Toshiba ApP Lite IoT Processor Incorporates Support for Bluetooth v4.1 Functions

Latest addition to TZ1000 series can function as Bluetooth data-processing hub for wearables

SAN JOSE, Calif., September 4, 2015 – Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. (TAEC)*, a committed leader that collaborates with technology companies to create breakthrough designs, today rolled out the newest addition to its TZ1000 series of ApP Lite™ processors targeting Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Targeting smart wearable products, the TZ1041MBG was developed to meet the increasing market demand for IoT devices that can support multiple external sensors, providing a versatile communication environment that makes use of the extended hub features of Bluetooth^®.

The TZ1041MBG, like the other products in the TZ1000 series, integrates an ARM^® Cortex^®-M4F processor with 8Mbit Flash memory¹ and Bluetooth functionality in a single package. Specifically, the new processor incorporates a Bluetooth v4.1² controller and processor capable of capturing data from external sensors connected via various I/Os (e.g., UART, I²C, SPI and ADC), and incorporates flash memory to save data.

Data processing and storing of multiple sensing targets required for IoT devices are executable simultaneously by the new processor. In addition, the TZ1041MBG uses Low Duty Cycle Directed Advertising (LDCDA), a new function supported by Bluetooth v4.1 that enables automatic reconnection when a known device comes within the communication area covered by a hub. The TZ1041MBG can thus serve as a Bluetooth hub for collecting, processing and storing data, while the LDCDA function improves user system operating efficiency and usability.

“IoT devices, particularly wearables, have a high requirement for fast processing of data, as well as updating and storing data on the fly, making a processor that can serve as a data hub highly desirable,” said Deepak Prakash, senior director of marketing, Logic LSI Business Unit, System LSI Group at TAEC. “Toshiba has answered this demand by integrating Bluetooth v4.1 support into our latest TZ1000 processor, which can also change supply voltage in response to processor frequency, making it further suitable for use in wearable consumer products that require long operating hours and low power consumption.”

The processor integrates a 24-bit high-resolution delta-sigma analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with high-speed switches connected to three input channels, enabling it to accurately measure biomedical signals such as pulse rate and the heart’s electrical activity. In addition, integration of the Bluetooth v4.1 controller and RF circuit allows transfer of raw and processed data to external equipment, such as smartphones and tablets.

Toshiba also supports sophisticated software algorithms for the TZ1000 series, such as Activity Monitoring, PPG (Photoplethysmography) Monitoring and ECG (electrocardiography) Monitoring, which provides a total system solution for wearable products.

Availability

Sample shipments of the TZ1041MBG ApP Lite processor will start in October. Mass production is scheduled to begin in January 2016.

*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, 2014 Worldwide Semiconductor Revenue Estimates, December 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.

¹ Product density is identified based on the density of memory chip(s) within the product, not the amount of memory capacity available for data storage by the end user. Consumer-usable capacity will be less due to overhead data areas, formatting, bad blocks and other constraints, and may also vary based on the host device and application. For details, please refer to applicable product specifications.
² Bluetooth v4.1 is an update to Bluetooth v4.0 and extends the Bluetooth Smart development environment by simultaneously acting as both a Bluetooth Smart peripheral and a Bluetooth Smart Ready hub.
ApP Lite is a trademark of Toshiba Corporation. ARM and Cortex are trademarks or registered trademarks of ARM Limited in the EU and other countries. Bluetooth is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and Toshiba uses it under license.