Texas Instruments Unveils Hands-Free Kit Development Platform with Complete Bluetooth Radio Subsystem

Strategic Insights -

Texas Instruments has launched the Hands-Free Kit (HFK) Development Platform, a complete digital signal processor (DSP)-based platform that integrates real-time voice and audio-enhancing algorithms with a Bluetooth Daughter Card, enabling developers to create high-quality, cellular handset accessories with faster time-to-market and reduced cost. The platform is designed to address the growing demand for affordable, high-quality hands-free accessories in the US, Europe, and other countries, where legislation restricts the use of handsets while driving.

Key Takeaways:

  • The HFK Development Platform combines the TMS320C5407 DSP motherboard with CVC software from Clarity Technologies Inc. and a Bluetooth Daughter Card with the TAIYO YUDEN Bluetooth module and Stonestreet One's Bluetopia software stack.
  • The platform includes real-time voice and audio-enhancing algorithms, a Bluetooth Daughter Card, and an automotive-class power management system for safeguarding against noise and voltage spikes.
  • Clarity Technologies Inc.'s award-winning Clear Voice Capture (CVC) echo and noise suppression software provides full duplex echo suppression for natural conversation and improved voice quality.
  • The Bluetooth Daughter Card incorporates the TAIYO YUDEN Bluetooth module, a single-chip Bluetooth device using digital RF technology, and Stonestreet One's Bluetopia software stack, which includes profiles for headset, hands-free, generic access, and serial port.
  • Texas Instruments' BRF6100 single-chip Bluetooth device is one of the industry's smallest, most power-efficient, and least expensive Bluetooth solution, with a full module size of 9.8 mm x 9.6 mm x 1.65 mm.
  • The HFK Development Platform provides a solid baseline design, allowing developers to focus on differentiating their products with advanced features rather than wasting time creating system-level software from scratch.
  • Portable overhead on the TMS320C5407 DSP is in the range of 30 MIPS, providing sufficient headroom for implementing unique, value-added features.
  • Royalty-free evaluation and testing licenses are available for the software from Clarity and Stonestreet One.
  • Developers must have access to Code Composer Studio (CCStudio) v2.2, a JTAG emulator, amplified speaker, and a microphone for implementation.

Statistics:

  • 43 US states, 90% of the European market, and many other countries have legislation restricting the use of handsets while driving.
  • Over $1.5B in annual sales for TAIYO YUDEN worldwide.
  • The BRF6100 single-chip Bluetooth device from Texas Instruments is 9.8 mm x 9.6 mm x 1.65 mm in size.
  • 30 MIPS of portable overhead on the TMS320C5407 DSP.
  • $1,495 price point for the HFK Development Platform and Bluetooth Daughter Card.

Sources:

  • Texas Instruments: "Texas Instruments Unveils Hands-Free Kit Development Platform with Complete Bluetooth Radio Subsystem" (PRNewswire, April 21)
  • Clarity Technologies Inc.: "About Clarity Technologies" (http://www.claritytech.com/)
  • Stonestreet One: "About Stonestreet One" (http://www.stonestreetone.com/)
  • TAIYO YUDEN: "About TAIYO YUDEN" (http://www.ty-top.com/)
  • Texas Instruments: "About Texas Instruments" (http://www.ti.com/)