CSR delivers next-generation Bluetooth to PCs with BlueSlim2

CAMBRIDGE, ENGLAND: CSR plc has released its latest PC Bluetooth Module BlueSlim2. BlueSlim2 is a qualified Bluetooth module reference design for notebooks, netbooks and tablets, providing a fast, simple and cost-effective route for OEMs to integrate the latest Bluetooth functionality into PC module designs.

BlueSlim2 is fully compatible with the Bluetooth v3.0 + High Speed and Bluetooth v4.0 standards, offering high-speed data transfer and Bluetooth low energy for PC products. Through products based on BlueSlim2, consumers can take full advantage of the Bluetooth low energy ecosphere, connecting peripherals such as mice and keyboards and benefiting from Bluetooth low energy’s enormous power efficiency.

“As the number and variety of peripheral and sensor devices featuring Bluetooth low energy continues to grow, consumers will want all of their devices to be able to interact with each other,” commented Eric Neilson, senior Product Marketing Manager for PCs in CSR’s Audio and Consumer Business Unit.

“With larger screens and more flexible interfaces, PCs offer an ideal opportunity to interact with Bluetooth low energy devices in exciting and unforeseen ways; perhaps enabling the true ‘smart home’, or acting as intelligent multi remote-controls. PC module OEMs need a quick and easy way to tap into this and CSR is helping its OEM customers to be at the profitable centre of this emerging market.”

BlueSlim2 is fully tested, qualified and ready to be built by manufacturers. The device comes complete with tested interoperability with leading PC Bluetooth stacks such as CSR Harmony, Motorola, and Toshiba as well as CSR Synergy stack. BlueSlim2 is designed to meet the regulatory approval requirements in over 200 countries, which greatly benefits OEMs by removing the need to pay regulatory fees and avoiding a lengthy qualification process.

BlueSlim2 utilises USB, the dominant standard interface for most PC platforms, so it can be easily connected to a vast range of PC devices. Thanks to its tiny 6.5mm x 30mm x 1.95mm footprint, the module is ideal for today’s small form factor notebooks, netbooks and tablet PCs.

CSR has reduced the overall BOM for OEMs with a minimal external component count. BlueSlim2 also offers +10dBm Tx output power and -93dBm Rx sensitivity, as well as Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 support without the need for external power amplifier or TX/RX switch.

BlueSlim2 utilises CSR’s new CSR8510 for PCs, based on the recently launched CSR8000 connectivity platform.

BlueSlim2 is sampling now and is expected to be in volume production in the first quarter of 2011.