Silicon Labs Launches BG2B: The Lowest-Power Bluetooth LE SoC for Enhanced Efficiency and Security

Key Takeaways

Silicon Labs introduces the BG2B, a low-power Bluetooth Low Energy SoC aimed at enhancing IoT device performance.
The BG2B provides advanced features like secure ranging and integrated peripherals to extend battery life and enable compact designs.
Security measures include Secure Vault technology, ensuring compliance with emerging cybersecurity standards.

Advancements in Low-Power Bluetooth Technology

Silicon Labs has unveiled the BG2B, a next-generation Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) System-on-Chip (SoC) designed to empower developers in creating smaller, more secure, and efficient battery-operated Internet of Things (IoT) devices. By integrating robust power efficiency, security features, and a wide array of functionalities, the BG2B addresses the increasing demands of sophisticated BLE applications.

As IoT applications evolve, developers are often faced with the challenge of incorporating features such as secure ranging, location awareness, and enhanced peripheral integration, all while maintaining compact designs and prolonged battery life. The BG2B meets these needs with Silicon Labs’ most efficient BLE architecture to date, offering Bluetooth Channel Sounding capabilities, Secure Vault High security, and numerous integrated peripherals. This comprehensive platform enables developers to innovate while reducing the number of external components required.

The BG2B is particularly suited for a variety of applications including asset tracking, electronic shelf labels, smart home devices, and industrial monitoring. The SoC’s design significantly enhances battery life, aligning with the more demanding requirements of contemporary Bluetooth LE applications.

Daniel Cooley, SVP and CTO at Silicon Labs, highlighted the shift towards more complex Bluetooth functionalities. “BG2B brings these requirements together in a single platform,” he stated, underscoring the balance of low power consumption and advanced technology that the new SoC offers.

Enhanced Battery Life and Efficiency

A primary concern for battery-operated devices is battery longevity. The BG2B is engineered with a dual-output DC-DC power architecture and a multi-core design that markedly boosts efficiency in active, receive, and sleep modes. It stands out in Silicon Labs’ offerings as the lowest-power Bluetooth LE device, exhibiting a 14%-15% reduction in MCU active current and minimal EM2 sleep current with RAM retention compared to earlier models. This advancement translates to extended battery life for various applications including wireless sensors, smart locks, and wearables.

Innovative Channel Sounding Features

To support the growing trend of location-aware products, the BG2B includes advanced Bluetooth Channel Sounding features, such as Mode 3 and Normalized Attack Detector Metric (NADM). These capabilities align with the specifications set forth by leading mobile ecosystems, including Apple and Google, making product interoperability more feasible. Developers benefit from Silicon Labs’ extensive channel sounding development suite, complete with a royalty-free ranging library and engineering support.

The BG2B continues to lower energy consumption per ranging event, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of location services while also incorporating integrated peripherals to optimize system design and reduce costs.

Robust Security Features for Connected Devices

With growing concerns over cybersecurity in connected devices, the BG2B is fortified with Silicon Labs’ Secure Vault technology, providing robust protections for device identity, firmware, and sensitive data. It meets PSA Level 3 compliance and equips manufacturers for the evolving landscape of security legislation, such as the European Union Cyber Resilience Act. The integration of a Custom Part Manufacturing Service (CPMS) allows for the secure provisioning of devices with unique identities and cryptographic credentials during manufacture.

Availability of BG2B

The BG2B SoCs are currently accessible via an early customer engagement program, with initial production hardware anticipated for launch in 2027. For further details, the information can be found on Silicon Labs’ blog.

The content above is a summary. For more details, see the source article.