Bluetooth chipset with HID software and complete reference design allows mobile keyboards to work with laptop, PDA set-top box, and mobile phones.
STMicroelectronics announced the availability of the first complete solution on the market for keyboards and other input devices implementing the Human Interface Device (HID) standard, which allows them to automatically detect and connect to PDAs, PCs, set-top boxes, and cellular platforms. Built by combining ST's STLC2150 Bluetooth RF Transceiver and STLC2410 baseband along with proven Bluetooth HID profile software, the new solution powers mobile keyboards, mice and gamepads that can be used for any data-entry application to multiple platforms. A complete reference design is also available, allowing manufacturers to minimize development costs and bring Bluetooth HID products to market very rapidly.
Traditional wireless keyboards use proprietary protocols at both the keyboard and PC, limiting the solution to point-to-point applications between paired devices. In contrast, a Bluetooth HID keyboard can interact with any other Bluetooth-HID system. The solution therefore allows the use of a single standard keyboard for multiple applications. Another important advantage of Bluetooth HID keyboards is that they no longer require a dedicated transceiver at the host side because Bluetooth is generally implemented as a standard connectivity solution. Taking into account the large volume effect on the cost evolution of a Bluetooth node, the Bluetooth HID implementation is expected to become ultimately the lowest-cost solution for wireless keyboards.
A leading supplier of wireless components, ST offers a range of Bluetooth devices for multiple applications. ST's Bluetooth division has the goal of providing small footprint solutions that are low cost, flexible, and are easily integrated, thereby speeding time-to-market. The ST Bluetooth product portfolio ensures full interoperability, through active involvement in the Bluetooth SIG, participation in un-plug fests and by using the proven track record of the embedded Ericsson Core IP. ST provides customers with complete consulting expertise in Bluetooth Core and RF technology, protocol software, and advanced solutions. As a key manufacturer in the wireless market, ST has the ability to provide any integration service needed for current product portfolios and future endeavors.
