Integrating a complete Bluetooth PHY and 2.4GHz radio as well as a dedicated AES-128 security coprocessor, the BlueNRG-MS network processor utilises the ARM Cortex-M0 MCU to run the Bluetooth 4.1 protocol stack. The API, power management, and Flash are already integrated, allowing direct connection to the application host controller using a simple SPI bus leveraging clear software partitioning between network processor and host MCU.
The Bluetooth 4.1 specification further increases energy efficiency and supports dual-mode topologies containing devices operating as both master and slave. The Low-Duty-Cycle Directed Advertising minimises energy consumed when connecting to known devices. In addition, Bluetooth 4.1 introduces Logical Link Control and Adaptation Protocol (L2CAP), which enables flexible data exchanges leveraging multi-channel communications and quality of service.
Devices, such as a hub capable of collecting sensor data and subsequently acting as a peripheral to transfer the data to a smart phone, can be powered by the BlueNRG-MS. It can also allow very large sensor networks with unlimited communication range, controlled by a single smartphone. BlueNRG-MS supports the latest moves towards IP-based connectivity added to Bluetooth 4.1, which aims to enable developers to target future opportunities in the IoT.
BlueNRG-MS is available in a 5x5x1mm QFN32 package, priced from $1.50 for orders of 1,000 pieces. A 2.6×2.6×0.56mm CSP option will be available after April 2015.