CSR Bluetooth® Smart Platform Powers Connected Vehicles

    The scaled production of the automotive-grade CSR1010™ platform enables IoT applications for cars.

    CSR has announced that it is now supplying the CSR1010™ automotive chip to the automotive channel. This is the world's first Bluetooth® Smart chip for automotive applications that has been certified to the AEC-Q100 Grade 2 standard and is now in mass production. This solution provides automakers with the tools they need to add new features to existing infotainment systems and develop innovative Bluetooth Smart applications inside and outside the car.

    The CSR1010 in-vehicle solution not only solves a series of important problems for automakers, such as reducing the use of cables and reducing power consumption, but also adds rich additional functions to existing closed automotive applications. Its Bluetooth Smart function enables drivers to use smartphones or tablets to reliably display and analyze vehicle diagnostic information, including entertainment information systems, engine and fuel data. Users can now obtain important information about the vehicle at any time. CSR automotive-grade chips have been extensively tested and verified, and can not only be used in extreme temperature environments from -40°C to +105°C, but also can be used reliably in vehicle body locations such as tires or smart antennas.

    The CSR1010 in-vehicle solution supports the CSRmesh™ protocol, which allows countless Bluetooth Smart devices to be easily connected and controlled directly through the car head unit display (i.e., smartphone or tablet, used in the car for the first time). The protocol uses Bluetooth Smart technology to transmit signals to other networked Bluetooth Smart devices, which then transmit the received signals back. A major advantage of CSRmesh networks is that they do not require configuration. Once a device is registered in a CSRmesh network, it can be removed from the network or put back at any time without interrupting the normal operation of the network. This will provide reliable network connectivity for vehicle accessories, including roof racks, trailers and future mesh network applications on the outside of the car.

    “A whole new vehicle ecosystem featuring Bluetooth Smart connectivity for both in-car and peripheral devices is emerging, with many of our key customers already using the CSR1010 in their first Bluetooth Smart applications, such as keyless entry,” said Anthony Murray, Senior Vice President of Business Units at CSR. “We are excited to see cars become part of the mesh networks that will be built around homes, workplaces and even highways based on Bluetooth Smart. Achieving AEC-Q100 certification is an important milestone for us as it will help our automotive customers take a step further in developing the next generation of automotive applications and ultimately connect cars to the growing Internet of Things.”

    Automakers can now order the CSR1010 in-vehicle solution. To make it easier for developers to use this automotive-grade module, CSR has also launched the CSR1010 in-vehicle development kit. The kit will provide two development boards, three expansion boards and three sample applications to help accelerate the development of new low-power connected car products. The sample applications will include a keyless entry system, a multi-function steering wheel and a temperature and pressure sensor to help developers who are not yet familiar with Bluetooth technology get started quickly. The kit will be exhibited during the Munich Car Connect exhibition from November 10 to 11, 2014.