Bluetooth LE IC delivers industry-leading low current consumption

Mouser is now stocking the TC35678 IC from Toshiba Semiconductors. Achieving industry-leading low current consumption with long operating times, the single-chip device is compliant with Bluetooth core specification 4.2. With the ability to store application code in embedded flash memory, the TC35678 can be run with or without an additional host microcontroller for small IoT and Bluetooth Smart applications. The IC is based on an ARM Cortex-M0 microcontroller and incorporates 256Kbytes of built-in flash ROM. Developers can use the flash ROM to store programs and data in standalone operations, eliminating the need for an external EEPROM and contributing to an ultra-low bill of materials to reduce overall design cost and size. The device also delivers Bluetooth HCI functions and Bluetooth low energy GATT functions that allow for quick BQE system certification. At a 3V supply voltage, the device delivers one of the lowest power consumptions in the industry. Utilizing its highly efficient DC-DC converter for power management, the IC’s low-power circuit design secures a nearly 46% current reduction and peak current consumption of 3.6mA in transmitting mode. To support various battery types, the device has an operating voltage between 1.8V and 3.6V, and the IC’s programmable operation modes allow for optimal power consumption. Other features of the device include 100Kbtyes of SRAM, a general-purpose ADC, PWM functions, a low dropout regulator, a wake-up signal for host devices and user program functionality. An on-chip silicon oscillator helps drive both the main and sleep clocks, so no external clocks are required. Communications is accomplished through the IC’s UARTs, I2C, SPI and GPIOs.