Cambridge Consultants introduces an enhanced xIDE for Interface Express software development environment for Bluetooth 2.1

Software development platform for high-performance, feature-rich Bluetooth single-chip applications on CSR BlueCore^™ devices delivers lowest cost products in the fastest time-to-market

August 20, 2009 -- Cambridge Consultants has released the latest version of its embedded Bluetooth application development toolkit, xIDE for Interface Express^™ , which enables developers to create sophisticated multi-profile Bluetooth 2.1 qualified products and accessories.  xIDE for Interface Express applications run natively on a single BlueCore^™ chip from CSR (Cambridge Silicon Radio), so developers get access to more performance and more memory to support multi-profile applications without the need for a costly host-processor.

This software development environment provides developers with a comprehensive set of Bluetooth profiles and a complete protocol stack to develop and integrate their own applications directly on to the CSR BlueCore chip.  Supporting BlueCore4 and BlueCore5-Multimedia devices, it also provides a comprehensive application support library that includes MMI widgets for menus and icons, etc., colour and monochrome display drivers, keypad scanner functionality, access to the USB port, and an interface to on-chip Kalimba^™ DSP (Digital Signal Processing) for audio processing and codecs as well as other signal processing functions.

The latest version of xIDE for Interface Express provides a complete project environment for editing, fast compilation (using a new GCC tool chain), and build and debug from a single tool, creating easier and faster development cycles. The new compiler provides enhanced on-chip debug capabilities compared with the previous toolkit.  The toolkit also retains its support for prototyping and debugging application software in a PC environment, prior to targeting the code at the BlueCore devices, a facility that can significantly enhance productivity for developers.

"Our new toolkit lets developers push the envelope for more sophisticated, feature-rich and multi-application Bluetooth-enabled devices," said Tim Fowler, Commercial Director at Cambridge Consultants’ Wireless Division. "By enabling applications to run on a single CSR BlueCore, costs are dramatically reduced for developers of new products with differentiated functionality and value.  Software running natively on the XAP2 processor within BlueCore also means more processing power and RAM for applications."

xIDE for Interface Express has been used to develop a wide range of high-end Bluetooth-enabled audio, telephony, printer and storage devices including the Sony Ericsson Media-viewer, PlanOn’s PRINTSTIK pocket printer and Chipcomm’s CTP access point technology.  The toolkit is also used in Cambridge Consultants’ VENA platform, enabling a new generation of seamlessly interoperable Continua-Certified^™ healthcare and fitness wireless devices, including the world’s first qualified Bluetooth 2.1 health device profile (HDP) and products for A&D Medical.

One company looking forward to the new version is Wireless Werx, Inc., a leader in delivering in-building location information via Bluetooth-enabled mobile devices.  Jim Ashley Jr., Chief Technology Officer at the company said: "At WirelessWERX we have been using xIDE for Interface Express for more than a year in the development of our products.  It has allowed us to develop extremely complex and robust Bluetooth products compared to alternative solutions.  xIDE has enabled our products to deliver exceptional performance beyond our expectations, allowing us to focus our efforts on our applications."

Cambridge Consultants develops breakthrough products, creates and licenses intellectual property, and provides business consultancy in technology critical issues for clients worldwide. For nearly 50 years, the company has enabled its clients to turn business opportunities into commercial successes, whether launching first-to-market products, entering new markets or expanding existing markets through the introduction of new technologies.

With a team of over 300 engineers, designers, scientists and consultants, in offices in Cambridge (UK) and Boston (USA), Cambridge Consultants offers solutions across a diverse range of industries including medical technology, industrial and consumer products, transport, energy, cleantech and wireless communications. In 2009, the company was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade.  For more information visit: www.CambridgeConsultants.com

Cambridge Consultants is part of Altran, the European leader in innovation and high technology consulting. The Group’s 17,500 consultants, operating worldwide, cover the entire range of engineering specialities, including electronics, information technology, quality and organization. Altran offers its clients ongoing support throughout the innovation cycle, from technology watch, applied basic research and management consulting to industrial systems engineering and information systems. The Group provides services to most industries, including the automotive, aeronautics, space, life sciences and telecommunications sectors. Founded in 1982, Altran operates in 20 priority countries. In 2008, it generated a turnover of €1,650 million. For more information visit: www.altran.com

CSR plc is a leading provider of multifunction connectivity and location platforms. CSR's technology portfolio includes Bluetooth, GPS, FM, Wi-Fi (IEEE802.11), UWB, NFC and other technologies to enable silicon platforms that incorporate fully integrated radio, baseband and microcontroller elements. CSR's Connectivity Centre is designed to enhance the user experience with mainstream mobile devices by intelligent integration of multiple wireless connectivity and location-awareness technologies. CSR's Location Platforms are complemented by wireless connectivity and multimedia capabilities for high-volume mobile consumer devices and commercial applications.  CSR's technology has been adopted by market leaders into a wide range of mobile consumer devices such as mobile phones, automobile navigation and telematics systems, portable navigation devices (PNDs), wireless headsets, mobile computers, mobile internet devices, GPS recreational devices, digital cameras, mobile gaming, plus a wide range of personal and commercial tracking applications.  More information can be found at www.csr.com

WirelessWERX, a privately funded company, was established in 1998 and is headquartered in Anaheim, CA. Today we have offices in the U.S. and Asia. The company has a long history of developing and deploying end-to-end solutions for the deployment of Mobile Resource Management and Tracking solutions as well as Location Based Services systems. WirelessWERX currently holds 3 patents and 10 patents pending for its Location Based Services technology platform and services.  More information can be found at www.wirelesswerx.com

The Bluetooth word mark and logo are registered trademarks and are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc.  A Bluetooth profile defines how different applications use Bluetooth wireless technology to set up a connection and exchange data. The Medical Devices Working Group of the Bluetooth SIG developed the Bluetooth medical device protocol to ensure that devices in the medical environment can transfer data between devices in a secure and well defined way via Bluetooth wireless technology.

The Continua Health Alliance is a non-profit, open industry coalition of the finest healthcare and technology companies joining together in collaboration to improve the quality of personal healthcare. With more than 170 member companies around the world, Continua is dedicated to establishing a system of interoperable personal health solutions with the knowledge that extending those solutions into the home fosters independence, empowers individuals and provides the opportunity for truly personalized health and wellness management.  For more details, see www.continuaalliance.org