Silicon Labs simplifies Bluetooth Smart design with fully integrated Blue Gecko modules

     Silicon Labs, a leading provider of wireless connectivity solutions for the Internet of Things (IoT), announced the launch of a fully integrated, pre-certified Bluetooth Smart module solution that provides developers with the easiest way to implement low-power wireless connectivity for IoT. The new BGM111 module is the first in Silicon Labs' advanced Blue Gecko module family, offering optimal integration, flexibility, energy efficiency, tool chain support and easy transition to Blue Gecko system-on-chip (SoC) solutions. The BGM111 Blue Gecko module simplifies Bluetooth Smart design and significantly reduces time to market for various applications. These applications include smartphone accessories, beacons, connected home devices, health and fitness trackers, personal medical devices, auto repair, industrial sensors, and point-of-sale terminals.

     Based on Silicon Labs' Blue Gecko Wireless SoC, the BGM111 module helps developers reduce development costs and ensure compatibility by providing a pre-certified plug and play Bluetooth Smart design in key market regions including North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. The BGM111 module comes pre-loaded with Bluegiga Bluetooth 4.1-compatible software stacks and profiles, and can be upgraded to Bluetooth 4.2 and higher via chip firmware.

     The BGM111 module simplifies the complexity of RF design, Bluetooth Smart protocol, and embedded programming. Silicon Labs' Blue Gecko family of products provides developers with the design flexibility to start Bluetooth development with the BGM111 module and then transition to the Blue Gecko SoC with minimal system redesign and fully compatible software when needed. Customers who need to optimize their bill of Materials (BOM) and reduce research and development costs can start with modules to help speed to market and minimize design, and then seamlessly transition from previous software experience to a design based on Silicon Labs Blue Gecko SoC.

     The BGM111 module has the most efficient development environment in the Bluetooth market. Silicon Labs' wireless SDK gives developers the flexibility to use the easy-to-use Bluegiga BGScript™ scripting language to choose between external host control or a fully stand-alone mode of operation. By using a BASic-like syntax, BGScript enables developers to quickly develop Bluetooth applications without having to use an external MCU to implement the application logic. All application code can be run on the BGM111 module without the need for an external MCU, which helps reduce cost, board space, and time to market, and various Bluetooth Smart application profiles and examples are easier to develop.

     With all the features of a Blue Gecko SoC, the BGM111 module comes with 256kB of flash memory and 32kB of RAM, providing plenty of storage space for board-level applications. Hardware crypto accelerators built into SOCs also provide predictability to meet the evolving security needs of the future. The flexible hardware interface enables easy connection to various peripheral devices and sensors. In addition, the integrated, efficient antenna ensures consistent RF design operation for developers of all levels.

     The ultra-low power operation of the BGM111 module enables the Bluetooth Smart system to be powered by a standard single 3V button battery or two AAA batteries. SoC integrated ARM Cortex-M4 processor-based MCUS consume 59µA/MHz in run mode, compared to 1.7µA and as low as 200nA in sleep mode. The SoC's on-chip Bluetooth Smart transceiver consumes only 7.5mA of current in peak receive mode and 8.2mA of current at 0dBm in peak transmit mode. The transceiver also offers the industry's most flexible transmit power, configurable up to +8dBm, and excellent line-of-sight RF transmission up to 200 meters.

     Riku Mettala, general manager of wireless module products at Silicon Labs, said: "Our pre-certified BGM111 module provides the fastest path to wireless solution implementation for IoT, enabling developers to bring their Bluetooth Smart products to market quickly and save money on tools and software as they transition from modules to SoC mass production." "Our fully integrated modular design, best-in-class scripting language, software stack, and robust technical support team enable our customers to develop their Bluetooth Smart applications with minimal R&D costs, saving them months of development and testing."