Silicon Labs introduced the BG22L and BG24L SoCs for Bluetooth LE connectivity, with “L” representing the new application-optimized Lite devices. These new ultra-low power Bluetooth devices are optimized for applications like asset tracking tags, remote control, and small appliances. The BG22L delivers robust security and processing for common Bluetooth devices, while BG24L supports advanced AI/ML acceleration and Channel Sounding.
According to Silicon Labs, the new BG22L supports Bluetooth 5.4 and brings the most competitive combination of security, processing power, and connectivity for high-volume, cost-sensitive, and low-power applications. The BG24L SoC supports Bluetooth 6.0, Bluetooth mesh and proprietary connectivity, includes the Silicon Labs accelerator for AI/ML applications and support for Bluetooth Channel Sounding for asset tracking and geofencing, even in the most crowded areas like packed warehouses and multi-family housing units.
“We know that our customers are always looking for ways to keep pace with the demands of the evolving IoT market while reducing costs,” says Ross Sabolcik, senior vice president of the Industrial and Commercial business unit at Silicon Labs. “The BG22L and BG24L expand our portfolio to match those customer needs and concerns by providing an optimized set of industry-leading Bluetooth features with our signature IoT capabilities like high RF sensitivity, low power, robust security, and powerful compute.”
The new BG24L accelerates adoption of Bluetooth 6.0 and Channel Sounding. This is a major update, delivering substantial enhancements to audio streaming, device networks, and especially location services. Some of the most significant impacts of these new features are strengthened security and greater accuracy in distance measurement.
Bluetooth Channel Sounding, one of the most notable features of Bluetooth 6.0, enables two-way ranging between two Bluetooth LE devices. This paves the way for new applications using distance measurement accuracy and ranging. One of the most exciting features when the Bluetooth SIG announced Bluetooth 6.0 in September 2024, it allows devices like the BG24L SoC to use two-way connections to determine the distance between themselves within sub-meter accuracy. This opens a range of applications from item finding to access control. For example, users would be able to locate keys, wallets, or any other Bluetooth 6.0-equipped item at a fraction of the power of other ranging technologies.
Another use case for channel sounding is wireless access control. Bluetooth 6.0-equipped devices will be able to communicate with vehicles, package lockers, and other things that generally require an interaction or passcode. By sensing that a device is in close proximity, the locker or vehicle can open automatically simply by recognizing the signal of the approaching, securely designated Bluetooth device.
With a 78MHz ARM Cortex M33 processor, 768kB of Flash, and 96kB of RAM in a 5mm x 5mm QFN40 packaging, the BG24L is a cost-effective SoC for high-volume Bluetooth Channel Sounding. For AI and machine learning applications, the BG24L also includes Silicon Labs’ proprietary Matrix Vector Processor (MVP) AI/ML accelerator. With the embedded MVP accelerator, the BG24L provides up to 8x faster inferencing performance using only 1/6th of the power compared to performing the same calculations on the Cortex M, thereby extending battery life. This makes BG24L an ideal ML inferencing platform for complex edge AI applications with sensors.
The BG22L is competitively designed for common wireless applications where robust, secure Bluetooth connectivity is needed. The BG22L SoC delivers a balance of low cost, low power consumption, and superior performance. It includes an ultra-low power receive mode along with a Precision Low-Frequency RC Oscillator (PLFRCO) that eliminates the need for an external oscillator with no performance loss. These enhancements enable BG22L to operate for up to ten years on a single coin cell battery. The BG22L also supports Bluetooth 5.4 and Bluetooth Direction Finding. It features an ARM Cortex M33 processor at 38.4MHz, up to 352kB of flash, and up to 24kB of RAM in a 4x4mm QFN32 packaging.
Both the BG22L and the BG24L are planned for general availability in Q2 of 2025.
www.silabs.com
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