STMicroelectronics BlueNRG-Tile social distancing reference design

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STMicroelectronics has announced a compact reference design that is suitable for monitoring social distancing, assuring remote operation and provisioning, as well as warning, anti-tampering and potentially providing contact tracing to protect human health in all environments, including in response to global or local pandemic conditions.

Leveraging Bluetooth Low Energy technology through its incorporation of ST’s ultralow-power BlueNRG-2 system-on-chip with tunable RF output power, the BlueNRG-Tile reference design measures the signal strength of nearby Bluetooth non-connecting beacons and, in real time, calculates proximity to these sources. The circuit can be provisioned and then operate, issuing warnings when another beacon intrudes on an adjustable perimeter or when tampered with — even when not connected to a smartphone or 5G network.

The base reference design can be supplemented with ST’s S2-LP sub-GHz ultralow-power RF transceiver to add bidirectional tag-to-cloud communication through the Sigfox 0G Global Network, allowing private and anonymous tag provisioning, notifications and an advisory return-channel for emergency warnings. To assure power economy and extend battery lifetime, the ultralow power components are further enhanced with a MEMS accelerometer that power cycles the unit when it isn’t moving. Optionally, internal or external memory could provide long-term storage of nearby beacons, allowing contact tracing.

The reference design has value in any environment where people need to work safely. It can be used as is or enhanced for a wide range of applications, including as bracelets and bands or as plug-ins or add-ons to eyeglasses, helmets, and masks and shields.

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