| Collect and transmit data via Bluetooth LE
| RSL10 radio, integrated antenna, all passive components
| Providing rapid prototyping programs for IoT

ON Semiconductor announced on the 11th that it has launched the 'RSL10 Multi-Sensor Platform' that is powered solely by solar cells.

The new solution collects and transmits data using 'Bluetooth Low Energy' without the need for batteries or other forms of non-renewable energy. This supports the development of IoT sensors that use solar energy harvesting.

The combination of ultra-low-power wireless communications, small form-factor solar cells, and low-duty-cycle sensing applications helps develop and deploy maintenance-free IoT sensor nodes.

The 'RSL10 Solar Cell Multi-Sensor Platform' is implemented as a SiP solution, the RSL10 SIP, featuring the RSL10 radio, integrated antenna, and all passive components.

The platform integrates low-power sensors from Bosch Sensortec, including the RSL10 SIP and the BME280 all-in-one environmental sensor for pressure, temperature and humidity, the BMA400 ultra-low-power 3-axis accelerometer, and solar cells.

Developers and manufacturers can use this platform to build IoT nodes that run solely on renewable energy or energy harvested from the surrounding sensors.

A growing number of IoT sensor applications have low enough duty cycles to support intermittent communications, allowing the energy needed to support operation to be harvested using renewable energy sources. The highly efficient power management system and ultra-low-power sensors implemented on the RSL10 platform enhance the platform's energy efficiency.

The platform is expected to enable applications in smart homes and building automation, including HVAC control, window/door sensors, and air quality monitoring. Asset tracking applications, such as package open/close detection, shock monitoring, and temperature and humidity data logging, are also possible.

The new platform provides all design files and customizable source code as part of the CMSIS software package, supporting easy development. The RSL10 solar cell multi-sensor platform is available from ON Semiconductor.

We also offer several energy-efficient rapid prototyping programs for IoT, including the Energy Harvesting Bluetooth Low Energy Switch, which was selected by China Electronics Magazine as the most competitive IoT solution in China in 2018.
“The BMA400 is the first truly ultra-low-power acceleration sensor without compromise,” said Peter Weigand, Vice President of Marketing at Bosch Sensortec. “In combination with the BME280 integrated environmental sensor, it provides a comprehensive sensing solution for IoT applications such as temperature control, intrusion detection, and asset tracking.”

“To support the growth of IoT, manufacturers are actively investing in alternative energy sources to power their designs, reducing environmental impact and lowering manufacturing and maintenance costs,” said Wiren Perera, general manager, IoT at ON Semiconductor. “This solution, built around the RSL10 Bluetooth low energy radio, demonstrates that a battery-free and maintenance-free approach to smart sensor development is not only possible, but can also help manufacturers improve their designs.”