DALLAS, April 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas Instruments (TI) (NASDAQ: TXN) today announced the SimpleLink(TM) Bluetooth(®) low energy CC2541-Q1, a highly-integrated wireless microcontroller (MCU) that delivers low power, low cost, and simplified automotive connectivity to emerging smartphone-controlled and wire-replacement applications. The CC2541-Q1 leverages the success of TI's broad-market Bluetooth Smart solution (SimpleLink CC2541) and automotive connectivity offerings for combo Wi-Fi(®), Bluetooth and GNSS (WiLink(TM) 8Q) and dual-mode Bluetooth (BL6450Q).

The CC2541-Q1 is targeted at an emerging market of new automotive features aimed at using Bluetooth Smart technology to make it easier for consumers to get information and control automotive systems. These new features include:


    --  Smartphone-controlled applications:
        --  Keyless entry using a Bluetooth Smart Ready smartphone or Bluetooth
            Smart key fob, either standalone or in conjunction with TI's leading
            car access solutions
        --  Lighting controls to deliver ambient, clustered and programmable LED
            lighting
        --  Diagnostic information to help users understand engine warning
            lights
        --  Services with iBeacon technology for fast discovery and easy pairing
            with in-car Bluetooth Smart technology
    --  Wire replacement, which reduces weight and cost, and in turn increases
        fuel economy in:
        --  Wireless infotainment controls in the steering wheel
        --  Low data rate systems for control, personalization settings and
            alerts via smartphone
        --  Bluetooth Smart remotes for rear seat entertainment systems

The SimpleLink CC2541-Q1 is based on TI's market leading CC2541 which is deployed today in a wide variety of applications spanning consumer, industrial, medical and home applications worldwide. The CC2541-Q1 is a complete solution with TI's BLE-Stack(TM) software and sample applications including over-the-air download support for in-field updates.



    SimpleLink Bluetooth low energy CC2541-Q1 features and benefits


    Features                                                        Benefits
    --------                                                        --------

     Full system solution: 

    Integrated wireless MCU                 Early realization of low-power, single-mode
      
    Royalty-free TI protocol stack, profile software               Bluetooth Smart sensor applications
      and sample applications 
    Development kits,
      technical documents and worldwide support
    ------------------------------------------------                      --------------------------------------------

     Controller, host and application with integrated                Simplified design with one-chip, integrated and
      Flash on one 6 mm x 6 mm device 
    Supports analog                flexible solution 
    Applications can be written
      and digital peripherals 
    Flash-based firmware can               directly onto the CC2541-Q1
      be updated in the field and persistent data can be
      stored on-chip 
    Planned support for Bluetooth 4.1
      as well as proprietary modes at 250Kbps, 500Kbps,
      1Mbps and 2Mbps
    ----------------------------------------------------              ------------------------------------------------

     Ultra-low power Bluetooth low energy operation                  Can operate on a coin cell battery 
    Low average
      
    Less than 1 microamp (mA) of sleep current with                power allows application to remain on while the
      RTC and RAM retention                                           automobile is off
    -----------------------------------------------                 ------------------------------------------------

     95 dB link budget 
    Best-in-class coexistence with               Link reliability supports high performance
      other 2.4 GHz devices                                           applications
    --------------------------------------------------              -------------------------------------------


    -40 to 105 degrees C temperature rating                         Performance in extreme conditions faced in the
                                                                      automotive market
     ---------------------------------------                        -----------------------------------------------

Pricing and availability
The SimpleLink Bluetooth low energy CC2541-Q1 wireless MCU is sampling now and is expected to be available in volumes in 3Q 2014. To speed time to market of Bluetooth Smart automotive designs, CC2541 development kits can be used including the evaluation module kit, mini development kit and SensorTag development kit. For pricing information, please contact your local TI sales representative.

Texas Instruments drives automotive innovation
TI's state-of-the-art semiconductor products allow manufacturers and system suppliers to deliver world-class features to the automotive market. Our extensive automotive portfolio includes analog power management, interface and signal chain solutions, along with DLP® displays, ADAS and infotainment processors, Hercules(TM) TMS570 safety microcontrollers and wireless connectivity solutions. TI offers SafeTI(TM) parts designed to facilitate OEMs' compliance with the requirements of ISO 26262, as well as parts specifically designated as compliant with the AEC-Q100 and TS16949 standards, all with excellent product documentation. Visit TI's Automotive page or TI E2E(TM) Behind the Wheel Blog to learn more about our commitment to automotive innovation.

Find out more about TI's automotive connectivity solutions


    --  WiLink 8Q automotive connectivity solution:
        www.ti.com/ep-con-lprf-cc2541q1-pr-lp-en
    --  TI's wireless connectivity solutions: www.ti.com/wirelessconnectivity
    --  ConnecTIng Wirelessly blog: www.ti.com/wiconnewsletter-pr
    --  Monthly wireless connectivity eNewsletter:
        www.ti.com/connectingwirelessly-pr
    --  TI car access solutions: http://www.ti.com/solution/car_access_system

About Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) is a global semiconductor design and manufacturing company that develops analog ICs and embedded processors. By employing the world's brightest minds, TI creates innovations that shape the future of technology. TI is helping more than 100,000 customers transform the future, today. Learn more at www.ti.com.

Trademarks
DLP is a registered trademark and SimpleLink, WiLink, BLE-Stack, Hercules, SafeTI, and TI E2E are trademarks of Texas Instruments. All other trademarks belong to their respective owners.

SOURCE Texas Instruments