Anaren and Emmoco Launch Jointly Developed AIR Module and Software Solution for Bluetooth(R) Smart Applications
January 23 2014 - 9:00AM
Anaren, Inc. (Nasdaq:ANEN) has announced that its Anaren Integrated
Radio (AIR) module team – in partnership with Austin, Texas-based
software developer Emmoco – has introduced an AIR module solution
for fast-emerging Bluetooth® Smart applications. Comprised of
Anaren's tiny, globally-certified AIR module (part no A2541R24x),
an Emmoco app-development web portal (called the Em-hub), and an
Anaren-developed B-Smart BoosterPack kit (compatible with the
latest low-cost Texas Instruments (TI) LaunchPad Evaluation kits
and other popular microcontroller (MCU) platforms) – this new
jointly developed toolset enables any OEM with an embedded
application to potentially control or communicate with the billions
of Bluetooth Smart Ready phones and tablets already in the
marketplace today. Other advantages of communicating via Bluetooth
Smart include: low-power consumption, which makes the protocol
ideal for largely inactive or 'sleeping' controls or even remote
sensors powered by a coin cell battery; local communication,
without a connection to a network router or cellular tower; and the
confidence that stems from adopting a proven and universally
accepted communications standard.
"Using our new AIR module with Bluetooth Smart technology,
manufacturers of appliances, equipment, or electronic devices now
have an easy path to connect with and control their products using
the countless Bluetooth Smart enabled phones and tablets in the
marketplace," said Mark Bowyer, corporate business development
manager for Anaren. "Even better, on the RF side, our AIR module
eliminates the need for deep RF expertise – while, on the software
side, Emmoco's user-friendly Em-hub portal and excellent software
tools eliminate the need to be a Bluetooth guru. Anyone who can use
a UART can use this approach to connect their device to a smart
phone." Combined, Bowyer adds, the two companies can help an OEM
move from "wired to wireless with Bluetooth Smart in as little as
90 days." The OEM's entry into wireless using Bluetooth Smart is
made less daunting thanks to three distinct but interconnected
parts of the Anaren/Emmoco solution:
- The new AIR module with Bluetooth Smart -- The
A2541R24x is a surface-mount radio module featuring Bluetooth SMART
technology that incorporates TI's ultra-low-power SimpleLink™
CC2541 wireless MCU for Bluetooth low energy. It is available with
either an on-board PCB antenna, or a U.FL connector for an external
whip antenna -- all in a very small package: 11x19x2.5mm. The
module is pre-loaded with either TI's BLE-Stack or Em-Ware software
from Emmoco, and it is certified with the Bluetooth SIG (QDID#
B021836), US (FCC), Canada (IC), and compliant with European (ETSI)
and other global standards. As with Anaren's other AIR modules,
this new module family is available through authorized AIR
distributors (Arrow, Avnet, Digi-Key, Farnell, and Mouser), and
offers a suggested retail price of $12.20 per unit.
- The Em-hub web portal for Bluetooth Smart software app
development -- Developed by Austin, TX-based Emmoco, the
Em-hub is a secure web portal where users of the new AIR with
Bluetooth Smart technology can develop the communications
functionality between their embedded solution and a Bluetooth Smart
Ready phone or tablet. Emmoco's Em-Builder tools, schema concept,
and wiki – each of which is accessed through the Em-Hub and
designed to work with Anaren's B-Smart BoosterPack Kit – work in
concert to make it easy to share data between embedded applications
and applicable mobile devices.
- B-Smart BoosterPack for Bluetooth Smart hardware app
development -- The A2541R24A-ADB1 B-Smart BoosterPack kit
is a development tool designed for use with TI's MSP430™ Value
Line, Tiva™ C series, C2000™ and other TI LaunchPad development
kits; the BoosterPack can also work with other prominent MCUs and
development boards (such as Raspberry Pi). The kit eases
development of products that wirelessly communicate with devices
incorporating Bluetooth Smart technology per the Bluetooth 4.0 core
specification. The BoosterPack features an A2541R24A20 AIR module
(based on TI's CC2541 low-power wireless MCU) and is pre-loaded
with Em-Ware firmware from Emmoco (based on TI's BLE-Stack™). The
kit's suggested retail price is $49 each.
"The approach we've taken with Anaren gives manufacturers a
super-fast way to introduce Bluetooth Smart functionality to their
existing embedded application," says Emmoco's CTO and founder, Bob
Frankel. "In turn, their end-use customers or field technicians
will be able to walk up to the newly Bluetooth Smart-enabled
machine or sensor and – without even making physical contact –
they'll be able to use an app to achieve short-range wireless
control, monitoring, troubleshooting, software upgrades, and other
functions right on the phone. Think of it as a way to transform an
ordinary smart phone into a 'mobile control panel' for all kinds of
equipment in the home, office, or factory." Parties interested in
seeing a live demo of the AIR with Bluetooth Smart technology can
do so at two upcoming tradeshows:
- the 2014 Embedded World Exhibition & Conference
(Nuremberg, Germany – February 25-27 in the TI section of
the Farnell Electronics booth);
- and at Anaren's booth at the Sensors Expo & Conference
(Rosemont, IL – June 24-26) More information can also be obtained
by writing to AIR@anaren.com, visiting the AIR with Bluetooth Smart
homepage, or calling 800-411-6596.
ABOUT ANAREN:
Anaren designs, manufactures and sells complex microwave signal
distribution networks and components for the wireless
communications, satellite communications and defense electronics
markets. The Anaren, Inc. logo is available at
http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=5360
ABOUT EMMOCO
Emmoco produces a software platform and toolset that enable
manufacturers to quickly and reliably create mobile applications
that control their products. This platform manages the wireless
communication between phones and devices, allowing manufacturers to
focus on features instead of connectivity. Emmoco also designs and
builds custom mobile applications using the platform for
manufacturers. For more information see http://www.emmoco.com
DISCLAIMER / COPYRIGHT NOTICE: The Bluetooth®
word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth
SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Anaren Inc. is under
license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their
respective owners.
CONTACT: John Hoeschele
Mktg. Comm. / Gov't Rel. Mgr.
Tel: 315.432.8909
E: jhoeschele@anaren.com
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