Summary of REFERENCE DESIGN FOR SMALL WEARABLES FOR SOCIAL-DISTANCING
STMicroelectronics released the BlueNRG-Tile reference design: a compact, low-cost wearable for monitoring social distancing and related remote functions. It uses the ultra-low-power BlueNRG-2 BLE SoC to measure nearby beacon signal strength and estimate proximity, issues perimeter or tamper warnings offline, and can be extended with an S2-LP sub-GHz transceiver for Sigfox tag-to-cloud communication. Power is conserved via a MEMS accelerometer that cycles the unit when stationary; optional memory enables long-term beacon logging for contact tracing.
Parts used in the BlueNRG-Tile reference design:
- BlueNRG-2 System-on-Chip (ultra-low-power BLE SoC)
- S2-LP sub-GHz ultra-low-power RF transceiver (optional)
- MEMS accelerometer
- Internal or external memory (optional)
- Bluetooth non-connecting beacons (external devices detected)
- Battery (power source)
STMicroelectronics, a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, announces the availability of a compact and cost-effective reference design ideally suited for monitoring social distancing, assuring remote operation, provisioning, as well as warning, anti-tampering, and potentially providing contact tracing to protect human health in all environments, including in response to global or local pandemic conditions.
Leveraging Bluetooth Low Energy technology through its incorporation of ST’s ultra-low-power BlueNRG-2 System-on-Chip with tunable RF output power, the BlueNRG-Tile reference design measures the signal strength of nearby Bluetooth non-connecting beacons and, in real-time, calculates proximity to these sources. The circuit can be provisioned and then operate, issuing warnings when another beacon intrudes on an adjustable perimeter or when tampered with – even when not connected to a smartphone or 5G network. The base reference design can be supplemented with ST’s S2-LP sub-GHz ultra-low-power RF transceiver to add bi-directional tag-to-cloud communication through the Sigfox “0G” Global Network, allowing private and anonymous tag provisioning, notifications, and an advisory return-channel for emergency warnings.
To assure power economy and extend battery lifetime, the ultra-low power components are further enhanced with a MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) accelerometer that power cycles the unit when it isn’t moving. Optionally, internal or external memory could provide long-term storage of nearby beacons, allowing contact tracing.
Read more: REFERENCE DESIGN FOR SMALL WEARABLES FOR SOCIAL-DISTANCING
- What is the BlueNRG-Tile reference design?
A compact, cost-effective wearable reference design for monitoring social distancing, providing warnings, anti-tampering, provisioning, and potential contact tracing. - How does BlueNRG-Tile estimate proximity to others?
It measures the signal strength of nearby Bluetooth non-connecting beacons and calculates proximity in real time. - Can the BlueNRG-Tile operate without a smartphone or 5G network?
Yes, it can issue warnings and operate even when not connected to a smartphone or 5G network. - How does the design conserve battery power?
It uses ultra-low-power components and a MEMS accelerometer that power cycles the unit when it is not moving. - Can BlueNRG-Tile support contact tracing?
Optionally, internal or external memory can provide long-term storage of nearby beacons, allowing contact tracing. - What does adding the S2-LP transceiver enable?
It adds bi-directional tag-to-cloud communication through the Sigfox Global Network for private anonymous provisioning, notifications, and an advisory return-channel. - Does BlueNRG-Tile support tamper detection?
Yes, the circuit can issue tamper warnings. - Is the BlueNRG-2 RF output power adjustable?
Yes, BlueNRG-2 includes tunable RF output power.
