TI brings Bluetooth Smart to automobiles for smartphone and wire-replacement apps

DALLAS, USA: Texas Instruments (TI) announced the SimpleLink Bluetooth low energy CC2541-Q1, a highly-integrated wireless microcontroller (MCU) that delivers low power, low cost, and simplified automotive connectivity to emerging smartphone-controlled and wire-replacement applications.

The CC2541-Q1 leverages the success of TI's broad-market Bluetooth Smart solution (SimpleLink CC2541) and automotive connectivity offerings for combo Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GNSS (WiLink 8Q) and dual-mode Bluetooth (BL6450Q).

The CC2541-Q1 is targeted at an emerging market of new automotive features aimed at using Bluetooth Smart technology to make it easier for consumers to get information and control automotive systems. These new features include:

Smartphone-controlled applications:
* Keyless entry using a Bluetooth Smart Ready smartphone or Bluetooth Smart key fob, either standalone or in conjunction with TI's leading car access solutions.
* Lighting controls to deliver ambient, clustered and programmable LED lighting.
* Diagnostic information to help users understand engine warning lights.
* Services with iBeacon technology for fast discovery and easy pairing with in-car Bluetooth Smart technology.
* Wire replacement, which reduces weight and cost, and in turn increases fuel economy in:
-- Wireless infotainment controls in the steering wheel,
-- Low data rate systems for control, personalization settings and alerts via smartphone,
-- Bluetooth Smart remotes for rear seat entertainment systems.

The SimpleLink CC2541-Q1 is based on TI's market leading CC2541 which is deployed today in a wide variety of applications spanning consumer, industrial, medical and home applications worldwide. The CC2541-Q1 is a complete solution with TI's BLE-Stack software and sample applications including over-the-air download support for in-field updates.