CSR launches 2 new ROM based products - the next step in the evolution of Bluetooth silicon

Cambridge, UK - September 9, 2002 - - CSR (Cambridge Silicon Radio) has launched a new series of BlueCore2, its world-leading single-chip Bluetooth solution, for  low cost, high-volume applications. BlueCore2-ROM and BlueCore2-Audio offer the smallest size and fewest external components of any Bluetooth solution to date and are CSR's first Bluetooth devices which do not need external non-volatile memory. BlueCore2-ROM and BlueCore2-Audio are now fully qualified with samples available  and will be shipping in volume from Q4 2002.

BlueCore2-ROM is focused on the mobile handset application with features aimed at ease of integration, co-existence, power saving and reducing size. BlueCore2-Audio is biased towards the headset and audio markets with all the features of ROM plus a high-quality audio CODEC. This will allow designers greater freedom in producing smaller, lighter and more ergonomically designed products.

CSR's BlueCore2-ROM require less external components than previous BlueCore designs with integrated loop filter components and linear voltage regulator.  BlueCore2-Audio also incorporates a 15bit linear CODEC including microphone amplifiers and speaker drivers. So with a low component count and a small footprint of as little as 64mm2 for the total Bluetooth solution, this allows CSR to target high-volume, cost sensitive applications for Bluetooth such as mobile handsets, headsets and PDAs.

James Collier, technical director and co-founder, CSR commented, "BlueCore2-ROM and Audio validates the idea that combining both RF and baseband on the same silicon gives lower overall costs. The Bluetooth standard has now reached an adequate level of maturity, that it's no longer a risk to place the code into ROM". Collier continued "We have already qualified these products between -40 C to +105 C which makes them suitable for all market segment requirements. These new devices address specific requirements requested by our customers".

The maturity of a Bluetooth IC's firmware has an enormous impact on the quality and usability of the final product, so for a product to be both successful and cost effective it is important that the Bluetooth firmware be well tested and mature. CSR has participated in every Unplugfest, which checks for interoperability between different manufacturers of Bluetooth devices to ensure compatibility. CSR's BlueCore firmware offers the richest functionality available and enables 57 percent of Bluetooth v1.1 qualified products on the market so CSR can claim to have truly market (and Bluetooth SIG) tested firmware.

Supplied in a small BGA, 6x6mm package, BlueCore2-ROM and Audio are implemented in a 0.18-micron CMOS process which has a proven track record with BlueCore2-External that has been in mass production since Q4 2001.

CSR was first company to market with its single-chip BlueCore and has continued to lead the market on price, size and availability. CSR has already secured hundreds of design wins from leading companies such as Microsoft, Samsung, Sony, Compaq, IBM, Fujitsu, LG, ALPS, TDK, 3Com, Mitsumi, Siemens and Motorola. These new additions to the BlueCore2 family are expected to enhance CSR's leadership position.