Bluetooth

TDK Systems yesterday released a range of Bluetooth adaptors designed for industrial, manufacturing, utility and telematics applications.

The company's blu2i portfolio comprises five products, which can be used to embed wireless capabilities in new equipment or add cable-free connection to legacy hardware. The technology enables OEMs to build wireless capabilities into CCTVs, gaming machines, cash registers and the like.

A Bluetooth protocol stack is embedded in each product, which means they appear as a standard serial connection to external devices. The range offers a selection of RS232, USB and PCMCIA interfaces.

Nick Hunn, managing director at TDK Systems, said the interfaces provide building blocks that make it more economical for manufacturers to add Bluetooth connectivity to low volume products.

The technology provides a means to connect credit card readers and cash registers in retail environments, which Hunn described as a growing application with the roll out of the chip and PIN programme. Designers of cash registers, gaming machines, utility meters, CCTV systems in large buildings and intermittent cycling equipment such as air conditioners have all expressed interest in the technology, according to TDK.

blu2i products feature an AT command protocol for simple configuration. They each provide typical (sustained) data transfer rates of 200Kbps. To facilitate the design and integration processes, TDK Systems also provides a developers' kit for the range.

TDK will be demonstrating the adaptors at Bluetooth World Congress, in Amsterdam from June 17 - 19, 2003. ®

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