GPS World

Tag: Silicon Labs

  • Bluetooth provides sub-1-meter location precision in new feature

    Bluetooth has added a new direction-finding feature to help meet the growing demands of the location services market.

    The feature, which allows devices to determine the direction of a Bluetooth signal, was added to Bluetooth in version 5.1 of the Bluetooth Core Specification, released Jan. 28.

    To make use of the direction-finding feature, Silicon Labs has released new software for the Wireless Gecko portfolio, a comprehensive connectivity solution for the internet of things (IoT).

    Silicon Labs’ commercial, industrial and retail customers can enhance their location-based services — indoor navigation, asset tracking, space utilization and point-of-interest engagement — using the direction-finding feature, the company said.

    The new feature supports multiple methods for determining signal direction including angle-of-arrival (AoA) and angle-of-departure (AoD).

    Silicon Labs’ implementation of the new Bluetooth feature enables detection of signal direction within 5 degrees.

    To date, Bluetooth asset tracking and indoor positioning solutions have typically provided location accuracy within a range of 3-4 meters. With the Silicon Labs Bluetooth 5.1 solution, developers can create products that improve location accuracy down to the sub-1-meter level, opening the door to applications previously not possible.

    “The Silicon Labs Bluetooth direction finding solution provides a huge leap in location services accuracy for the industry,” said Matt Johnson, senior vice president and general manager of IoT products at Silicon Labs. “The combination of the Silicon Labs wireless solution and the new features added in Bluetooth 5.1 will help developers transform industries and improve people’s lives.”

    In addition to improved location services, Bluetooth 5.1 also helps developers:

    • reduce power consumption with sleep clock accuracy updates.
    • improve smart home connection performance using GATT caching functionality.
    • optimize beaconing for Bluetooth mesh in crowded RF environments with the advertisement channel index feature.

    “The Bluetooth community continues to find ways to meet evolving market needs and open new opportunities,” said Mark Powell, Bluetooth SIG executive director. “The addition of Bluetooth direction finding demonstrates this commitment to drive innovation and support the incredible growth opportunity within the location services market.”

    Silicon Labs’ direction-finding software, including support for the AoA method, is available to customers through the Silicon Labs Simplicity Studio development kit.

  • Mobile briefs: Silicon Labs acquires Zentri for IoT

    Silicon Labs acquires Zentri

    Silicon Labs has acquired Zentri, an innovator in cloud-connected Wi-Fi technologies for the Internet of Things (IoT). Zentri helps customers worldwide securely connect and manage products across a range of industrial, commercial and consumer applications. Zentri provides combinations of modules, embedded and cloud software, APIs and other tools for rapid development of secure IoT end-node products.

    Comtech renews LBS contract

    Comtech Telecommunications Corp.’s Commercial Solutions segment received a renewal agreement worth $2.8 million for use of its Xypoint Location Platform (XLP), providing precise location for a major mobile network operator. XLP is a standards-based solution suite that enables wireless carriers to launch a variety of location-based services (LBS). The renewal will support the continued roll out of services during the remainder of a three-year agreement.

    Teleena, Cumulocity partner on IoT

    IoT enabler Teleena is partnering with Cumulocity, an IoT device platform provider. Teleena will roll out its IoT Suite with functionalities for enterprises to build transformational IoT solutions and monetize new business models. The suite consists of five modules and is a configurable one-stop-shop for customers.