Bluetooth chipset with HID software and complete reference design allows mobile keyboards to work with laptop, PDA set-top box, and mobile phones.
Geneva, January 28, 2003 -STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM) today
announced the availability of the first complete solution on the market
for keyboards and other input devices implementing the Human Interface
Device (HID) standard, which allows them to automatically detect and connect
to PDAs, PCs, set-top boxes, and cellular platforms. Built by combining
ST's STLC2150 Bluetooth RF Transceiver and STLC2410 baseband along with
proven Bluetooth HID profile software, the new solution powers mobile
keyboards, mice and gamepads that can be used for any data-entry application
to multiple platforms. A complete reference design is also available,
allowing manufacturers to minimize development costs and bring Bluetooth
HID products to market very rapidly.
Traditional wireless keyboards use proprietary protocols at both the keyboard and PC, limiting the solution to point-to-point applications between paired devices. In contrast, a Bluetooth HID keyboard can interact with any other Bluetooth-HID system. The solution therefore allows the use of a single standard keyboard for multiple applications. Another important advantage of Bluetooth HID keyboards is that they no longer require a dedicated transceiver at the host side because Bluetooth is generally implemented as a standard connectivity solution. Taking into account the large volume effect on the cost evolution of a Bluetooth node, the Bluetooth HID implementation is expected to become ultimately the lowest-cost solution for wireless keyboards.
"This new Bluetooth HID-standard product is being driven by customer and market input and a well defined set of standards from the Bluetooth SIG," states Steve Beckers, Bluetooth Marketing Director for STMicroelectronics. "Our Bluetooth product portfolio and experience, along with close cooperation with key partners, such as NMB and Widomm, have enabled us to address the needs of our customers."
"The HID profile and its applications represent a major advance for input device technology, and allow manufacturers of devices such as keyboards, mice, and handheld presenters to add additional value. It will become even more important as more and more devices become Bluetooth compatible," said Joyce Putscher, Director of Converging Markets and Technologies Research at In-Stat/MDR. "In 2003 the total market for keyboards, mice, and handheld presenters will exceed 300 million units and will approach 400 million by 2006. We believe Bluetooth will increasingly play an important role in this key competitive market, especially as it enables users to input information into a myriad of products that have been restricted to cumbersome input methods."
A leading supplier of wireless components, ST offers a range of Bluetooth devices for multiple applications. ST's Bluetooth division has the goal of providing small footprint solutions that are low cost, flexible, and are easily integrated, thereby speeding time-to-market. The ST Bluetooth product portfolio ensures full interoperability, through active involvement in the Bluetooth SIG, participation in un-plug fests and by using the proven track record of the embedded Ericsson Core IP. ST provides customers with complete consulting expertise in Bluetooth Core and RF technology, protocol software, and advanced solutions. As a key manufacturer in the wireless market, ST has the ability to provide any integration service needed for current product portfolios and future endeavors. More information can be found at www.st.com/bluetooth.
About STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics, the world's third largest semiconductor company, is a global leader in developing and delivering semiconductor solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivalled combination of silicon and system expertise, manufacturing strength, Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio and strategic partners positions the Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and its products play a key role in enabling today's convergence markets. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2001, the Company's net revenues were $6.36 billion and net earnings were $257.1 million. Further information on ST can be found at http://www.st.com.
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