Silicon Labs BG2x enables Quectel to unveil its new Bluetooth module at the Embedded Show

SiliconLabs

Silicon Labs (also known as "Silicon Labs") recently helped its partner Quectel launch its next-generation high-performance MCU Bluetooth module HCM511S during Embedded Germany 2024.

The module uses Silicon Labs' EFR32BG2x (BG2x) family of Bluetooth SoCs to support the Bluetooth SIG's latest Bluetooth Low Energy 5.4 wireless connectivity standard, and enables a one-stop Bluetooth solution with an ARM Cortex-M33 processor, 32KB RAM memory, 352KB or 512KB flash memory, and Secure VaultTM IoT security technology on the BG2x.

Efficient connection – long-distance transmission, excellent reception sensitivity

HCM511S Bluetooth modules are designed for compact applications such as digital keys, meters and alarms, portable devices, and battery-powered motion sensors.

With excellent receive sensitivity and a maximum transmit power of +6 dBm, it enables long-distance transmission and is designed to bring cost-effective connectivity to small, low-power devices. At the same time, the module is available in an ultra-compact LCC package, measuring only 16.6 mm× 11.2 mm× 2.1 mm, and weighing only 0.57 grams, which can greatly optimize the size and cost of the end product, and is compatible with a variety of structural designs.

Image HCM511S Bluetooth modules are becoming ideal for popular applications in some markets, such as power tools, healthcare, ESLs, smart door locks, and smart homes.

Dong Zhang, COO of Quectel, said, "We are pleased to launch this HCM511S low-power MCU Bluetooth module with compact size and excellent performance. Whether it's a digital key, barbecue thermometer, heart rate monitor, or smart door lock, HCM511S have you covered. For devices that require battery power, such as Bluetooth remote controls or electronic shelf labels, the module's high energy efficiency will be an added advantage. ”

Especially for the meter and alarm industry, the introduction of Bluetooth communication mode is becoming an important trend in the development of the industry. With its advantages of ultra-low power consumption, high sensitivity, strong anti-interference ability and flexible deployment, HCM511S not only brings wireless communication functions, but also enables meters and alarms to achieve linkage reporting, which not only reduces the difficulty of transformation in kitchens and other scenarios, but also provides support for the realization of safe life and production, and is widely used in electricity meters, water meters, gas meters, gas alarms and other scenarios.

It is worth mentioning that HCM511S supports optional Bluetooth mesh low-power nodes, which enhances the scalability of the network and the number of nodes, so as to meet the application scenarios with more intensive device deployment. At the same time, the module provides up to 18 GPIOs, which can be flexibly multiplexed into a variety of interfaces, including ADC, USART, I2C, I2S, SPI, and PWM, thus greatly enriching the design options of end customers.

Learn more: Quectel Bluetooth module for high-performance MCUs HCM511S officially released, providing efficient connectivity for low-power compact devices

As a global leader in smart and secure IoT wireless connectivity solutions, Silicon Labs has won the favor of Quectel in its BG2x Bluetooth SoC series and has been used to build a number of industry-leading Bluetooth modules.

In addition to the new HCM511S Bluetooth module that debuted at Embedded World 2024, Quectel's HCM010S Bluetooth module also uses BG2x Bluetooth SoC as the core processor, aiming to meet the escalating application needs of the IoT industry and provide one-stop innovative solutions for various scenarios such as smart home, industrial interconnection, energy storage, and charging piles.

In response to the surge in demand at the many-to-many communication level in industries such as smart lighting, smart buildings, and smart homes, HCM010S meet the needs of these markets by supporting Bluetooth Low Energy and Bluetooth mesh networks to increase network scalability and node count, and support up to +20 dBm output power for longer transmission distances and ensuring robust and reliable communications.

Importantly, HCM010S is also powered by Silicon Labs' exclusive Secure Vault security technology, which provides an enhanced IoT security solution for endpoints.

Safe and reliable - Secure Vault technology effectively protects IoT terminals

In terms of security, Quectel's HCM511S and HCM010S Bluetooth modules are equipped with the Secure Vault IoT security technology of BG2x SoC, which can provide a variety of advanced security protection mechanisms and provide a higher level of protection for IoT terminals.

Silicon Labs offers Secure Vault + EFR32 Gen 2 wireless platform SoC family of IoT security solutions to help design partners and customers achieve best-in-class device security.

Its core components include the BG2x, FG2x, and MG2x families of EFR32 second-generation wireless platform SoCs, which support a wide range of wireless connectivity protocols such as Bluetooth, Matter, Proprietary, Thread, Zigbee, and Z-Wave. Combined with Secure Vault IoT security technology, the EFR32 Gen 2 wireless platform SoC provides a one-stop development platform for security, wireless connectivity and reliability.

Secure Vault includes a comprehensive set of industry-leading security features to address escalating IoT security threats and dramatically reduce vulnerabilities and risks to IoT ecosystem security, as well as the impact of lost intellectual property or revenue due to counterfeiting. The main features are as follows:

Prevent scalable local and remote software attacks;

Defend against local hardware attacks;

Tested by multiple third-party labs, it is one of the first solutions in the world to achieve Arm PSA Level 3 certification.

Explore the benefits of BG2x Bluetooth SoC features

Silicon Labs has been committed to providing IoT device manufacturers with small, application-optimized BG2x Bluetooth SoC solutions. Our SoCs not only provide ultra-low-power, high-performance Bluetooth LE connectivity in a small form factor, but also provide medical-grade security.

It also leads the industry in integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) hardware accelerators, analog, DC-DC converters, RF-certified antennas, and many other capabilities.

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