quarter 3 | autumn 2015

Cover story Nordic tech tracks Pikes Peak racers

Wireless charging’s evolution Training tomorrow’s software engineers How Bluetooth was born Opinion QUARTER 3 | AUTUMN 2015

COVER STORY Ståle “Steel” Ytterdal Nordic tech tracks Pikes Peak racers

Wireless charging’s evolution Training tomorrow’s software engineers How Bluetooth was born Complementary technologies 2015’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb saw competitors improve customer experience tracked using Nordic beacon technology (see page 21)

ordic Semiconductor built its business by designing and developing ultra low power 2.4 GHz transceivers designed to run from tiny batteries. Later the company was part of telecoms manufacturer Nokia’s Wibree initiative that mapped out a specification for coin-cell powered Nperipherals to wirelessly connect with smartphones. This fledgling specification was taken over by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) in 2007 and several companies, including Nordic, worked with the SIG to come up with an open-standard ultra low power wireless protocol called Bluetooth low energy (now more familiar as Bluetooth Smart). Bluetooth low energy was launched as part of the Bluetooth Version 4.0 specification back in 2010. The majority of smartphones, tablets, and PCs now incorporate a Bluetooth Smart Ready chip to seamlessly connect with Bluetooth Smart peripherals. Today, Nordic enjoys a good market share in the Bluetooth Smart sector and the company’s chips are found in products such as the latest generation of smartwatches and fitness bands that have hit the market in notable numbers. If things go well, tomorrow, Nordic could enjoy major success as a Bluetooth Smart supplier to the burgeoning Internet of Things (IoT). I recount this history to demonstrate the merits of specialization, in this case dedication to the development of ultra low power wireless connectivity. But Nordic is not blind to the benefits of other technologies, particularly when adopting them leads to an improved customer experience. For example, the incorporation of British company ARM’s microprocessor technology in the nRF51 Series allowed Nordic to offer a System-on-Chip (SoC) with sufficient processing power to handle a wide range of Bluetooth Smart applications. This encouraged developers to come up with hundreds of innovative ULP Wireless Q is published ways to use the wireless link. A second example is the support of ANT Wireless’ ANT+ protocol which on behalf of Nordic allows Nordic to offer an option for customers looking to develop products for sectors where ANT+ is Semiconductor by Ecritech preferred. Another example is the addition of an IPv6 layer to Nordic’s Bluetooth Smart stack enabling www.ecritech.com nRF51 Series-equipped sensors to become better solutions for IoT applications. The launch of Nordic’s nRF52 Series takes this strategy a step further; not only has the company Editor upgraded the ARM processor to a more powerful M4F device but we have also added a Near Field Steven Keeping e-mail: [email protected] Communication (NFC) tag to the SoC. NFC is a form of wireless connectivity that operates when things are brought into proximity with each other. By adding it to the nRF52 Series, consumers will be able to Assistant Editor Andrew Woolls-King take advantage of “touch-to-pair” – technology that pairs Bluetooth-equipped devices by simply e-mail: [email protected] tapping them together. It’s another great example of how technologies can complement each other to produce better user experiences. News Editor Chris Williams e-mail: [email protected] Yours Sincerely, Art Editor Tim Plummer e-mail: [email protected] Image Editor Neale Hobday e-mail: [email protected] Ståle “Steel” Ytterdal Print & Distribution Director of Sales & Marketing - Asia Printech Europe

Contributors

Page 10 Page 16 Page 20

Dr Patricia Charlton is co-founder Sally Ward-Foxton is an electronics Caroline Hayes is a tech writer The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are of Creative Digital Solutions. In this freelance journalist. On page 16 she specializing in semiconductors. registered trademarks owned by the issue she explains how collaborative describes how tools from ARM and Here she describes the invention Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Nordic Semiconductor is under license. learning spaces foster creativity and Nordic are helping students become of Bluetooth technology by Dutch entrepreneurship better engineers engineer Jaap Haartsen © Nordic Semiconductor 2015

2 | AUTUMN 2015 | ulp wireless quarter www.nordicsemi.com NEWS

The latest developments from Nordic Semiconductor

Resonant transmitter breaks In brief Nordic reports wireless charging power barrier record revenue Gill Electronics, a U.S. to be charged, Gill Electronics’ Nordic Semiconductor has manufacturer of resonant transmitter can be mounted to reported record high revenue wireless power solutions, the underside of almost any of $52.6 million during the second quarter of 2015. The has unveiled what it claims is the non-metallic work surface, and revenue represents growth first wireless power transmitter allows the user to place the of 27 percent over the same able to simultaneously charge device anywhere within the period in 2014. Sales of multiple power intensive devices charging field. Bluetooth Smart solutions over a wide-area charging field. Moreover, unlike induction- make up the majority of sales, The company is employing based wireless charging where contributing revenue of $30.1 Nordic Semiconductor’s the user is limited to a one-to- million, or 57.1 percent of total nRF51822 System-on-Chip one ratio of charging pad to revenue during Q2 2015 on (SoC) to provide the Bluetooth device, the transmitter’s the back of strong sales in gaming, toys, and wearables. Smart connectivity in its new scalable power capability allows Gross profit for Q2 2015 was TesLink 33+W Wireless Power The TesLink Wireless Power the user to charge multiple $26 million, or 49.5 percent of Transmitter. The unit is capable Transmitter can charge multiple devices with different power power intensive devices over a revenue. of delivering in excess of 33 W wide-area charging field requirements and different across a distance of 40 mm and power states on the same area Bluetooth beacon over an area of 22 by 15 cm, principles of magnetic resonance at the same time. sufficient to simultaneously and developed and maintained “Consumers want the shipments soar charge, for example, a by the Alliance for Wireless freedom and simple A new report from analyst ABI smartphone and two tablets. Power. (See pages 14 & 15). convenience of a wireless ‘drop Research claims Bluetooth The TesLink 33+W Wireless Unlike induction-based and go’ environment,” says Larry Smart beacon shipments will Power Transmitter is built on the wireless charging technologies Leete, from Gill Electronics. “We exceed 400 million units in Rezence standard, a wireless that currently deliver up to a are just scratching the surface of 2020. The report, “BLE Tags: power transfer technology and maximum of 5 W and require the potential applications for The Location of Things”, said specification based on the precise placement of the device wireless resonant power.” growth would be driven by established markets like retail and personal asset tracking, as well as developing sectors such as enterprise/industrial, Body analyzer scale delivers health metrics IoT, and connected home. It German manufacturer HMM Diagnostics has said pure beacon shipment launched a body analyzer scale with both The body analyzer scale supports revenues are expected to Bluetooth Smart and ANT+, providing Bluetooth Smart and ANT+ wireless connectivity, break $1 billion but the real greater flexibility for users opportunity lay in network allowing users to measure and record a range of management and analytics. key health metrics on iOS and Android handhelds and compatible sports watches. The multifunction smartLABfit W body Healthcare sector analyzer scale employs Nordic Semiconductor’s drives wearables nRF51422 System-on-Chip (SoC) which can The wearable devices market concurrently support Bluetooth Smart and ANT+ will continue its transition to connectivity, and measures and records a range mass market proliferation as of key health metrics. improvements in devices and The scale can store and automatically detect more interesting applications up to eight user profiles, and offers four activity are developed, according to indices for the precise determination of the a new report. Analyst Frost & user’s basal and active metabolic rate. Sullivan said the healthcare “We chose the nRF51422 because it’s possible services sector would lead the way with remote patient for us to communicate with a lot of devices by monitoring and post-surgery supporting both ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart,” rehabilitation applications. says Maher Khoury, CEO of HMM Diagnostics. manufacture two different versions of the scale. However, the report also “Because the device is an SoC it means we can “This is an advantage because, for instance, noted that concerns over do the whole job with only one chip, and because ANT+ allows users to connect to Garmin watches battery power were a it is a multiprotocol device we don’t have to that a lot of people use for sports.” potential stumbling block to widespread adoption. www.nordicsemi.com ulp wireless quarter | autumn 2015 | 3 news

In brief Multisensor proximity beacon Nordic products voted in ‘hot 100’ tracks movement and light

