Cypress launches fully certified small size Smart Bluetooth module

     Cypress Semiconductor today announced the launch of a smart Bluetooth module that provides an end-to-end low energy Bluetooth solution. The new small-size EZ-BLE PRoC module is based on Cypress's PRoC BLE programmable on-chip RF solution and includes Bluetooth 4.1 certification and global frequency control certification, significantly simplifying design and reducing time-to-market. Cypress is the only supplier that provides chip, software, firmware and modular hardware to support customers in remote controls, health and fitness devices, appliances, toys and other wireless applications.

     The EZ-BLE PRoC module is programmable and integrates PRoC BLE's ARM Cortex-M0 core, two crystal vibrators, an on-board antenna, metal shielding and passive components into a small 10-mm x 10-mm x 1.8-mm size. Using this module, customers can reference Cypress's Certified Design Identification Number (QDID) 67366 to print the Bluetooth logo on their products. This identifier is a unique string code assigned by the Bluetooth SIG. In addition, the module complies with radio regulatory standards in the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea and Europe. The module could save customers approximately $200,000 in development, testing and certification costs.

     Dave Solda, Director of Cypress Modules, said: "Cypress's EZ-BLE PRoC modules are derived from our innovative PRoC BLE chips and our successful and proven module family. Cypress is well positioned to compete in the Bluetooth smart market over the long term with its world-class, cost-effective chip and module production capabilities."

     Designers who want to incorporate smart Bluetooth into their products often need to use software from multiple vendors and develop complex firmware to comply with wireless standards. Cypress has extracted the Bluetooth Low Energy protocol stack and configuration profile into a fee-free, GUI-based BLE "component" that can be dragged and dropped into the design solution in Cypress's PSoC Creator Integrated Design Environment (IDE). PSoC Creator can be used to complete the system design.

     PSoC Creator has a detailed application guide for Cypress BLE components, profile examples of all Bluetooth Low Energy supported by PSOC Creator, and hundreds of mixed-signal system design sample projects. The $49 BLE Pioneer development Kit makes it easier to use Cypress Bluetooth Low Energy devices while maintaining the original design foundation based on the PSoC 4 Pioneer Kit. The development kit includes a USB Bluetooth Low Energy transceiver that can be paired with the CySmart Master emulation tool to convert the designer's Windows PC into a Bluetooth low energy debugging environment. The EZ-BLE PRoC module evaluation board can be inserted into the BLE Pioneer development kit for quick and easy evaluation of EZ-BLE PRoC modules.