Two kinds of communication functions combined for wearable low-power health-tracking devices

SAN JOSE, Calif., Dec. 2, 2014 — (PRNewswire) —   Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. ( TAEC)*, a committed leader that collaborates with technology companies to create breakthrough designs, today launched a low power consumption, dual-function IC that supports both Bluetooth^® Low Energy (LE)¹ and NFC Type 3 Tag functions². The TC35670FTG has been designed for use in Bluetooth Smart³ devices such as sensors, toys and, most notably, touch-and-start smartphone accessories and wearable healthcare devices.

The new IC joins Toshiba's line-up of Bluetooth LE ICs, and offers two key features: easy operation of Bluetooth pairing with NFC Tag function; low power consumption stand-by status to increase battery lifetimes for devices powered by small coin-cell batteries. The device achieves peak power consumption of 5.9 milliamperes for Bluetooth communication (@3.3V, -4dBm transmitter output power or receiver operation) and just 600 microamperes or lower for NFC Tag communication (@3.3V). It also achieves power consumption of just 0.1 microamperes or lower in deep sleep⁴ (@3.3V).

Deepak Mithani, director, Mixed-Signal Business Unit, System LSI Group at TAEC, noted, "Previously, component specifiers had to integrate Bluetooth and NFC Tag ICs when designing a system supporting both communication functions.  In comparison, Toshiba's approach offers a design that will help to minimize the part counts, reduce the assembly area by about 30 percent and shorten system development timelines."

The NFC Tag function can enable easy pairing of Bluetooth LE devices, as well as provide a convenient on/off switch function, which reduces stand-by power drain and contributes to longer battery life. In addition, both the Blueto oth LE and NFC Tag functions can be put in stand-by mode, and the connection from the first function accessed can be prioritized.

The Bluetooth component has a receiver sensitivity of -92.5dBm and transmitter output power of between 0dBm to -20dBm (4dB steps). It supports GATT (Generic Attribute Profile) including both client and server functions, as well as host-based and stand-alone systems. It features a DC-DC converter, low-drop regulator, general-purpose ADC, user-program function, wake-up signal for the host device and PWM function.

The NFC Tag component has a 1.5 Kbyte E²PROM for storing data that component specifiers can access using both the BLE and NFC Tag to connect to each I²C interface, allowing data to be easily handled in each system. Toshiba also offers various Bluetooth LE standard profiles to be used in combination with application programming.

The TC35670FTG is available on a QFN40 package measuring 6mm x 6mm, 0.5mm pitch, and supports an operating temperature range of -30°C to 85°C.

Availability
Samples and mass production of the TC35670FTG IC are available now. Starter kits and software deployment packages will be made available this month.

*About TAEC
Through proven commitment, lasting relationships and advanced, reliable electronic components, Toshiba enables its customers to create market-leading designs. Toshiba is the heartbeat within product breakthroughs from OEMs, ODMs, CMs, VARs, distributors and fabless chip companies worldwide.  A committed electronic components leader, Toshiba designs and manufactures high-quality flash memory-based storage solutions, solid state drives (SSDs), hard disk drives (HDDs), solid state hybrid drives (SSHDs), discrete devices, custom SoCs/ASICs, imaging products, microcontrollers, wireless components, mobile peripheral devices, advanced materials and medical tubes that make possible today's leading smartphones, tablets, cameras, medical devices, automotive electronics, industrial applications, enterprise solutions and more.

Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. is an independent operating company owned by Toshiba America, Inc., a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, Japan's largest semiconductor manufacturer and the world's sixth largest semiconductor manufacturer (Gartner, 2013 Worldwide Semiconductor Revenue, April 2014). Founded in Tokyo in 1875, Toshiba is at the heart of a global network of over 590 consolidated companies employing over 200,000 people worldwide. Visit Toshiba's web site at www.toshiba.co.jp/index.htm.

Notes:
[1] Low power consuming communication technology refers to technology using Bluetooth Ver. 4.0.
[2] Produced under license of Sony Corporation's FeliCa™ Lite-S technology.
[3] Devices that adopt Bluetooth core specification Ver. 4.0 or higher with a Low Energy Core  Configuration, and that use GATT-based architecture specified in Bluetooth Ver.4.0. 
[4] Standby mode by the minimum consumption current.

Bluetooth, Bluetooth Smart and Bluetooth Smart Ready are registered trademarks owned by the Bluetooth SIG; Toshiba uses them under license.

Information in this press release, including product pricing and specifications, content of services and contact information, is current and believed to be accurate on the date of the announcement, but is subject to change without prior notice.

 

 

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SOURCE Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc.

Contact:

Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. Web: http://www.toshiba.com/taec