Nordic Semiconductor’s S130 A proximity beacon capable hospitals or museums to provide SoftDevice and nRF51822 of delivering microlocation- indoor navigation and push Beacon Kit have been voted based content, as well as notifications, installed in a server as one of the “hottest” 100 capturing temperature, light, and room to sense the environmental product launches during 2014 by the editors and movement data, has been temperature or used to send readers of top U.S. electronics launched by Chinese intelligent commands to smart home devices design magazine, EDN, and sensor company, Sensoro. to change their status. electronics engineering Powered by Nordic’s nRF51822 The addition of an community, EDN Network, in System-on-Chip (SoC), the Yunzi accelerometer allows users to the Wireless & Networking beacon can be attached to any know if a beacon has been moved, category. The EDN Network is location or object, providing and then lock it for security an electronics community for contextually relevant purposes. In retail applications, engineers attracting 350,000 microlocation-based content via the beacons can deliver in-store unique visitors every month. The S130 is a Bluetooth v4.1- apps on the user’s smartphone. coupons to a user’s smartphone compliant Bluetooth Smart The beacon conforms to or collect data to for personalized stack for concurrent Central, Apple’s iBeacon specification but loyalty programs. Peripheral, Broadcaster, and has been optimized by Sensoro to The beacon’s coin cell battery Observer roles. enable its operation with multiple has a life of up to two-and-a-half sensors. Yunzi includes an years, thanks to the nRF51822’s IoT gateway accelerometer to track the ultra low power operation. battle emerges beacon’s movements, as well as “The Yunzi beacon’s light- and temperature-sensors transmission range [from 15 cm to Competition is increasing to for environmental feedback. 80 m] allows for precise and own the IoT gateway to the Compatible smartphone apps Multiple embedded sensors expand accurate positioning but also connected home, with Internet not only alert a user to the Yunzi Yunzi’s potential applications reduces the number of beacons a service providers (ISPs) the likely early winners, research beacon’s proximity, but also The beacons could be customer needs to deploy,” says analyst Gartner claims. It identify if a beacon is moving. deployed, for example, in airports, Sensoro founder, Tony Zhao. said the number of smart connected homes is expected to grow from between 100 and 200 million homes now, to between 500 and 700 Silica joins Nordic’s European network million homes by 2020, and Nordic Semiconductor has Internet, cable, alarm, and added one of the largest mobile phone operating distributors in Europe – Silica – system companies were all to its European distribution actively creating platforms and ecosystems in an attempt network. to break into the market. Silica is a division of Europe’s largest distributor, Avnet Electronics Marketing EMEA, ANT Wireless and employs over 900 people, unveils modules operating out of 47 local European branch offices across ANT Wireless has released its new N550 and N5150 21 countries, including Russia. series modules loaded with The agreement covers sales, Nordic’s SoftDevice S210. marketing, and support of Nordic and Silica staff celebrate the distribution agreement between the two companies This increases the number of Nordic’s full range of ultra low supported independent ANT power wireless solutions, channels from eight to 15 while including its newly launched comments Mario Orlandi, scale and operational offering data encryption on all nRF52 Series. president of Avnet Memec - efficiencies of its parent ANT channels. The modules “Nordic Semiconductor is a Silica. distribution company, Avnet,” also incorporate advanced world-leader in Bluetooth “This developer-focused explains Morten Staale, power management features. Smart and ultra low power culture perfectly matches our Nordic’s Distribution Sales Based on Nordic’s nRF51422 wireless solutions with a own,” says Orlandi. Manager for Europe. Systems-on-Chip (SoC), fantastic emphasis on “Silica has a strong design-in “This all combines to make the new modules are pin- and technical support culture them a valuable and powerful compatible with the current developing category-leading backed up by a logistics and addition to Nordic N548 series and are available solutions that are easy to in the same M8 and M4 form design-in and backed up by fulfillment organization that Semiconductor’s European factors with the same reel and first-class technical support,” leverages the economies-of- distributor network.” tray packaging options.

4 | autumn 2015 | ulp wireless quarter www.nordicsemi.com news

Smartphone-controlled exercise machines provide flexibility and fitness

Octane Fitness has unveiled training on the equipment with a range of elliptical cross- Octane’s elliptical strength training adjacent to it cross trainers promise trainers and a zero-impact impact-free workouts via custom exercises from the running machine able to be app on their Bluetooth Smart wirelessly connected and Ready device. controlled from iOS-compatible ”The user isn’t always on the Bluetooth Smart Ready devices machine – he or she could be in via the company’s SmartLink app. another room doing the strength Employing Nordic’s nRF51422 training element of their training multiprotocol System-on-Chip session. [Yet] the Bluetooth (SoC), the Q Series elliptical Smart or ANT+ wireless cross-trainers, xRide recumbent technology allows them to stay ellipticals, and Zero Runner zero- connected to the console at all impact running machine, can also times,” says Tim Porth, an be connected to Bluetooth Smart Executive Vice President with Ready and ANT+ heart rate Octane Fitness. monitors and chest straps. In “The ability to wirelessly addition, the Zero Runner can be connect to and control the paired with Garmin watches that machine through the SmartLink offer Connect IQ, Garmin’s open app allows home users to keep platform for third-party app their investment in the product developers. down, as they get all the features The exercise equipment is as the ability to monitor and track and heart rate, the SmartLink app of a fully integrated touch screen aimed at everyone from casual performance through their also provides customized 30-, from their smartphone or tablet, exercisers to elite level athletes smartphone or tablet. 60- or 90-day training programs. without the cost of engineering who are looking for an impact- In addition to monitoring time, Additional software allows users this functionality into the fitness and injury-free workout, as well distance, calories burned, speed, to combine cardio interval equipment,” says Porth.

Affordable tracking wristband helps locate missing children Korean IT startup Lineable has launched a functions, with the added benefit that this highly affordable $5 child-tracking also makes the tracker very easy to use. wristband that can alert other nearby users “Children by their very nature are via “crowd sourcing” GPS if a child goes vulnerable to separation from parents and missing, allowing them to be quickly and guardians causing panic for individuals and safely reunited with their parents. communities until they are found and In the event a child goes missing who is reunited,” says Lineable CTO, Jeong Key. wearing the Lineable wristband - in effect a “We intentionally designed Lineable to Bluetooth Smart beacon - a parent or look and feel like an ordinary, lightweight guardian can send an alert broadcast from Lineable identity wristband that is both water- and wristbands their Lineable smartphone app to all other offer parents dust-proof in order to seamlessly integrate Lineable app users in the vicinity so they peace of mind with a child’s daily activities.” can help locate the child. Thanks to the ultra low power operating Employing Nordic’s nRF51822 System- company says it has achieved the $5 retail characteristics of the Nordic nRF51822 SoC, on-Chip (SoC) to provide Bluetooth Smart cost by simplifying the design of the each Lineable wristband can run for a year wireless connectivity to smartphones, the Lineable to only the most necessary from a regular 3V CR2032 coin cell battery. In brief Nordic nominated for GSA award Smart fabrics on growth path Nordic Semiconductor has been nominated “Most Respected The global smart fabric market is expected to grow at a CAGR Emerging Public Semiconductor Company” by the members of of 24.1 percent up to 2020, fuelled by growing penetration of the Global Semiconductor Alliance (GSA), as part of the GSA’s smartphones and other Bluetooth Smart Ready devices. Analyst 2014 Awards program. The award, for companies achieving $100 Grand View Research says the miniaturization of electronics is to $250 million in annual sales, is designed to identify public expected to significantly fuel industry growth over the forecast companies garnering the most respect from the industry in period, although laundering remains an obstacle with high terms of its products, vision, and future opportunities within its temperatures, mechanical stress, and chemical resistance respective sales categories. currently limiting the technology’s effectiveness. www.nordicsemi.com ulp wireless quarter | autumn 2015 | 5 news

MetaWear modules accelerate time to market for wearables and sensors

U.S. company MbientLab The MetaWear hardware is has launched a series of delivered in a module available in complete development and three different form factors; 9 to production platforms for 11 mm, 17 to 26 mm, or 25 mm wearable and sensor diameter, powered by a coin cell applications, allowing or Lithium ion (Li-ion) manufacturers to reduce the rechargeable-battery. prototyping and development “We are targeting developers time for their wirelessly- who either want to build new connected products. products that are smart and The customizable MetaWear connected, or those people who uses Nordic’s nRF51822 System- want to enhance their products on-Chip (SoC) to provide so that they are smart and Bluetooth Smart connectivity to connected,” says Laura Kassovic, Bluetooth Smart Ready devices. co-founder and CEO of The platform includes factory- MbientLab. supplied firmware programed “The best thing about into the Nordic SoC - including MetaWear is that you don’t need temperature and motion sensors, an engineering degree to use it. and a mobile application It’s very, very easy to use which programing interface (API) - MetaWear makes product makes product development allowing developers to focus on development quick and affordable quick and affordable. their mobile app rather than “You won’t have to mess with diverting resources to wireless development cycle using their and altitude, making them hardware engineers, you won’t firmware development. own Bluetooth Smart Ready suitable for a range of have to mess with complicated Engineers can also use the devices. applications including home- and stacks, and you won’t have to mess Bluetooth Smart connectivity to The modules’ sensors are environmental-monitoring, with troublesome development interface with the sensors and capable of measuring machine control, patient tools. We want the customer to be peripherals on the MetaWear acceleration, orientation, angular monitoring, health, sports, and able to go from prototype to the hardware platform during the velocity, temperature, pressure, fashion wearables. store shelves fast.”

Bluetooth Smart motorcycle alarm prevents bikes being started even if keys are stolen or cloned A motorbike alarm system that StarLine V66 protected bike it a high decibel alarm if an pairs wirelessly with a will not start without the armed bike is physically smartphone app or wireless presence of a paired partner moved or tampered with.” key tag that unless present will Bluetooth Smart smartphone The ultra low power immobilize the bike even if the app or dedicated wireless key nRF51822 has enabled original or a cloned key is tag. However if either one of StarLine to minimize power inserted in the ignition, is these is present the bike will consumption to 2 mA when providing a robust extra line of be automatically unlocked and the alarm is armed on the bike defense against thieves. start normally. side, and a one-year battery Developed by Russian “Standard motorbike and life for the key tag running automotive specialist, automotive security systems from a regular CR2032 coin StarLine, the recently do not protect owners from cell battery. launched StarLine V66 loss if the keys are stolen or The key tag battery life has motorbike alarm system cloned,” says Alex Borisov, been further optimized by the employs Nordic’s nRF51822 Head of R&D at StarLine. inclusion of an accelerometer System-on-Chip (SoC) to “Our V66 alarm system that puts the nRF51822 into provide the Bluetooth Smart plugs the gap for motorbikes deep sleep mode if the tag is wireless connectivity to while also offering all the not moved for more than smartphones and/or a standard features of existing 10 minutes. dedicated wireless key tag. security systems such as an The StarLineV66 If a stolen key is inserted accelerometer-based shock keeps motorbike into the bike ignition of a and tilt sensor that will trigger thieves at bay

6 | autumn 2015 | ulp wireless quarter www.nordicsemi.com ULP WIRELESS TRENDS

The latest developments in technology

Wearable technology can improve your health according to the AHA

Bluetooth Smart’s in-built security makes it ideal for U2F authentication MOU seeks to use Bluetooth Smart for U2F authentication The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) and the Fast IDentity Online (FIDO) Alliance have agreed a memorandum of Smart technology and wearables may understanding (MOU) to use Bluetooth Smart as an alternative to USB dongles help improve health behaviors in Universal Second Factor (U2F) The American Heart Association (AHA) claims smartphone apps and wearable sensors authentication. have the potential to help people make healthier lifestyle choices. Published in the AHA’s U2F is an open authentication standard journal, Circulation, the statement followed a review of studies about the effectiveness of that enables Internet users to securely mobile health (mHealth) technologies for managing weight, increasing physical activity, access any number of online services, quitting smoking, and controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. with a single device, instantly, and with “Self-monitoring is one of the core strategies for changing cardiovascular health no drivers or client software needed. behaviors. If an [mHealth] technology, such as a smartphone app for self-monitoring diet, The goal of the MOU is to contribute to weight or physical activity, is helping you improve your behavior, then stick with it,” says specifications for FIDO U2F over Bluetooth Lora E. Burke, Professor of Nursing and Epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh. Smart to extend the reach of FIDO U2F The AHA said currently one in five American adults use technology to track health data from the desktop to mobile devices. and the most popular health apps are related to exercise, counting steps or heart rate. “We envision partnering with FIDO Among the key findings were that: smartphone apps using text messaging to help quit Alliance through this MOU will help provide smoking can almost double the chances of quitting; people who include mobile technology the industry with a simple, yet powerful in a comprehensive lifestyle program for weight loss were more successful in short-term alternative for multifactor authentication weight loss compared to those who tried to lose weight on their own; and using an online that is available to practically everyone,” program boosted physical activity more than not using one. says Errett Kroeter of the Bluetooth SIG.

Researchers enhance wireless charging transfer efficiency Research from North Carolina (NC) State corresponding author of a paper University and Carnegie Mellon University describing the work. in the U.S. shows that passing wireless “This could help advance efforts to power transfer through a magnetic develop wireless power transfer resonance field enhancer (MRFE) can technologies where enhanced efficiency or boost transfer efficiency by at least 100 [charging over] greater distances are percent and up to 5000 percent compared important considerations,” continues with transferring through air alone. Ricketts. Wireless power transfer works by having Tangled charger cables could soon be a Nordic Semiconductor is an active thing of the past a transmitter coil generate an supporter of magnetic resonance charging electromagnetic field, before a receiver intermediate material, the researchers technologies, in particular the Rezence coil then draws energy from it. According were able to significantly enhance the wireless charging standard (see pages 14 to the researchers one of the major magnetic field, increasing its efficiency. and 15). The company’s S120 Bluetooth roadblocks for marketable wireless power “The MRFE amplifies the magnetic field protocol stack - which can support up to charging is achieving high efficiency. while removing very little power from the eight simultaneous wireless links - was By placing the MRFE between the system,” says David Ricketts, an Associate purpose-designed for wireless-charging transmitter and the receiver as an Professor at NC State University and applications adhering to the standard. www.nordicsemi.com ulp wireless quarter | autumn 2015 | 7 news extra

Nordic launches development kit for Apple HomeKit applications nRF51 SDK simplifies development and accelerates time-to-market for smart home products and appliances built to comply with the HomeKit specification

he smart home is moving from science Poly-Control’s danalock complies with the HomeKit framework and opens via commands fiction to science sent from a user’s smartphone via Bluetooth Tfact. The Internet, Smart wireless connectivity smartphones, and wireless connectivity are combining to enable consumers to remotely control and automate domestic appliances, lighting, heating, and security. According to analyst Business Insider, smart- home device shipments will grow at a compound annual rate of 67 percent over the next four years to hit 1.8 billion units shipping in 2019. U.S.-based electronics company Apple is promoting its popular smartphone and tablet computers as devices from which consumers can control all their smart home applications. In 2014, as part of the release of iOS 8, an operating system for the company’s mobile products, Apple launched HomeKit. HomeKit is a framework that enables developers to “The SDK is optimized for the nRF51 Series, a Bluetooth Smart single- bring rationality to home automation. Apple says that chip solution that’s capable of running the HomeKit Accessory HomeKit provides a consistent Protocol (HAP) and application firmware” experience for users as they start to use home automation Development Kit (SDK) for solution that’s capable of 40,000 users have tested the products. engineers designing smart running the HomeKit Accessory lock since 2007. Popular home automation home applications based on the Protocol (HAP) and application “With the nRF51822 it apps such as lighting, nRF51 Series Bluetooth Smart firmware. Nordic claims that is possible to implement a thermostats, and door locks are System-on-Chip (SoC) and because the nRF51 Series SoC complex Bluetooth Smart defined in the iOS database, complying with the HomeKit is designed for ultra-low power door lock system for HomeKit but anything that an accessory framework. By adhering to the operation, the chip is a good using a single-chip solution,” manufacturer can make can HomeKit technical solution for battery-powered explains Henning Overgaard, be defined through HomeKit specifications, the SDK HomeKit products like door Poly-Control’s CEO. “The nRF51 applications. An iOS device such simplifies and shortens the locks and thermostats. The Series-based design has also as an iPhone or iPad can then development of iPhone-, iPad-, nRF51 SDK for HomeKit is exceeded our expectations for be used to wirelessly control a and iPod touch-enabled available now to verified Made ultra low power consumption.” range of products. HomeKit also connected home products. for iPhone/iPad/iPod (MFi) After HomeKit’s launch supports voice control via Siri, The SDK and nRF51 Series Licensees. by Apple last year, HomeKit Apple’s “intelligent assistant”, Bluetooth Smart SoCs provide Danish firm Poly-Control devices are now starting and maintains security by using engineers with a development has developed a keyless door to appear on the market. end-to-end encryption between tool for HomeKit products lock system, danalock, using Consumer products review the iOS device and the smart that meets the size, power the nRF51 SDK for HomeKit. magazine Techradar listed home accessory. consumption, and performance danalock locks automatically every device that worked demands of smart home and unlocks via a Bluetooth with HomeKit as of July 2015. Easing app design applications. The SDK is smart connection from the Products included weather Nordic Semiconductor has optimized for the nRF51 Series, user’s smartphone whenever stations, lighting, security launched a Software a Bluetooth Smart single-chip they approach the door. Over cameras, and thermostats. Z

8 | autumn 2015 | ulp wireless quarter www.nordicsemi.com COMMENT

From Internet of My Things to Internet of Things Adding IPv6 to Bluetooth Smart will ease its transition from consumer applications to the IoT. By Thomas Embla Bonnerud

it will require the services of Thomas Embla Bonnerud is routers to forward data to the Director of Product Internet. But, unlike gateways, Management, Nordic Semiconductor these routers won’t require complex operating systems and luetooth Smart is hence will be cheap to produce a very successful and simple to maintain. technology. Depending The Bluetooth SIG has Bon which analyst you made things a little easier believe, shipments will number to add an IPv6 layer to a somewhere in the region of six Bluetooth Smart stack with to nine billion units a year by the introduction of the Internet 2020. Such figures belie the Protocol Support Profile fact that just over a decade (IPSP). IPSP is compatible with ago an ultra low power wireless Bluetooth Version 4.1 (v4.1), technology interoperable with and later versions. Nonetheless, mobile devices was little more implementing IPv6 over than a sketch on a whiteboard in Bluetooth Smart is still a tough Nokia’s development labs. challenge. But it’s a challenge Nokia’s vision - subsequently Nordic’s engineering group developed by a group of has cracked, leading to the enterprising companies development of an IPv6 over including Nordic Semiconductor Bluetooth Smart stack. (See and then coming under the ULP WQ Spring 2015, pg 8.) stewardship of the Bluetooth In the early days of the Special Interest Group (SIG) technology, adding IPv6 to in 2007 - was far sighted. The The “appcessories” sector is a major driver of Bluetooth Smart growth but a Bluetooth Smart device tomorrow the technology looks set to migrate to the IoT company saw a day when might have been beyond the mobiles would morph into the so well in these applications However, the things connected processor and would have smartphones billions of people because of the technology’s to the IoT will likely be certainly shortened battery life. carry today – powerful, Internet- widespread adoption in primarily designed to operate But since the release of Nordic’s connected pocket computers smartphones. Peripherals automatically, wirelessly nRF51 Series three years ago, that form the focus of a user’s manufacturers assume, with transmitting their information developers have had access to connected world. Such a good reason, that consumers without human intervention. a System-on-Chip (SoC) that’s capable device, Nokia reasoned, who purchase their products will But removing the human (and very capable of doing the job. could do the heavy lifting for a own a smartphone and all will hence the smartphone) from the Nordic’s complete IPv6 over personal network of compact be well. The smartphone acts as equation “closes” the gateway. Bluetooth Smart protocol wireless devices powered by a data aggregation and analysis Infrastructure builders could stack can be run on the SoC’s small batteries. device but also as a “gateway” implement static gateways of embedded ARM processor In the last several years, to the Internet allowing data course, but that’s unlikely to be (which has plenty in reserve to that vision has become reality. from the Bluetooth Smart a commercially viable solution run an associated application) Bluetooth Smart Ready-mobiles peripheral to be routed to the as such devices are complex, while providing months of and -tablets support a huge Cloud – forming an “Internet of expensive, and many would be battery life. array of Bluetooth Smart My Things”. needed. Better yet, the recently accessories - toys, fitness bands, A better answer is to equip launched nRF52 Series heart monitors, and hearing Removing the gateway a Bluetooth Smart device integrates a more powerful aids to name but a few - that Bluetooth Smart has been with IPv6 (which is gradually ARM processor (the M4F) periodically send their data suggested as a good solution for replacing IPv4 as the principal yet boasts even lower power to apps on the handhelds wirelessly connecting “things” communication protocol of the consumption than the nRF51 for analysis, presentation, to the Internet to form a future Internet). IPv6-enabled things Series SoC. This extends battery and sharing. Today, the Internet of Things (IoT). (See ULP can talk to other IPv6-enabled life by up to 500 percent in “appcessories” sector is one of WQ Summer 2015, pg 9.) The things without the services of like-for-like applications (see the major drivers of Bluetooth technology’s advantages include a gateway. Because Bluetooth ULP WQ Summer 2015, pg 14) – Smart growth. standardization, maturity, and Smart is a short-range making it a great choice for IoT Bluetooth Smart works low power consumption. communications technology implementations. Z

www.nordicsemi.com ulp wireless quarter | autumn 2015 | 9 BBC micro:bit

Creating a collaborative learning experience for future innovators The BBC micro:bit project will do more than just teach schoolchildren coding, it will encourage creativity and entrepreneurship, argues Dr Patricia Charlton

in compass and Bluetooth Dr Patricia Charlton is Smart technology, which is to co-founder of Creative Digital Solutions and a be given free to every year 7 (or researcher in learning equivalent) schoolchild across the U.K. - has all the ingredients iven the rapid growth to form a collaborative learning and impact of space and bring change to how computer science and the country comes up with Gthe disruptive potential innovative solutions that have of emerging technologies such the potential to reshape society. as the Internet of Things (IoT), Further, the project has powerful how do western industrialized potential to provide an all- nations prepare for the future? important authentic experience How do these nations empower that reinforces education. today’s students to understand BBC micro:bit puts digital and take advantage of creativity in the spotlight technology such as wearables, like never before, and will be sensors, and other devices supported by an ambitious range that seamlessly connect to of new programes, partnerships, the Internet forming critical and projects. But perhaps components of the IoT? It is more than the supporting vitally important that developed program, the success of the BBC nations generate a steady micro:bit project will be driven stream of talented individuals Dr Patricia Charlton of Creative Digital Solutions and Nordic by “Product Partners” ARM, to seize this enormous Semiconductor’s Geir Langeland enjoy the excitement accompanying the Barclays, element14, Freescale, launch of the BBC micro:bit opportunity (which consultant Lancaster University, Microsoft, McKinsey&Company says could Teaching children how to write an authentic experience and then Nordic Semiconductor, Samsung, add $11.1 trillion to the world code is too mechanistic; what’s encouraging and guiding them to SceinceScope, Technology Will economy by 2025) if their future really needed is guidance in how explore its full potential. Save Us, and the Wellcome prosperity is to be assured. to be creative multidisciplinary The students’ trust and Trust together with “Product In my home country, the U.K., entrepreneurs that bring resilience develops when they Champions” like the Bluetooth the challenge has come into together people with different see their ideas validated and SIG, Cisco and my organization, sharp focus since the beginning skills and abilities and help efforts encouraged by experts. Creative Digital Solutions. This of this decade when industry promote social cohesion. But due That acknowledgement is represents one of the largest warned of the growing gap to the fast pace of technology an important part of young investments in the computer between computer science development no sector alone students’ learning development science education of Britain’s vacancies and the number of has the resources or expertise but it must be authentic. young people since the BBC students with the skills to fill to provide this guidance. Micro - which helped the country them. Clearly something wasn’t However, the education sector Creativity in the spotlight get to grips with the first wave working within the education can act as the catalyst to bring Exploiting technology for of personal computers in the sector; but exactly what was together scientists, engineers, creative purposes fully engages 1980s - and could be for the IoT less clear. During the last ten business people, the maker students and encourages them what the BBC Micro was to the years of my computer science community, and parents into a to deepen their understanding. now world-class British gaming experience in research, industry, “collaborative learning space” Sinead Rocks, head of BBC industry. The results will be and academia the answer I where the creativity of future Learning summed this up amazing to witness. Z repeatedly heard from parents, technology entrepreneurs can when she said: “We happily academics, researchers, and thrive. A collaborative learning give children paint brushes The views expressed in this employers was “because we space encourages diverse and when they’re young, with no column are those of the author don’t teach our children how multidisciplinary thinking, which experience - it should be exactly and do not necessarily reflect to write computer software is vital for fostering social values the same with technology.” those of Nordic Semiconductor [code]”. At face value this seems and prosperity. That’s why the BBC micro:bit or the BBC micro:bit project. a reasonable statement; but on Successful learning exposure project - a cooperation between Nordic Semiconductor is a closer analysis simply training in a collaborative space comes 29 partners and based on a BBC micro:bit Product Partner. more coders is not the answer to from putting technology in pocket-sized codeable computer “micro:bit” is a trademark of the tackling the skills gap. young peoples’ hands to provide with motion detection, a built- BBC and is used under licence.

10 | AUTUMN 2015 | ulp wireless quarter www.nordicsemi.com ANT WIRELESS UPDATE

Personal training with music: The wear, why, and how ANT+ is at the forefront as music, data, and fitness converge, explains Mike Rounding

omething as simple as (an event for Internet of Things putting in earbuds before (IoT) hardware), showcasing the running has a history ANT protocol in two IoT demos Sthat goes back more based on the Dynastream N5 than 60 years. In 1954, for the modules (which use Nordic sizable sum of $55, consumers Semiconductor’s nRF51422 could buy the Regency TR-1, the Systems-on-Chip (SoCs)). world’s first commercial transistor Nearly 1,500 attendees radio capable of picking up AM traversed the show with frequencies. For an extra $7.50, connected wearables powered the optional earphone was added. by ANT (with 200 of them For the first time in history it was manufactured on-site). At the possible to listen to music while ANT Wireless demo booth, a exercising. Scan & Forward mesh topology In 1978, the Sony Walkman based on ANT was demonstrated personal cassette recorder made using LED lights controlled from music truly personal. In 1984 the smartwatches and smartphones. Sony Discman brought skip-free A demo connected to the digital clarity to fitness, and in Garmin wearable ecosystem 1998, the MP3 player brought using Garmin’s connect IQ on even greater digital portability Vívoactive watches also featured. to sound. By the time the Apple Also in June, ANT Wireless iPod entered the game in 2001, announced ANT/Bluetooth followed by the iPhone in 2007, Smart protocol stack support portable music and fitness were for Nordic’s new nRF52 Series, believed to be in complete and more developments will be harmonic convergence. The ANT+ device ecosystem can enable music apps to link with data announced at September’s ANT+ sources from partners involved in equipment for cycling, group The emerging wearables fitness, gym equipment, and more Alliance Symposium in Alberta, market has shown this is not Canada. the case. A new generation of ANT+ introduced three consumer electronics products “A new generation of consumer electronics partner products implementing put music, data, and fitness products put music, data, and fitness together the ANT+ Fitness Equipment together in ways that is driving Control (FE-C) profile: Tacx the industry forward and in ways that is changing the way people think smart stationary trainers, changing the way people think about the impact music has on fitness” Kinomap Trainer mobile app, and about the impact music has on the Bkool Trainer. The ANT+ Bike fitness. ANT Wireless has been athlete. As third-party app muscle oxygen, and more from Lights profile is featured in two at the forefront of this fitness developers better understand partners involved in equipment new products launching in spring revolution and continues to bring the data resources available to for cycling, group fitness and 2015; Bontrager’s Flare RT, Ion data and fitness together in them, new features will emerge. gym equipment. As more 700 RT and Transmittr products, innovative ways. For example, when a music wearables and devices share and Garmin’s Varia family of bike player detects a drop in heart these information streams, ANT+ lights and radar. Driving innovation rate, it could automatically select Wireless’ customers will be able to At September’s Interbike trade To go from the little Regency TR-1 a track with a higher beat rate customize their fitness offerings show, ANT+ hosted a booth to today’s any song, anytime, to increase adrenaline and raise in ways that bind ears, mind, soul, featuring “Smart Solutions for and anywhere music mentality performance. and muscles. Connected Cycling” highlighting required a lot of innovation, Running and cycling are the several members and their latest understanding, technology, areas where the benefits of music, ANT-powered wearables cycling innovations, showcasing and data. Today, the ANT+ data, and fitness seem most Elsewhere, ANT+ continues to the vast interoperability of the ecosystem of products helps obvious, but at ANT Wireless, the drive innovations in the sport ANT+ ecosystem for cycling. Z drive innovation by providing connectivity and interoperable and fitness sector. In June, data like heart rate, step count, ANT+ device ecosystem can for example, ANT Wireless Mike Rounding is Product running/walking speed, cadence, enable music apps to link participated in the Pop-up Manager with ANT Wireless. temperature, and more to both with data sources including Factory at O’Reilly’s Solid Visit www.thisisant.com for more the keen amateur and elite geocaching, temperature, Conference in San Francisco information on ANT+ solutions.

www.nordicsemi.com ulp wireless quarter | AUTUMN 2015 | 11 ulp PRODUCT selection guide

Ultra low power wireless connectivity solutions Find the chip you need using this latest listing of every Nordic product

IC Type On-Chip Peripherals Applications WLCSP ICs Operating Wireless Wafer-level Integrated Circuits Memory Ref. Designs Dev Tools chip-scale “chips” Band Protocol package I2 s S pi Ae s Usb Ad c Toys R n g P D M Mdu P wm CPU OTP: One Time Oscillators Uart S/ p d if 2-Wire Beacon G aming option NFC-A tag NFC-A Wearables Healthcare Transceiver Automation Balun Smart Home Connectivity

Programable Appcessories PC Peripherals Real Time Clock Real Battery Monitor Battery Sports & Fitness System-on-Chip Analog Comparator Temperature Sensor Temperature Consumer E lectronics Consumer Cellphone Accessories Cellphone

nRF52 Series

Bluetooth Smart v4.x, 64kB RAM 32MHz / 32kHz Crystal Single Board Preview nRF52832 2.4GHz l Cortex M4F l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l – l Proprietary & ANT 512kB Flash 64MHz / 32kHz RC Dev Kit

nRF51 Series

Bluetooth Smart v4.x 32kB or 16kB RAM 16MHz / 32kHz Crystal PC Desktop, Smart Remote, Single Board Dev Kit, nRF51822 2.4GHz l Cortex M0 l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l & Proprietary 128kB or 256kB Flash 16MHz / 32kHz RC Smartphone Demo Apps, Beacon Dongle

Bluetooth Smart v4.x, 32kB or 16kB RAM 16MHz / 32kHz Crystal Single Board Dev Kit, nRF51422 2.4GHz l Cortex M0 l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l Smartphone Demo Apps l Proprietary & ANT 128kB or 256kB Flash 16MHz / 32kHz RC Dongle

nRF8000 Series

16MHz / 32kHz Crystal PC Desktop, Smart Remote, nRFgo Dev Kit, nRF8001 2.4GHz Bluetooth Smart v4.x l – – l l l l l l l l l l 32kHz RC Smartphone Demo Apps Prog. Kit

16MHz Crystal Key Tag, nRFgo Dev Kit, nRF8002 2.4GHz Bluetooth Smart v4.x l – – l l 32kHz RC Smartphone Demo Apps Prog. Kit

nRF24AP Series

nRF24AP2-1CH 2.4GHz ANT l – – 16MHz / 32kHz Crystal l l l l l l Smartphone Demo App ANT Dev Kit

nRF24AP2-8CH 2.4GHz ANT l – – 16MHz / 32kHz Crystal l l l l l l Smartphone Demo App ANT Dev Kit

nRF24AP2-USB 2.4GHz ANT l – – 16MHz Crystal l l l l l ANT USB Dongle ANT Dev Kit

nRF24L Series

1kB + 256B RAM 16MHz / 32kHz Crystal PC Desktop, Smart Remote, nRFgo Dev Kit, nRF24LE1 2.4GHz Proprietary l 8051 l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l 16kB + 1.5kB Flash 16MHz / 32kHz RC R/C Toy Prog. Kit

1kB + 256B RAM 16MHz / 32kHz Crystal PC Desktop, Smart Remote, nRFgo Dev Kit, nRF24LE1 OTP 2.4GHz Proprietary l 8051 l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l 16kB + 1kB OTP 16MHz / 32kHz RC R/C Toy Prog. Kit

2kB + 256B RAM PC Desktop, Smart Remote, nRFgo Dev Kit, nRF24LU1+ 2.4GHz Proprietary l 8051 16MHz Crystal l l l l l l l l l l 16/32kB Flash R/C Toy Prog. Kit

2kB + 256B RAM PC Desktop, Smart Remote, nRFgo Dev Kit, nRF24LU1+ OTP 2.4GHz Proprietary l 8051 16MHz Crystal l l l l l l l l l l 16kB + 1kB OTP R/C Toy Prog. Kit

nRF24L01+ 2.4GHz Proprietary l – – 16MHz Crystal l l l l l – Eval Kit

nRF24 Series

nRF2460 (mono) 2.4GHz Proprietary l – – 16MHz Crystal l l l l l l Microphone nRFgo Dev Kit

nRF900 Series

433 / 868 4 / 8 / 12 / 16 / 20MHz nRF9E5 Proprietary l 8051 4kB + 256kB RAM l l l l l l – Eval Kit 915MHz Crystal

433 / 868 4 / 8 / 12 / 16 / 20MHz nRF905 Proprietary l – – l l – Eval Kit 915MHz Crystal

12 | AUTUMN 2015 | ulp wireless quarter www.nordicsemi.com www.nordicsemi.com ulp wireless quarter | autumn 2015 | 13 TECHNOLOGY BRIEFING

Cutting the cord: Wireless charging’s evolution It’s been a long time coming, but the ability to wirelessly and simultaneously charge multiple power-intensive devices has arrived. ULP Wireless Q reports

ower can be, and at field generated by this primary no distant date will be, coil induces an AC current in transmitted without a second induction coil in the Pwires, for all commercial consumer’s device. The AC uses. I have discovered the current is then regulated by an essential principles and it AC-to-DC voltage converter to only remains to develop them charge the device’s battery. commercially.” One issue with inductive This news will no doubt be coupling is it only works over an welcomed by consumers of extremely short range, around 2 technology the world over. The to 4 mm, meaning the charging now ubiquitous PCs, laptops, station and the device need smartphones, and tablets to effectively be in immediate have captured our digital contact with one another. To imaginations, but have brought alleviate the problem, multiple with them a less welcome transmitter coils can be laid over by-product, a tangle of cables each other in the base station and cords required to keep our to widen the optimal coupling multiple devices charged and field; but the problems don’t end connected to the mains power there. supply. With its power capability Except of course, it isn’t maxing out at around 5 W, news. These were the words inductive coupling is okay if the of Nikola Tesla, the Serbian- consumer wants to wirelessly American electrical engineer and charge their toothbrush or inventor, writing in The American smartphone, less so if they Magazine in 1921. want to charge a power-hungry Nearly 100 years on and laptop, let alone laptop, tablet, we aren’t there yet, and were smartphone, and GPS watch Tesla still alive, he might well simultaneously. be tempted to ask what has Power constraints aside, taken so long. The answer is induction-based wireless that his successors haven’t been charging technology also lacks able to work out an efficient scalable power, meaning the user way of wirelessly transferring is limited to a one-to-one ratio sufficiently large amounts of of charging station to device. power to make wireless charging The option to simultaneously a game changer. But that could charge multiple devices, all with be about to change thanks to the Resonant wireless charging charges multiple devices and is relatively different power requirements, insensitive to device placement on the charging pad recent and rapid development of does not exist. wireless charging technologies On the other are the recently technology, but while both In the case of resonant and standards. merged Alliance for Wireless induction- and resonant- wireless charging, the primary Two camps and two Power (A4WP) and the Power based charging technologies coil “transmitter” generates an technologies now dominate Matters Alliance (PMA), whose offer significant benefits over electromagnetic field oscillating the space. On one side is the membership count Intel, HP, and traditional wired charging at a frequency of 6.78 MHz. Wireless Power Consortium, Duracell among their collective methods, their respective This particular frequency has a group of manufacturers number, and who promote a limitations are quite different. been chosen because it has including the likes of Microsoft magnetic resonance-based been reserved internationally and Panasonic, who are wireless charging standard Wireless charging tech for this type of application, the driving force behind a dubbed Rezence. Inductive chargers typically and, being a relatively high specification known as Qi, largely Neither standard―nor employ an induction coil frequency, it avoids the heating based on the promotion of camp―is mutually exclusive powered by an AC voltage. issues seen with tightly-coupled inductive charging technology. of the other’s members or The resultant electromagnetic inductive systems using lower

14 | autumn 2015 | ulp wireless quarter www.nordicsemi.com TECHNOLOGY BRIEFING

frequencies. The secondary Figure 1: The Rezence standard employs resonant charging and transmitter for each receiver, coil (the “receiver”) in the Bluetooth Smart wireless connectivity for charging management resonant charging has no such consumer’s device resonates at limitations. the chosen 6.78 MHz frequency. “The Bluetooth Smart As with inductive chargers, the technology ensures the right secondary coil draws power from amount of power is sent to each the primary’s electromagnetic device eliminating the danger field and the AC power is of damage due to overcharging. converted into a DC voltage to The Nordic SoC is able to charge the battery. Resonant simultaneously handle this wireless charging gains its power management for up to advantage because by “tuning” eight rechargeable devices. both coils to the same frequency “In Nordic we have a partner the power transmission that is as focused as we are on efficiency is dramatically developing their products to be improved. as technologically advanced as This greater power possible to support the vision transmission efficiency means that we have, and that makes our it’s not only possible to create products better,” explains Leete.

a much wider charging field, A4WP “This is the first 33+W wireless up to a distance of 40 mm and power transmitter that has been over an area of 22 by 15 cm, but wireless links adhering to the “No one else has introduced in the marketplace, significantly, more power can be standard. no one else has that capability, transmitted allowing multiple Nordic also supplies an nRF51 this capability and and we wouldn’t be here without devices to charge on a charging Wireless Charging Software Nordic’s technology.” pad at the same time. The Development Kit (SDK) for we wouldn’t be here devices don’t even have to sit flat engineers designing wireless without Nordic’s What’s next? on the pad. charging applications based on Gill Electronics is currently One of the key features of the the Rezence standard. The SDK technology” working both with furniture A4WP wireless charging system includes services/profiles for Larry Leete, Gill Electronics manufacturers and consumer is the bidirectional wireless a Rezence Power Transmitting electronics manufacturers to link between the transmitter Unit (PTU) and Power Receiving blessing of the U.S. Government expand the practical application and receiver coils. This Unit (PRU). (See Figure 1.) means resonant wireless of the technology further. communication link is required A charging pad based charging is now ready for the big Plans include building charging to ensure precise control of the on nRF51822 SoC and S120 time. transmitters into custom charging process. SoftDevice can support “Everyone got excited about furniture, and expanding the The alliance has chosen simultaneous charging of induction and how it was going base of devices that have an Bluetooth low energy up to eight devices. The S110 to change the dynamics, but it embedded receiver incorporated technology (known to peripheral role Bluetooth just never took off. The problem as standard. consumers as Bluetooth Smart) Smart SoftDevice combined was if you didn’t put your device Then the challenge, Leete to power the communications with the nRF51 SDK provides exactly on the [charging] spot, says, will be to extend the link. Bluetooth Smart’s licence- the same solution for Rezence it’s just didn’t charge,” he says. power capability of resonant free 2.4 GHz frequency (which rechargeable devices. “With our resonant technology further. To that also ensures the link is not technology you don’t have to end Gill Electronics is currently compromised by the 6.78 First commercial solutions have [the device to be charged] working on a transmitter capable MHz frequency operation The first shoots of widespread exactly on the spot, you can have of delivering 50 W. of the charging system), commercialization for resonant it anywhere within the field and it “Charging a laptop is really low power draw, reliability, wireless charging are now will charge.” just the first phase. We want and widespread adoption in breaking ground. Gill Electronics, In addition to this spatial to take the whole work surface consumer electronics makes it a a U.S manufacturer of resonant freedom, Leete says overcoming and allow that to be a dockable good choice for this application. wireless power and charging the 5 W threshold of induction, power environment,” he adds. Wireless communication pairing solutions recently unveiled its and the ability of resonant “Imagine hanging a monitor of the charging station and the TesLink 33+W wireless power technology in harness with on the wall and not having to consumer’s device(s) occurs transmitter, capable of wirelessly Bluetooth Smart to charge worry about where the power without manual intervention powering devices with higher multiple devices and multiple cable goes because it draws its - making operation highly power requirements. (See this types of devices at the same power wirelessly. Or imagine convenient. issue page 3). time, is what will ultimately architectural lighting in the Nordic Semiconductor―a Significantly, TesLink bring wireless charging into the ceiling that can move throughout member of A4WP―offers a is also the first resonant mainstream. the environment, without having Rezence-standard solution for charging product to receive “A higher output 33+W to worry about where the power wireless charging. The nRF51822 U.S. Federal Communication transmitter means [a consumer] cables are.” Bluetooth Smart System-on- Commission (FCC) could charge two tablets and It’s been a long time coming, Chip (SoC) together with S120 qualification and, according a smartphone, or a laptop, but one imagines Nikola Tesla 8-link central role protocol stack to Larry Leete, Gill Electronics’ [simultaneously].” would be pleased to see his (“SoftDevice”) meets all the Business Development & And while induction is a one- wireless charging vision finally requirements for bidirectional Commercialization Manager, the to-one technology with one become reality. Z www.nordicsemi.com ulp wireless quarter | autumn 2015 | 15 INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE

University program enhances graduate engineers’ skills The ARM IoT Education Kit, developed in collaboration with Nordic Semiconductor, is helping students become tomorrow’s embedded engineers. By Sally Ward-Foxton

Sally Ward-Foxton University College London will use the ARM is a freelance Education Kit in a week-long IoT module for journalist specializing MSc students in 2015 and 2016 in electronics

niversities are facing a problem. As the further education Usector becomes a more competitive marketplace, the battle to attract students has intensified. Potential undergraduates are increasingly focused on what skills they will attain on the course and how that will affect their prospects of getting a good job when they graduate; they want an up-to- date education that will directly relate to their future careers. While universities have always lagged behind industry’s leading edge - because it takes time and resources to build new courses - the pace of change in electronics is so rapid that the disparity is widening. “Industry and academia need to work together to make students “There is wide recognition of the growing gap between aware of the exciting engineering career opportunities and help what students are taught at produce work-ready graduates” Khaled Benkrid, ARM universities and the skills that are needed in modern industry,” teaching materials for courses in Nordic Semiconductor - based energy wireless networks and explains Khaled Benkrid, various embedded electronics around the company’s nRF51822 Internet-based cloud services, Worldwide University Program topics. The courses typically Bluetooth Smart System-on- are demystified by our teaching Manager at ARM, a U.K.-based provide all the materials required Chip (SoC) which integrates an materials. The latter cover both microprocessor intellectual for each course, plus guidance ARM Cortex M0 microprocessor theory and practice and take property (IP) vendor. “This on practical sessions that help - software licenses from ARM, students through a complete gap cannot be plugged by illustrate the technical material in and a complete set of teaching system design and development universities alone as the pace of a hands-on way. materials. cycle step by step.” technological change exceeds The latest module to be “It is designed to teach academics’ ability to keep up, introduced is the ARM IoT students valuable practical skills Practical skills especially given the pressures (Internet of Things) Education that can enable them to start More than 30 universities in of balancing teaching with Kit, launched earlier this year. their own IoT businesses or join the U.K., U.S., and Europe have research. As such, there is a need Developed in collaboration companies such as ARM, and requested the IoT Education kit for industry and academia to with Nordic Semiconductor, the make a tangible contribution to since it launched at the beginning work together to make students kit and course materials teach what many are already calling of 2015. It has officially been aware of the exciting career students how to use the ARM the ‘fourth industrial revolution’,” adopted at University College opportunities in engineering mbed IoT device platform, create Benkrid says. “Skills such as London (UCL), which will use the and help produce work-ready smartphone apps and control designing and programming kit in a week-long IoT module graduates.” end devices such as a mini-robot IoT nodes using the ARM mbed for MSc students in 2015 and To help resolve this issue or a wearable health device. IoT device platform, creating 2016, as well as Birkbeck College ARM has developed a program The kit includes ARM mbed- smartphone apps, and linking and several other top-tier which provides universities with enabled hardware boards from these all together using low establishments.

16 | autumn 2015 | ulp wireless quarter www.nordicsemi.com INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE

“It has always been a challenge to access all the latest kit and the latest platforms, but the ARM university program facilitates that,” says George Roussos, Professor of Pervasive Computing at the department of computer science and information systems at Birkbeck College, University of London. “Students reacted very positively because it was a great opportunity to link the more theoretical stuff we’ve done on wireless communication and protocols and how they are actually implemented in practice. They were able to experience how Bluetooth low energy [Bluetooth Smart] works and control its parameters of operation. They were able to link the high level constructs we talked about in terms of sensor programming with the sensors we used in the A UCL student experiments during a course, so it was a perfect match lab session on the IoT Education Kit between the fundamentals and the practical side of the course.” good to work with.” dollars to get started.” add to it if they wish,” he says. Nordic Semiconductor’s Leonard also points out that The IoT Education Kit is “For example, a stepper-motor Tactical Marketing Manager, education in Bluetooth Smart based on the mbed platform, driving routine will likely exist John Leonard, explains that technology at an early stage designed to accelerate the somewhere in the mbed library the company was delighted to in an undergraduate’s career creation of devices using ARM and a student could add it to offer information and design should help encourage the next microcontrollers. The platform their program to, for instance, kits based on the nRF51822 SoC generation of IoT entrepreneurs. includes free software libraries, drive a toy helicopter rotor.” for the development of the IoT “One of the big things we’ve hardware designs, and online Education Kit. seen with Bluetooth Smart is that tools for rapid prototyping. Future kits “The next generation of because it’s easy to get going, Leonard says one of the kit’s According to both ARM’s engineers and customers are in and it’s more accessible in terms biggest strengths is the inherent Khaled Benkrid and Nordic’s university now,” Leonard says. of the tools you need and the flexibility of the mbed platform. John Leonard, there are plans to “We feel it’s our responsibility to qualification required versus “There’s a lot of material continue the expansion of the engage in the educational world, older versions of the [Bluetooth] available to supplement the kit, already successful university but it’s about more than just that. standard, it encourages and because it uses the mbed program. We are trying to seed the market graduate engineers to start platform, there’s a large amount “The ARM University Program by reaching the next generation their own businesses,” he says. of compatible code available on is constantly adding new of customers; we hope to “There will be a lot of would-be the mbed site. We don’t deliver Education Kits to its portfolio educate young engineers about entrepreneurs who will see they these courses and say, ‘don’t as demand from academia Bluetooth Smart and convince can do things pretty quickly and change anything’. Teaching grows,” says Benkrid. “New them that Nordic’s product is they don’t need tens of millions of staff can tweak the course and products to be launched in the near future include Linux Kernel Development on state-of-the- At a glance art 64-bit ARM-based SoC  The ARM university program platforms, and Graphics/Game provides universities with Development using ARM MALI teaching materials for based mobile platforms.” courses in various embedded In the mean time, the IoT electronics topics, free of charge Education kit will be officially launched in the Asia-Pacific  The latest module in the region this Autumn targeting program teaches students universities in China and the rest about the Internet of Things and appcessory design of the Asia-Pacific. Leonard’s hope is that hundreds of  The course has been universities will eventually adopt adopted at the U.K.’s UCL the ARM and Nordic course, so and Birkbeck College, and is that many thousands of young being evaluated by many The IoT Education Kit contains guidance on practical sessions which more top-tier institutions explore controlling a Pololu robot using a smartphone app engineers can learn about the capabilities of Bluetooth Smart. Z www.nordicsemi.com ulp wireless quarter | autumn 2015 | 17 Case Study Partners in innovation From napkin sketch to sales deal with one of the world’s largest independent music instrument distributors, Nordic Semiconductor has been with Aalberg Audio every step of the way. ULP Wireless Q reports

uitarist Rune Aalberg Alstad’s inspiration came to him in time- Ghonored tradition; during a stroll home after a night in a bar. An argument among friends over effects pedals - the “stompboxes” used by guitarists to modify the sound of their electronic instruments using echo, reverberation (“reverb”), and tremolo - encouraged Alstad to sketch out the solution to the devices’ major weakness on a napkin. As a musician himself, Alstad was only too familiar with the inconvenience of having to move across stage and bend down to adjust effects pedals part way through a track – an activity hardly designed to enhance the artistic merit of a performance. His solution was to use RF technology to wirelessly link a compact controller mounted on the guitar to the effects pedals Aalberg’s technology allows so the musician could make guitarists to control effects pedals adjustments without leaving his from a wireless remote mounted position on stage. on their instruments While it was a flash of genius, coming up with the answer to a guitarist’s prayers proved to be companies in Norway. Alstad technologies that could cause link is the best on the market the easy part of an otherwise then engaged NTNU colleagues interference such as Wi-Fi and too,” explains Torstensen. “But tough five-year journey which Torkild Indstøy (now CTO) Bluetooth. we knew little about wireless saw the company Alstad and entrepreneur Aleksander Knowing little about connectivity and realized we’d co-founded progress from cash- Torstensen (now CEO) and wireless technology Aalberg need a lot of support to perfect strapped start up to the brink of founded Aalberg Audio. Audio received another lucky the technology; to ensure that major commercial success. According to CEO Torstensen, break when the company the link was reliable; that the the company’s mission is to be was introduced to Nordic electronics would fit in our An ambitious target the leading supplier of wireless Semiconductor, a firm that compact remote controller; In 2010, Alstad had his bright guitar effects pedals in the pioneered the ultra low power and the chip would run for idea, ambition … and little else. world. That’s an ambitious target wireless sector and then, as long periods from the battery. But he was put on the right because there’s some tough now, was a leading supplier of To find that one of the leading track by his alma mater, the competition. Not only must the the kind of wireless technology world experts was Norwegian, Norwegian University of Science pedal produce the excellent that was perfect for the effects and even better, based in the and Technology (NTNU) in acoustic effects that professional pedal’s remote control. Better same city, was an amazing Trondheim. A business plan musicians demand, but also yet, Nordic was also based in coincidence. was written and initial funding the wireless link has to operate Trondheim. “But best of all, here was a secured through Innovation perfectly even in an hostile RF “Our effects pedals are company that was willing to Norway, a government environment such as a rock high-end products competing offer almost unlimited high-level organization dedicated to the concert where lots of people with the best so it’s vitally technical assistance to what support of fledgling technology could be simultaneously using important that the wireless was essentially a resource-

18 | autumn 2015 | ulp wireless quarter www.nordicsemi.com Case Study

and cash-limited start up,” on-Chip (SoC). (See ULP WQ Having decided on this new A single AERO can look after continues Torstensen. “Nordic Autumn 2014, page 4.) approach, the company’s run all three pedals (the nRF51822 Semiconductor believed us Aalberg elected to promote of luck continued when one of can simultaneously handle up to when we said wireless effects the AERO/EKKO combination the world’s largest independent eight separate wireless links). The pedals were going to be big and on crowdfunding site Indiegogo. music instrument distributors, company is also currently looking have stuck with us every step (See ULP WQ Autumn 2014, KMC Music Corp, contacted for an investor to help finance of the way – even when things pg18.) While the financial target Aalberg. products in the development have got really tough. There was not reached Torstensen “We’d been chasing smaller pipeline. have been several times when considered the crowdfunding distributors when this major One of those products is a a Nordic engineer has camped exercise a success. company approached us,” smartphone app that will allow in our office to help us optimize “We got some really good explains Torstensen. “It was a musicians to set up and control and debug the hardware and publicity, we learned a lot about very nice shock because we their effects pedals directly from any iOS, Android or Windows Aalberg’s range now extends to three wireless effects pedals Bluetooth Smart Ready mobile. and more products are under development Such functionality is possible because the nRF51822 is a Bluetooth Smart SoC and therefore interoperable with any Bluetooth Smart Ready device. Torstensen is unrestrained in his enthusiasm for the continuing association with Nordic, saying: “The relationship with Nordic is a big advantage that separates us from the competition. We are working with a big and strong company with so much competence when it comes to wireless technology. “We have just got a grant of NOK500,000 from an investment fund and one of the things I highlighted when pitching was Aalberg Audio’s tie up with Nordic Semiconductor. That’s because we see this relationship as fundamental to our future success.” Aalberg Audio and Nordic have also become partners in efforts to create an “innovation “The relationship with Nordic Semiconductor is a big advantage cluster” comprising the two companies, Innovation Norway, that separates us from the competition” Aleksander Torstensen, CEO, Aalberg Audio The Norwegian Association of Disabled, and three local software. Without Nordic it marketing, and we learned a never thought we had a chance guitarists. The idea is one of would have taken much longer lot about what the customer of working with them.” After a many designed to stimulate and been a lot harder to reach needed and what was important whistle-stop trip to New York the further Norwegian innovation the stage we are at now.” to them,” he says. “And, perhaps deal was sealed. in order to replace the country’s most importantly, we assessed “KMC focuses on one declining oil revenues. Changing the model the business model and worked product in each category,” says Torstensten is quick to credit A long gestation period followed out that we needed distributors Torstensen. “For us, they had to Nordic as a major factor in the first prototype which was rather than trying to sell direct to come up with a new category, Aalberg Audio’s success so introduced in 2010. This period music stores.” for although there have been far. But one day he hopes to included further prototypes, a Previously Aalberg planned some [expensive and complex] return the favor. “Our ambition makeover by EGGS, an industrial to sell its products directly attempts to add wireless is to become huge in the music design company and, according to retailers, but after the capability to effects pedals there business and when that time to Torstensen, the hardest crowdfunding exercise the is nothing anywhere close to the comes I think Nordic will be very challenge of all, preparing for company realized that such quality of our effect pedals.” proud of its association with mass production. The result of a strategy would suck up Aalberg Audio and the prestige all this hard work was EKKO (a huge resource and deflect A deeper relationship that brings.” Z delay effects pedal) and the it from focusing on product Today, Aalberg Audio has three AERO RF remote control in development. So now, apart from products on the market, EKKO, For more information about 2014. The product’s wireless its home Scandinavian market, ROM (a reverb pedal), and TRYM Aalberg Audio go to www. connectivity is taken care of Aalberg is planning to work with (for tremolo). All are wirelessly aalbergaudio.com and www. by a Nordic nRF51822 System- distributors across the world. controlled by the AERO remote. facebook.com/aalbergaudio. www.nordicsemi.com ulp wireless quarter | autumn 2015 | 19 Technology Briefing

How Bluetooth technology was born Jaap Haartsen created a worldwide phenomenon for wireless connectivity which continues to gather momentum. By Caroline Hayes

Caroline Hayes Dr Jacobus ‘Jaap’ Haartsen, the ‘Father of is a U.K.-based Bluetooth’ is now Senior Expert, Wireless Systems technology at audio communications company, Plantronics journalist

hen he received his Electrical Engineering W(Hons) degree from the Delft University of Technology in 1986, Jacobus “Jaap” Haartsen could have had no idea that he would go on to create a short-range mobile communications technology, used the world over. The young Dutch graduate worked at Siemens and Philips, before returning to his alma mater to gain a PhD in 1990. In 1991, he was employed at Ericsson in the U.S., working on advanced mobile telephone systems, and then in Sweden, developing indoor wireless hardware and software engineers the Westrup Award from the The IEEE approved Bluetooth communication systems. It was at were working on the project. Royal Physiographic Society, technology as IEEE 802.15.1 Ericsson Mobile Terminal Division, Haartsen filed U.S. Patent Lund. (The academy only bestows in 2002, paving the way for in Lund, Sweden, that he was number 6590928: “Frequency this honor once every five years.) adoption and development asked to investigate short-range hopping piconets in an Rather surprisingly, Haartsen was according to internationally radio connections, at distances of uncoordinated wireless multi- only inducted into the Bluetooth recognized standards. New around three to four meters, as a user system” in 1997. The Hall of Fame as late as 2006. versions of the technology, which means to boost mobile sales. document outlines the Bluetooth This year, Haartsen was included lower power and higher Haartsen soon developed wireless technology specification, inducted into the National bandwidth were introduced in a concept of wireless which today is used in billions of Inventors Hall of Fame, in later years. communication between devices across the planet. Washington D.C. The institution In parallel, the Wibree Alliance, master and slave devices, using The name given to the celebrates the life-changing headed by Nokia, with Nordic virtual frequency hopping. wireless technology reflects achievements of U.S. patent Semiconductor, Broadcom, CSR, Asymmetric communication its Scandinavian roots and its holders. Epson, Suunto, and Taiyo Yuden, technologies such as wireless universality. The 10th-Century It was at this ceremony that defined an ultra low power RF local area networks (WLAN) and King Harald Blatand, nicknamed Haartsen reflected on the communication technology, the Global System for Mobile “Bluetooth”, unified Denmark and momentum of the technology, based in part on Nordic’s Communications (GSM) require Norway. His initials, in runes, make saying: “Bluetooth was intended proprietary 2.4 GHz transceiver a basestation or access point to up the internationally recognized to add value to existing and technology. connect slave devices. Haartsen Bluetooth logo. (See ULP WQ emerging mobile phones. Never, The fledgling specification was concluded that this would Winter 2013 pg22.) in my wildest imagination, later taken over by the Bluetooth draw too much power for his would I have thought it would Special Interest Group (SIG) for system. He also understood that Peer recognition fundamentally change the way incorporation into the Bluetooth worldwide operation would mean The year the patent was filed, we interact with technology in specification. a technology able to operate in Ericsson awarded Haartsen such a short time”. The development culminated different frequency bands. “Inventor of the Year”. Three The Bluetooth v1.0 in Bluetooth v4.0 in 2010, which Sven Mattisson, a Swedish years’ later, he won both the specification was released in introduced an ultra low power wireless engineer colleague at Vosko Foundation’s “Technology 1999 and quickly secured a place version of the technology suitable Ericsson, joined Haartsen in 1995 Breakthrough” Award and the in the market, with Bluetooth- for peripheral devices powered to perfect the frequency hopping Veder Foundation’s “Design of enabled mobile phones, PC cards, by coin-cell type batteries. The technology that enables devices New Radio Technology” Award. computer mice, keyboards, and latest version, 4.2, includes to “find” each other and then He also won the 2003 “InfoWorld USB dongles available from technology that makes it easier to to exchange data, within a low Innovator” Award, from InfoWorld 2000, followed by printers, connect Bluetooth devices to the power budget. Soon a team of 30 Magazine and, in the same year, laptops, and hands-free car kits. Internet of Things (IoT). Z

