December 18, 2013 – Broadcom, a global wired and wireless semiconductor company, announced today the addition of a new Bluetooth Smart SoC (system-on-a-chip) to its WICED (Wireless Internet Connectivity for Embedded Devices) product family. The newly released WICED Smart SoC by Broadcom is designed to capitalize on the rapidly growing opportunities in the wearable and Internet of Things (IoT) markets.

Broadcom's BCM20736 WICED smart chip provides OEMs with a flexible solution that can be deployed in a wider variety of devices. The newly announced chip opens the door to innovation in the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem by supporting built-in A4WP wireless charging. With its high-density design and small size, Broadcom's new WICED smart chip extends battery life and reduces power consumption in wearable devices. Furthermore, based on the ARM Cortex M3 processor, it offers cost savings and lower power consumption compared to competitors, enabling OEMs to design advanced applications.

"Brian Bedrosian, Senior Director of Embedded Wireless Connectivity at Broadcom, stated, 'Broadcom's WICED platform is garnering significant attention alongside major IoT innovators such as Electric Imp.' He added, 'Along with embedded Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Smart technology is growing rapidly and becoming the centerpiece of small, battery-operated wearable devices. Broadcom is committed to pushing the boundaries of wearable capabilities with the newly launched WICED smart chip. By providing wireless charging and reduced power consumption, we will enable OEMs to design and deliver more efficient products for a wider range of market segments, thereby empowering the advancement of next-generation wearables and sensors.'"

In addition, Joshua Flood, a senior analyst at ABI Research, stated, “Over the next few years, wearable computing devices will play an increasingly important role in our lives. ABI Research forecasts that more than 50 million wearable devices will be shipped in 2013 and more than 540 million in 2018,” adding, “Bluetooth Smart features will be a key factor in ensuring connectivity between devices and optimal battery performance.”

Key Features of the WICED Smart Chip
• Bluetooth Smart compliant single-mode low-energy solution
• Integrates the ARM CM3 Microcontroller Unit (MCU), Radio Frequency (RF), and embedded Bluetooth Smart stack all on a single chip
• Full software support including GATT, profiles, stacks, APIs, and Application Software Development Kits (SDKs)
• Power optimized for single-mode coin cell operation with a 1.2V supply
• Built-in support for 2 SPIs (serial peripheral interfaces)
• Short standby time and low power consumption design
• 6.5 x 6.5 mm solution footprint and small form factor
• Supports A4WP wireless charging and enhanced data security mode
• Pins compatible with Broadcom's existing Bluetooth Smart SoCs
• Supports secure OTA (over the air) updates

Broadcom's BCM20736 is currently being provided as a sample along with a customer evaluation board and a software development kit (SDK).