December 26, 2013 – CSR ( http://www.csr.com ), a global provider of innovative semiconductor ICs and software solutions in the fields of location awareness, multimedia, and cloud connectivity, today announced a new low-cost Software Development Kit (SDK) that enables the rapid development from prototype to production of Bluetooth Smart devices.

Based on CSR's µEnergy platform, whose technology has already been proven in the industry, the new starter development kit provides a complete development environment that enables developers to develop early Bluetooth Smart products and launch them into the market quickly with only low initial investment costs.

This kit is being released for $99 (approximately 105,000 KRW) through global electronics retailer Digikey, Broadband, and official CSR distributors in each country, offering excellent value for money. The new development kit features an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) including a compiler and debugger without additional licenses, allowing developers to focus on developing innovative devices without any restrictions based on the optimized CSR µEnergy platform. In addition, unlike some products that require purchasing a development environment platform at a separate, substantial cost, there are absolutely no other additional costs.

Anthony Murray, Senior Vice President of the Business Group at CSR, said, “This software development kit will definitely lower the barriers to entry for developers looking to create multifunctional Bluetooth Smart products, such as wearable devices, human interface devices, medical and health devices, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, environmental sensors, home automation, and LED lighting.” He added, “We hope that through optimized hardware and software products provided at cost-effective prices, related developers will be able to launch products with innovative ideas as easily as possible.”

Promoting hardware development
CSR's Starter Development Kit includes a complete RF module design reference certified by the U.S. (FCC) and Europe (ETSI), which greatly assists in facilitating hardware development. Additional components include a hardware development board, a CSR1010™ module, a small USB cable, and installation and operation instructions. No financial investment is required other than $99 (approximately 105,000 KRW), and there is no need to purchase or install additional software.

Rapid software development support
CSR’s starter development kit consists of standard-based profiles for on-chip execution and example application packages for hardware control and BT Smart Qualification tasks. In addition, related developers can receive assistance in the initial development of related applications through source code example code that runs on iOS and Android. In addition, support for developers is also provided through the newly established CSR developer forum and wiki website.

Key Product Features
CSR's starter development kit comprehensively provides all the tools necessary for software development, board design, and production testing, and includes the following tools.

• Target Board: Includes a reference module with an embedded CSR µEnergy integrated circuit, a USB programming interface, and an input/output (I/O) interface for intercommunication with various sensors and peripheral components depending on the application. The target board can operate by receiving power via a host USB connection, but it can also operate using a coin cell battery (purchased separately at stationery stores), and power consumption can be measured in this case.
• CSR’s µEnergy-based software development kit: Supports application development based on GATT (Generic Attribute Profile) level interfaces.
• Integrated Development Environment (xIDE): A development environment that includes a compiler, debugger, etc.
• Accessory Example Applications: Pulse rate detector, blood glucose meter, thermometer, notification messages, mouse/keyboard, and numerous standardized Bluetooth Smart profile and hardware control example source code
• Smartphone Example Application: Example host application for iOS and Android platforms
• CSR µEnergy Integrated Circuit Datasheet
• Hardware Design Guide
• Manufacturing package for reference module design
• Production and configuration (BD Address, Tx Power, etc.) change tool

Additionally, you can obtain further technical support from the websites Forum.csr.com or Wiki.csr.com.

Meanwhile, at CSR’s online education webinar “Getting Started with Bluetooth Smart,” held on Thursday, January 23, 2014, you can find more diverse information on how to develop innovative products using the new starter development kit.

Product-related videos can be found on the YouTube page http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IewsfxeQzzc .