STMicroelectronics BlueNRG-2N network processor

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STMicroelectronics has unveiled the BlueNRG-2N Bluetooth 5.0-certified network processor, lowering power consumption and adding support for the latest Bluetooth features that increase data throughput and enhance privacy and security.

The network coprocessor comes pre-programmed, ready for connecting to a host controller to provide Bluetooth connectivity. Designed to simplify product manufacture, the co-processor also enables scaling of the performance, features and cost of the host system independently. Designers of products such as smart medical wearables, PC peripherals, remote controls, lighting, industrial and home automation can thus optimise their choice of microcontroller (MCU) to meet specific model requirements.

Bluetooth enhancements include support for data length extension, which accelerates over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates by as much as 2.5 times and raises data transfers to 700 Kbps at the application level. In addition, with support for Bluetooth LE Privacy 1.2, the product changes address frequently without host-processor involvement to prevent unwanted tracking with minimal impact on system power consumption.

The processor is programmed with a digitally signed Bluetooth LE stack, designed to save manufacturing costs while still allowing the flexibility to upgrade OTA. Built-in image authentication technology enhances cybersecurity by always checking the stack before starting to allow only signed firmware images to run.

Power consumption is lower compared with previous BlueNRG generations, with low transmit and receive current and drawing just 900 nA in shutdown mode with the BLE stack running. At the same time, the device maintains robust radio performance, with +8 dBm programmable RF output power and up to a 96 dB link budget.

For more information: https://www.st.com/bluenrg-2n-pr.