STMicroelectronics BlueNRG-LPS system-on-chip

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STMicroelectronics has introduced its third-generation Bluetooth system-on-chip (SoC), enhanced with Bluetooth direction-finding technology for location-tracking and real-time positioning applications.

By determining the direction of a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signal, the Bluetooth 5.3-certified BlueNRG-LPS SoC can 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. With this capability, the SoC enables a wide variety of applications that require indoor navigation, geofencing 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 (192 KB eFlash and 24 KB SRAM, respectively) sized for lightweight end products, the product is suitable for cost-sensitive and high-volume applications including general-purpose wireless sensors, medical appliances, keyless-entry systems, remote controls and smart remote metering. Also integrating a high-efficiency step-down converter and protection circuitry, the SoC is said to reduce the required bill of materials (BOM) and allows for a simpler two-layer PCB design.

The architecture supports the latest Bluetooth LE Power Control specification, which enables fine-tuning of RF output power in 1 dBm increments, and up to +8 dBm, to permit longer battery runtime. In addition, Bluetooth Path-Loss Monitoring enhances radio-link quality and prevents interference, enabling robust connections for smooth interaction between devices, even in crowded places, and fast response times. Support for Bluetooth 5.3 long range, 2 Mbps high-speed data rate, periodic advertising, simultaneous connection and multi-role specifications enable good user experiences with equipment powered by BlueNRG-LPS. There are also dedicated hardware functions and cryptographic IPs to support enhanced security.

For more information: www.st.com/BlueNRG-LPS.