(Click here for larger image)The company says its latest KwikBlue Module is based on the Cambridge Silicon Radio (CSR) BlueCore 4-Ext (BC04) chipset that implements
Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), which supports data rates up to three times faster than current v1.2 devices. Bluetooth 2.0 also provides Adaptive Frequency Hopping (AFH) for better WLAN 802.11 coexistence as well as extended SCO (eSCO) support. The BC04 chipset supports UART, USB, and serial programmable audio interfaces, according to Socket.
Socket says its Bluetooth protocol stack is supported under Windows CE and Windows Mobile, and is certified by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group. Bluetooth qualification is mandatory for manufacturers to use the official Bluetooth logo and trademark, according to the company.
The new KwikBlue Module will initially be offered as a Class 1 Bluetooth radio, providing a range of up to 100 meters (300 feet). It is packaged as a Surface Mount Device (SMD) and includes an on-board antenna. A Class 2, version with a range up to 10 meters (30 feet), is expected to be available later this year. Socket says the new module will cost less than the current modules based on the BC02 chipset. Samples are expected to be available in April.
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