The Swatch Group has produced a Bluetooth chip with features unmatched by any other chip on the market. The new integrated circuit, fully developed by EM Microelectronic, Swatch Group R & D and the Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology (CSEM), has already set the following records:
is the smallest Bluetooth chip on the market (maximum miniaturisation of electronic components is crucial for the bundling of functions in portable electronic devices and connected objects);
records the lowest power consumption - compared to competitors - for several modes of use, thus increasing the autonomy of connected objects, an essential factor in this field;
its high-speed starting capability is unmatched, making it possible to improve the responsiveness and durability of, for example, electronic locators.
The new chip has already been officially qualified to meet the latest Bluetooth standard, version 5.0. The chip consists of more than 5 million transistors on a surface area of approximately 5 mm2. Designed for maximum flexibility, it can work alone or in combination with various sensors; system integrators can benefit from a microcontroller with very low power consumption or can use the chip to add a Bluetooth communication function for any portable electronic device.
Swatch Group and CSEM, both based in the 'Swiss Silicon Valley', collaborate in many areas. As announced in February, the two partners are working to develop a unique Swiss Made ecosystem. It will be specifically designed to meet the needs of small connected objects (Internet of Things) and especially watches. This platform will be built around a new bespoke operating system.