Toshiba Launches Compact Bluetooth® Low Energy Communication IC for Scatternet Devices

Based on Toshiba’s already released “TC35667FTG/FSG-005” for Bluetooth Smart devices, the new IC is configured with new ROM software for Scatternet and multipoint connection, in a very thin chip-scale package, only 2.88mm x 3.04mm x 0.3mm. It will bring Bluetooth Low Energy communication networks to low-profile applications, such as contactless cards, tags and tickets.

The Scatternet standard defines two functions in the Bluetooth Core specification, for Version 4.0 and higher. Compliant devices have to support either multiple or simultaneous connections with Master and Slave devices or multiple connections between two or more Master devices at the same time. Toshiba’s new IC supports both functions with Bluetooth Low Energy, making it easy to create a network with very small devices.

Samples of packaged chips for Scatternet, “TC35667FTG-006/FSG-006”, and of “TC35670FTG-006”, which supports both Bluetooth and NFC tag functionality, also start to ship today.

Toshiba will contribute to the realization and promotion of Scatternet-based communication networks with low-profile applications, and support devices that optimize communication functions required for Internet of Things (IoT) applications, such as auto-monitoring systems and multifunctional applications.

Low power consumption:

Less than 5.9mA at peak current consumption of Bluetooth communication (@3.3V, -4dBm transmitter output power or receiver operation)
50nA typical current consumption in deep sleep (@3.3V)

Receiver sensitivity:

-92.5dBm

Supports Bluetooth Low Energy central and peripheral devices

Supports servers and client functions defined by GATT (Generic Attribute Profile)

Bluetooth Smart devices, including connected home products, wearable devices, healthcare devices, smartphone accessories, remote controllers, toys and IoT devices.

Notes:

1.   Bluetooth Low Energy: the low power consumption communication technology defined as Bluetooth Ver. 4.0 and higher.

2.   Scatternet: A group of independent and non-synchronized piconets (a piconet is formed when at least two Bluetooth-enabled devices connect) that share at least one common Bluetooth device.