Slimline application processor suits wearables
With the launch of the TZ1021MBG application processor, Toshiba has expanded its ApPLite family. Applications for the device include activity monitors, smart watches, smart-wristbands and smart-glasses, as well as other wearable products.
Recently, interest in wearable devices has exploded for numerous applications. Wearables can be used to monitor activity levels, help prevent lifestyle diseases, promote exercise and improve nutrition.
Toshiba’s application processors integrate high-resolution analogue to digital converters and are suitable for measuring weak biomedical signals such as pulse wave and ECG. The processor, featuring an original low power consumption design, allows use in wearable devices where battery life is key.
The TZ1021MBG, featuring an embedded ARM Cortex-M4F processor and floating point processing unit, enables the combination of data from internal and external sensors to improve accuracy in a process which is known as sensor fusion.
The device is smaller than its predecessor, measuring just 6.70x4.00x1.00mm, achieved by the inclusion of just the application processor and 8Mb memory in the IC.
Toshiba is further enhancing the TZ1000 series with the development of the TZ1031MBG, which adds a gyroscope to the IC. The TZ1011MBG will integrate both a gyroscope and a magnetometer to the TZ1001MBG. All members of the TZ1000 series support USB, SPI, I2C and UART I/O interfaces.
TZ1021MBG will be available in sample quantities this month, with mass production scheduled to begin in March 2015.