Bluetooth soC pinpoints movement and location
Enhanced positioning capabilities in the BlueNRG-LPS SoC, claimed STMicroelectronics. This third-generation Bluetooth SoC has Bluetooth direction finding technology for location-tracking and real-time positioning applications.
By determining the direction of a Bluetooth Low Energy signal, the Bluetooth 5.3 certified BlueNRG-LPS SoC can precisely estimate movement and location with centimetre accuracy. It uses Bluetooth-specified technology including both angle-of-arrival (AoA) and angle-of-departure (AoD), as computed from signals captured by an antenna array. The SoC now enables a wide variety of applications that require indoor navigation, geo-fencing, and asset tracking, as well as real-time location finding for tools, assets, and goods.
With its streamlined architecture and I/O peripherals, and program and data memories (192kbyte eFlash and 24kbyte SRAM, respectively) sized for lightweight end products, the BlueNRG-LPS is intended for cost-sensitive and high volume applications, such as general purpose wireless sensors, medical appliances, keyless -entry systems, remote controls, and smart remote metering. The integrated high efficiency step-down converter and protection circuitry, also contribute to simplifying the SoC and reducing the required bill of materials (BoM) and allows for a much cheaper two-layer PCB design, said ST.
The architecture supports the latest Bluetooth LE Power Control specification, which enables fine-tuning of RF output power in 1dBm increments, and up to +8dBm, to permit longer battery runtime. Bluetooth Path-Loss Monitoring enhances radio link quality and prevents interference, ensuring robust connections for improved interaction between devices, even in crowded places, and faster response times. Support for Bluetooth 5.3 long range, 2Mbits per second high speed data rate, periodic advertising, simultaneous connection and multi-role specifications also ensure superior user experiences with equipment powered by BlueNRG-LPS. There are also dedicated hardware functions and cryptographic IPs to support enhanced security.
The STEVAL-IDB012V1 tool is available to support evaluation and development for the BlueNRG-LPS.
The BlueNRG-LPS SoC is in production now and available in a 5.0 x 5.0mm 32-pin QFN32 package.
