May 30, 2014 – Broadcom, a global wired and wireless semiconductor company, announced today the introduction of a new Bluetooth Smart SoC to its WICED (Wireless Internet Connectivity for Embedded Devices) product family that enhances data protection and indoor location awareness experiences. Broadcom’s newly announced Bluetooth Smart SoC, the BCM20737, strengthens security to expand the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem and adds support for iBeacon location technology.

As data sharing among smartphones, tablets, wearable devices, consumer electronics, medical products, and sensor applications continues to increase, privacy issues have also emerged. Broadcom's BCM20737 is a new low-cost, low-power WICED smart chip that is highly effective in protecting critical information. In particular, it includes support for RSA 4000-bit encryption and decryption, addressing today's most critical security threats and securely coding user data during transmission.

The BCM20737 chip and Broadcom’s Bluetooth Smart solution portfolio support iBeacon technology for improved device detection and identification. iBeacon is a technology introduced by Apple with iOS 7 that provides apps with a completely new level of micro-location recognition, such as in park signage, art museum exhibit guides, and store product displays. For example, when users lose their car keys, they can immediately locate the keys by activating a smartphone application that detects low-power transmitters.

In addition, the WICED Smart SoC supports Rezence™, the A4WP (Alliance for Wireless Power) wireless charging standard. According to research firm ABI Research, the average U.S. household requires more than 10 devices to be charged and recharged for normal operation. As the first leading provider of Bluetooth Smart chips that support wireless charging, Broadcom is providing the solutions necessary to develop new products that can be easily charged anywhere.

Brian Bedrosian, Senior Director of Product Marketing for Broadcom’s Wireless Connectivity Combo (WCC) Group, stated, “Broadcom is contributing to the growth of WICED by addressing privacy concerns and keeping data secure with its new Bluetooth Smart chip. Furthermore, as iBeacon technology is being rapidly adopted in many locations, including retail stores, sports stadiums, and airports, supporting this technology is critical for Broadcom. By providing high levels of security and iBeacon support, Broadcom aims to enable customers to accelerate product development and focus on creating next-generation innovative applications within the evolving Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem.”

In addition, Philip Solis, Research Director for Mobile Devices at research firm ABI Research, stated, "Improving the security capabilities of Bluetooth chips is becoming increasingly important for protecting products from hacking and encrypting data transmitted between products." He added, "As more people are connecting accessories to mobile devices and PCs, 2.7 billion Bluetooth-enabled products are expected to be shipped this year, a 20% increase from last year. Broadcom's Bluetooth Smart products will help minimize the risks posed to consumers by this surge in Bluetooth connectivity."

Meanwhile, Broadcom's BCM20737 is currently being supplied as a sample along with an evaluation board (EVB) and a software development kit (SDK).