1010 and CSR1011, we are allowing them to create devices which give consumers the seamless connectivity experience they desire.”



Bluetooth Smart enables low-power connectivity and basic data transfer for applications previously limited by the power consumption, size constraints and complexity of other wireless standards. CSR1010 and CSR1011 are based on CSR’s qualified Bluetooth Smart radio and offer a number of improvements on its first-generation platforms.



Increased memory for advanced and more flexible application space

Offering 128KByte of memory, the new platforms offer up to double the amount of memory on its previous version and six times the customer application space. This provides greater flexibility and an environment designed for more innovative and feature rich designs.



Simple optimised power consumption

The new CSR platforms make use of the µEnergy® hardware modem. The modem and the ultra-low power programmable IO controller can communicate with sensors and peripheral devices, without using the integrated microprocessor. This minimises power consumption and reduces data transfer latency. These features ensure that system level power consumption is minimised, giving optimised performance with minimum development effort.



Simplified design and low cost of ownership

CSR has made the design process simpler by incorporating a single 50 ohm output pin, removing the need for a Balun and reducing the BOM and print circuit board design complexity. In addition, the on-chip switch mode power supply can be directly operated from a range of battery sources, without the need for inefficient external regulators.



CSR is also offering a software development kit, example applications and hardware layout examples to provide a flexible rapid development environment for Bluetooth Smart solutions. The company has the lowest cost of ownership for a Bluetooth Smart SDK and tools (including compilers) at $499, in comparison to an average price of $2000 for a SDK license from other providers.



CSR also offers a ready to use set of reference designs for the CSR1010 and CSR1011 that are Bluetooth SIG certified and FCC and ETSI compliant.



Gaming accessories provider Mad Catz has already selected the CSR1011 platform for its C.T.R.L.R Wireless GamePad, R.A.T.M Wireless Mobile Gaming Mouse and M.O.U.S.9 Wireless Mouse and both platforms are now available to customers across the world.