20 | autumn 2015 | ulp wireless quarter www.nordicsemi.com NORDIC INSIDE

KS Technologies Particle Proximity Beacon This Bluetooth Smart iBeacon- and Eddystone-compatible device delivers microlocation-based content even from the top of the Rockies

According to ABI Research, shipments of Bluetooth Smart beacons will exceed 400 million units per annum by 2020, driven by demand from retail, industrial/enterprise, connected home, and IoT markets. Or, as in the case of KS Technologies’ Particle A Particle iBeacon was mounted on every car participating in the beacon, to allow motor sports fans to track their 2015 Pikes Peak Hill Climb. From the partner app spectators could favorite race drivers as they power to the summit finish “follow” their favorite drivers as they sped to the summit. of the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Onlookers received a push notification to their iOS8+ device in Colorado Springs whenever a vehicle they were following was in close proximity, helping them identify the driver as well as detailing section and finish times, course information, and racer profiles - providing a truly immersive spectator experience.

The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is the second oldest motor sports event in the United States. Run on a 20-km course that begins at 2862 m above sea level and finishes at the 4302 m summit of Pikes Peak mountain, the race is an equal test of both man and machine. Not only does the increasing altitude slow driver reflexes and sap muscles, by the summit the thinning air also has car engines gasping for breath, some 30 percent down on the power they were capable of at the start line.

The Particle proximity beacon conforms with either the Apple iBeacon or Google Eddystone specification, or a combination of both, to talk to Bluetooth Smart Ready devices. It emits “advertisements” which can be discovered by a user’s mobile device, enabling indoor navigation, asset tracking, and microlocation-based content delivery. Particle is designed for extremely mobile applications and short interval time-based events, like, for example, the eight-minute (for the quickest drivers) dash up Colorado’s Pikes Peak

KS Technologies’ Particle proximity beacon uses Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF51822 System- on-Chip (SoC), providing Bluetooth Smart connectivity to both iOS and Android-compatible Bluetooth Smart Ready devices. The SoC’s 2.4 GHz radio offers 93 dBm sensitivity in Bluetooth Smart mode, increasing the beacon’s operational range and thereby enabling Pikes Peak spectators to receive race notifications while maintaining a safe distance from cars passing by at speeds in excess of 200 km/hr.

www.nordicsemi.com ulp wireless quarter | autumn 2015 | 21 in the press

IPv6 over Bluetooth Smart lays Internet of Things foundations Vendors are introducing Bluetooth Smart sensors that communicate via inexpensive routers and promise to accelerate the roll-out of the Internet of Things

But the Bluetooth Smart By John Leonard, Smart espresso: The familiar to consumers of Product Marketing IoT will add intelligence Manager, Nordic to previously ‘dumb’ wireless peripherals such as Semiconductor appliances remote control toys, heart rate monitors, and smartwatches The Internet of Things suffers a significant drawback (IoT) represents a lofty as a technology for connecting vision that will be realized directly to the Internet. To by fusing heterogenous make such a connection, networks together and adding contemporary Bluetooth Smart a third layer of billions of devices require the resources wirelessly-connected “things”. of a sophisticated gateway These things will comprise such as a smartphone, tablet the objects we use everyday or Wi-Fi bridge. That’s not - washing machines, fridges, really a problem for consumers, coffee percolators and even as most people own such a more humble products like pens device, but for commercial IoT and spectacles - but instead of implementations it’s hardly a today’s dumb products, that practical solution as gateways operate in glorious isolation, are expensive and (particularly these things will be connected in the case of smartphones) can and “smart”. move out of range. IoT infrastructure will need What’s needed is for the to be based on open standard IoT is Cloud-connectivity architecture such as TCP/IP so via inexpensive “headless” that technologies introduced routers that simply forward by competing companies data directly from Bluetooth can play nicely together. The Smart sensors to the Internet communications sector has without the need for protocol already shown how open translation. Z standards underpin globally successful technologies. For “Much of the raw data gathered and instance, GSM was the dominant 2G technology for cellular manipulated by a future IoT will come from communications and accelerated inexpensive, compact sensors” the adoption of mobile phones for everyone. Wi-Fi dominated years (to limit size, cost, and Formerly known as Bluetooth for high bandwidth short-range maintenance). These sensors low energy, Bluetooth Smart wireless, and Bluetooth wireless might operate as standalone was designed from the outset technology did the same for devices monitoring their to consume as little power as low power short-range wireless surroundings or embedded possible. It is now a proven, connectivity. into products, appliances and “ultra low power” wireless machines to report on the technology based on an open Adapting Bluetooth Smart performance of their hosts. standard and available from Much of the raw data There are a few low power several major silicon vendors. gathered and manipulated by wireless technologies that are The technology operates by a future IoT will come from up to the job. For example, some periodically sending a burst inexpensive, compact sensors, IEEE 802.15.4-based products of data very quickly and then Electronics Specifier ideally powered by energy could be an option or low power returning to a low power sleep Design harvested from their immediate versions of Wi-Fi could be state. Such operation is ideal for This is an extract of an article first published in Electronics environment, or at worst from deployed; but one technology the wireless sensors connected Specifier Design in July 2015 small batteries that last for stands out - Bluetooth Smart. to the IoT.

To see the article in full go to: http://www.electronicspecifier.com/magazine/esd/july2015/index.html

22 | autumn 2015 | ulp wireless quarter www.nordicsemi.com PEOPLE & PLACES

Balaji Srinivasan

Being empowered to work freely encourages responsibility

i, I’m Balaji Srinivasan togetherness as a family that I find and for the past four Balaji’s experience is at its highest when travelling. years I’ve worked as an with gorillas in Uganda When tracking the mountain (below) proved a R&D Engineer based gorillas in Bwindi, Uganda, my H memorable moment initially in Trondheim (two years) wife and I were so engrossed and now Oslo. My current focus in observing the dominant is writing code for Nordic’s Silverback that we forgot to sense Bluetooth Smart SoftDevices. our surroundings. Then our ranger (SoftDevices are self-contained alerted us to slowly and carefully RF software protocol stacks for turn around. There we saw a Nordic nRF51 and 52 Series SoCs). majestic female gorilla keenly There are many things that I like observing us. It was that moment about my job. First and foremost when fear, shock, amazement, and is the company culture at Nordic happiness all merged into one. Semiconductor that empowers We stood without moving a me to be able to focus on doing muscle because we were not the best possible job without supposed to do anything that unnecessary distractions. could be mistaken as an act of But with this freedom also would never happen and started aggression. She looked at us for a comes responsibility as there’s hoping that the guys who I was Personal Profile while and started walking towards no-one to blame if things go supposed to test against wouldn’t NAME: us. We could have easily touched wrong! turn up because I wasn’t sure how Balaji Srinivasan her or even taken a “selfie” with About three years ago, for many bugs would be hidden in my job title: her as she was just a foot away. example, I was working within implementation - even if I could R&D Engineer I dared not. I could barely click joined nordic: Nordic’s Software Development get it to work. the shutter button in my camera July 2011 Kit (SDK) team and volunteered But thankfully, on the before she walked past me. It was based: to develop a brand new demo day, it turned out that my Oslo, Norway a memorable moment. for a Bluetooth SIG UnPlug Fest implementation was complete interests include: When at home I enjoy cooking. (UPF). This is an event where enough with one or two minor Family; Travel; In particular experimenting with different companies bring their bugs and although the other guys Photography; History new dishes and ingredients and latest Bluetooth devices to show did turn up they had some much trying to be creative to impress off and test against each other. more serious problems. I guess it my wife. Her appreciation is such The problem was I was running is quite hard to go wrong when that it drives me on to want to severely behind due to the using Nordic stuff! be even more ambitious. I have pressure of other projects, and Outside of work one of my also lately started to really enjoy ended up having just three days main passions is travelling. I enjoy reading books to my one-year and a nine-hour flight to write breaking out of my comfort zone, old daughter. Her appreciation some code and test a strange experiencing different cultures, is such that it drives me to act looking electrical device with visiting interesting and historically out fictional characters in such flashing LEDs - much to the significant places (even though a dramatic way I would collapse amusement of my co-passengers. I hated history at school), with embarrassment if anybody At one stage I began thinking it and enjoying the feeling of else saw me! Z

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www.nordicsemi.com ulp wireless quarter | autumn 2015 | 23 Unique opportunity to meet the nRF52 experts!

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