A new hardware and software reference design has been released by Nordic Semiconductor that combines the company’s nRF51822 multi-protocol SoC simultaneous single chip, offering Bluetooth low energy with the company’s 2.4GHz Gazell RF protocol. This provides support for advanced browsing control of the latest Internet- and Web 2.0-enabled TVs and set-top boxes (STBs). Key applications include audio, video, gaming, web browsing, social media, and online shopping.

The company’s nRFready Smart Remote 2 features a multi-touch enabled TouchPad from Synaptics, a miniaturised QWERTY keyboard, a 6-axis motion sensing solution from Invensense, and an ultra low power accelerometer from STMicroelectronics.

The inclusion of the company’s latest nRF51822 multi-protocol SoC is described as a speedier route to market for remote control manufacturers that offers support for Bluetooth low energy (via the HID over GATT profile) and 2.4GHz wireless technology in the same product form factor.

This reference design is said to also feature an IR (Infrared) LED that can be used to add support for legacy IR-controlled equipment. ‘Internet-enabled smart TVs, set-top boxes and their supporting TV-based apps are what consumers want,’ said Geir Langeland, Nordic Semiconductor’s Director of Sales & Marketing.

‘But navigating and controlling these devices with a traditional IR remote can be frustrating, slow, and annoying – which isn’t helping consumer adoption and use.’ Langeland continues: ‘Smart RF remotes are the solution that consumers are crying out for and with this latest reference design Nordic is making it as easy as possible for consumers to get what they want from the world’s leading consumer electronics companies and their remote control [ODM] development partners.’

The reference design kit includes the companys Smart Remote baseboard, Smart Remote 2.4GHz RF radio module, 2.4GHz RF USB dongle, programming adapter, and a complete set of design files, software source code, and supporting documentation.

Nordic Semiconductor

www.nordicsemi.com