Toshiba's New ICs for Bluetooth® Smart Devices Feature Built-in Flash ROM, Will Promote Adoption of Communication Functions for Wearables

Toshiba: a Bluetooth(TM) IC "TC35676FSG" with built-in Flash ROM (Photo: Business Wire)

TOKYO--()--Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO: 6502) today announced the launch of two Bluetooth® ICs, that both support Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)[1] ver.4.1 communications. The “TC35676FTG/FSG” integrates built-in Flash ROM, while the “TC35675XBG” supports both Flash ROM and NFC Forum Type 3 Tag for peer-to-peer communication. Sample shipments start today.

The “TC35676FTG/FSG” adds to the current “TC35667FTG/FSG” line-up launched last year. These devices realize low power consumption with an original low-power circuit design and integration of a highly efficient DC-DC converter. The new IC builds on these with the addition of Flash ROM to store user programs and various data for stand-alone uses. The new IC also has a 64KB user program area, achieved by increasing the internal SRAM size that allows its internal ARM® processor to execute various kinds of application programs.

The “TC35675XBG” is an addition to the “TC35670FTG” line-up. Integrated into a product, its NFC Tag realizes easy Bluetooth® peer-to-peer paring and easy power on/off functions simply by touching another NFC supported mobile device, extensions of the “TC35676FTG/FSG” functions.

The new ICs will boost cost performance, as the built-in Flash ROM eliminates any need for an external EEPROM and reduces external part counts and PCB size. They also have the same low power consumption feature as the current ICs and operate long operating times for applications powered by small coin cell batteries. For example, using a CR2032 type coin battery, the new ICs can carry out beacon operation for more than six months[2].

The new ICs will facilitate adoption of Bluetooth® LE communications for high grade small devices, such as wearable healthcare devices, sensors and toys, and will support set makers in optimizing product value.

Key Features

- Low power consumption:
- Less than 6mA at peak consumption (@3.3V, -4dBm Transmitter output power or Receiver operation)
- Less than 100nA in deep sleep (@3.3V)

- Receiver sensitivity: -92.5dBm
- Supports Bluetooth® LE central and peripheral devices
- Built-in GATT (Generic Attribute Profile)
- Supports servers and client functions defined by GATT (Generic Attribute Profile)
- Built-in 192KB Flash ROM
- Built-in NFC Forum Type 3 Tag chip. (FeliCaTM Lite-S compatible) [3] (TC35675XBG only)
- Automatic CRC generation during writing data to Tag chip, automatic checking during reading data from Tag chip, Relay function from Wired to Wireless / Wireless to Wired

Applications

Bluetooth® Smart devices[4], such as wearable devices, healthcare devices, smart phone accessories, remote controllers, and toys.

 

Main Specifications

 
Part Number   TC35675XBG   TC35676FTG/FSG
Operating Voltage Range 1.8V-3.6V

Current Consumption in
Operation

5.9mA (@3.3V, -4dBm Transmitter operation or Receive operation)

Current Consumption
during Deep Sleep

Less than 100nA (@3.3V)

Operating Temperature
Range

-40°C to 85 °C
Package

FBGA52 4.5mm×4.5mm 0.5mm
pitch

QFN40 6mm×6mm 0.5mm pitch

QFN40 5mm×5mm 0.4mm pitch

Bluetooth® Version Ver.4.1

Including central and peripheral functions

Transmitter Output Power 0dBm to -20dBm (4dB steps)
Receiver Sensitivity -92.5dBm
Profiles GATT (Generic Attribute Profile), including server and client functions
Interfaces UART, I2C, SPI, GPIO
Other Features DC-DC Converter

Low drop regulator

General purpose ADC

User program function

Wake up signal for host device

PWM function

Built-in 192KB Flash ROM

Tag Communication

NFC Type 3 Tag (FeliCaTM Lite-S
compatible) [3]

Tag Communication Speed

212Kbps / 424Kbps automatic
switchover

Non-volatile Memory E2PROM, 2Kbyte
Security  

Mutual recognition by Triple DES
MAC (MAC: Message
Authentication Code)

 
 

Notes:

[1] Low power consuming communication technology defined as Bluetooth® Ver. 4.1.
[2] Length of battery life depends on the frequency of beacon output.
[3] FeliCaTM is a contactless IC card technology developed by Sony Corporation. TC35675XBG is designed using FeliCaTM Lite-S technology licensed by Sony Corporation.
[4] Devices that adopt Bluetooth® core specification Ver. 4.1 or higher with low energy core configuration, and that use GATT (General Attribute Profile) based architecture specified in Bluetooth® Ver.4.0.

* Bluetooth SIG owns the registered trademark, Toshiba uses it under license.
* ARM is a registered trademark of ARM Limited (or its subsidiaries) in the EU and/or elsewhere.
* All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.

Customer Inquiries
Mixed Signal Controller Group
Tel: +81-44-548-2821
http://toshiba.semicon-storage.com/ap-en/contact.html

Information in this document, including product prices and specifications, content of services and contact information, is current on the date of the announcement but is subject to change without prior notice.

About Toshiba

Toshiba Corporation, a Fortune Global 500 company, channels world-class capabilities in advanced electronic and electrical product and systems into five strategic business domains: Energy & Infrastructure, Community Solutions, Healthcare Systems & Services, Electronic Devices & Components, and Lifestyles Products & Services. Guided by the principles of The Basic Commitment of the Toshiba Group, “Committed to People, Committed to the Future”, Toshiba promotes global operations and is contributing to the realization of a world where generations to come can live better lives.

Founded in Tokyo in 1875, today’s Toshiba is at the heart of a global network of over 580 consolidated companies employing 199,000 people worldwide, with annual sales surpassing 6.6 trillion yen (US$55 billion).
To find out more about Toshiba, visit www.toshiba.co.jp/index.htm

Contacts

Media Inquiries:
Toshiba Corporation
Semiconductor & Storage Products Company
Chiaki Nagasawa, +81-3-3457-4963
semicon-NR-mailbox@ml.toshiba.co.jp

Release Summary

Toshiba launches two Bluetooth(TM) ICs featuring Built-in Flash ROM, that support Bluetooth(TM) Low Energy (LE) ver.4.1 communications.

Contacts

Media Inquiries:
Toshiba Corporation
Semiconductor & Storage Products Company
Chiaki Nagasawa, +81-3-3457-4963
semicon-NR-mailbox@ml.toshiba.co.jp