Broadcom’s WICED smart SoC increases security

USA: Broadcom Corp. introduced a new Bluetooth Smart system-on-a-chip (SoC) into its Wireless Internet Connectivity for Embedded Devices (WICED) family, adding advanced security features and iBeacon technology support for the widening Internet of Things ecosystem.

The steady rise in data sharing across smartphones, tablets, wearables, home appliances, healthcare products, sensory applications and more has raised privacy concerns. Broadcom's BCM20737 helps protect sensitive information with its new low-cost, low-power WICED Smart chip. The new SoC includes RSA 4000 bit encryption and decryption support, addressing the most critical security threats and ensuring user data is securely coded during transfer.

The BCM20737 chip and Broadcom's full portfolio of Bluetooth Smart solutions support iBeacon technology for better device detection and identity. iBeacon is a technology Apple introduced with iOS 7 that uses Bluetooth Low Energy and geofencing to provide apps a whole new level of micro-location awareness, such as trail markers in a park, exhibits in a museum, or product displays in stores. Users can, for example, instantly find their car keys by activating a smartphone application that detects a low-power transmitter on the keys.

The WICED Smart SoC also includes native support for A4WP RezenceTM wireless charging. According to ABI Research, the average U.S. household has more than 10 devices that need to be charged and recharged for normal operation. As the first chip vendor to offer a Bluetooth Smart chip with wireless charging support, Broadcom is paving the way for an expanding list of products that can be easily charged in the home or on-the-go.