Microchip Releases Demonstration Platform Based on Industry's Lowest Power BLE Sensor Node for IoT Applications

CHANDLER, Ariz., July 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Microchip Technology Inc. MCHP, a leading provider of microcontroller, mixed-signal, analog and Flash-IP solutions, today released a demonstration platform for the world's lowest-power Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) sensor node. The platform comes complete with the award-winning ultra-low-power BTLC1000-certified module, a SMART SAM L21 Cortex®-M0+ MCU, Bosch sensor technology and a complete software solution.

Low power, smaller form factor and quick time to market are critical factors to making the billions of 'smart' and 'connected' things a reality in the rapidly growing Internet of Things (IoT) market. Microchip's complete BLE sensor node demonstration platform integrates all these critical factors. For designs requiring low power and smaller form factors, the kit integrates the BTLC1000-MR110CA BLE module which utilizes the world's lowest-power and smallest BLE solution, delivering at least 30 percent more power savings compared to existing solutions and packaged in an ultra-tiny 2.2 mm × 2.1 mm Wafer Level Chipscale Package (WLCP). The platform also includes the SAM L21 that achieves a ULPBench™ score of 185, the highest recorded score for any Cortex-M0+ while running the EEMBC® ULPBench, with power consumption down to 35 µA/MHz in active mode and 200 nA in sleep mode. By using these components, it is possible to increase battery life up to 4X longer than current solutions on the market. The kit also includes the latest-generation Bosch 6-axis motion (BHI160) and environment (BME280) sensors that can be used for a wide variety of sensing applications. The BLE demonstration platform is an out-of-the-box solution that comes complete with source code, hardware design files, user guide and Android™ application source code that enable designers to bring their products to market faster.

"Microchip is continuing to release new innovative tools to enable more IoT developers to get their differentiated products to market, faster," said Rod Drake, vice president of Microchip's 32-bit MCU business unit. "This new demonstration platform not only triggers an opportunity to inspire more IoT developers to design next-generation products, the platform also highlights innovative ways of integrating sensor technology with a low-power MCU and connectivity for applications running on traditional coin cell batteries."

"Microchip's new BLE sensor node platform provides an excellent demo for sensing systems in next-generation IoT applications," said Jeanne Forget, vice president Marketing, Bosch Sensortec. "With the latest applications in personal health and fitness, indoor navigation, wearables, gaming, context awareness and augmented reality, sensors are required for a more immersive experience, and our sensors enable this experience for tomorrow's applications."

Availability and Pricing
The Ultra-Low-Power Connected Demonstrator Platform is available today. Recommended end user price is $39.00 USD and can be purchased at: www.atmel.com/tools/ATULPC-DEMO.aspx.

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About Atmel
Atmel is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Microchip Technology Inc.

About Microchip Technology
Microchip Technology Inc. MCHP is a leading provider of microcontroller, mixed-signal, analog and Flash-IP solutions, providing low-risk product development, lower total system cost and faster time to market for thousands of diverse customer applications worldwide. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip website at www.microchip.com.

About Bosch Sensortec
Bosch Sensortec GmbH is a fully owned subsidiary of Robert Bosch GmbH that is dedicated to delivering a complete portfolio of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors and solutions that enable consumer electronics to be connected. Bosch Sensortec develops and markets a wide portfolio of MEMS sensors and solutions tailored for smartphones, tablets, wearable devices and IoT (Internet of Things) applications.

The product portfolio includes 3-axis acceleration, gyroscope and geomagnetic sensors, integrated 6- and 9-axis sensors and environmental sensors, and a comprehensive software portfolio. Since its foundation in 2005, Bosch Sensortec has emerged as the MEMS technology leader in the markets it addresses. Bosch has been both a pioneer and a global market leader in the MEMS sensor segment since 1995 and has, to date, sold more than 7 billion MEMS sensors. Bosch sensors can be found in three out of four smartphones worldwide.

For more information, please visit www.bosch-sensortec.com, twitter.com/boschMEMS

Note: The Microchip name and logo, the Microchip logo, and the Atmel name and logo are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.

Press Contact:
Brian Thorsen
brian.thorsen@microchip.com 
480-792-7182

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SOURCE Microchip Technology Inc.