Toshiba Electronics Europe (ETE) has launched two new application processors for wearable devices. The TZ1031MBG and TZ1011MBG are the latest additions to the TZ1000 series of the App Lite™ family, providing single-package solutions for the Internet of Things (IoT).There has been an explosion of interest in services that monitor the duration and level of physical activity to promote exercise, improve nutrition, and help prevent lifestyle-related diseases. This has increased the demand for wearable devices such as activity trackers, smartwatches, fitness trackers, and glasses.
Toshiba is expanding its range of systematic solutions for the TZ1000 series by developing software algorithms that can be applied to measuring weak biomedical signals, such as pulse and ECG. In doing so, Toshiba is providing an evaluation environment for developers to shorten the time to market for products that integrate its application processors.
The launch of the TZ1001MBG in November 2014 introduced a single-package application processor that integrates data collection sensors, data processing capabilities, flash memory for data storage, and a low-power Bluetooth controller for data communication. Building on this foundation, new application processors expand sensing capabilities by adding a gyroscope to the TZ1031MBG, and a gyroscope and magnetometer to the TZ1011MBG.
The high-level integration of the new application processors makes it possible to create wearable devices without any other components. It also contributes to a smaller form factor, allowing wearables to be made smaller. The new processors are specifically designed for low power consumption, essential for ensuring longer battery life in wearables. The integration of a low-power Bluetooth controller and RF circuitry enables the transfer of raw and processed data to external devices, such as smartphones and tablets.
The package for each device includes a wireless communication function, sensors, a high-performance ARM® Cortex®-M4F flash memory with DSP, 8Mbit of NOR flash memory, and a floating-point processing unit, which allows combining data from multiple sensors, both internal and external, to improve accuracy (sensor fusion). The products integrate a high-resolution 24-bit ΔΣADC with high-speed switches connected to three input channels, enabling them to measure weak biomedical signals, such as pulse and electrical activity of the heart.
The package for both the TZ1011MBG and TZ1031MBG measures 8.5 mm x 9.8 mm x 1.6 mm. Samples are available; mass production will begin in June.
