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13 Media
Bosch unveils cutting edge Smart Connected Sensors platform for full-body motion ...

08.01.2024

Press release

Internet of Things

Bosch unveils cutting edge Smart Connected Sensors platform for full-body motion ...

Las Vegas, Nevada / Reutlingen, Germany – Unlimited access to a personal feedback coach? That's the dream of many fitness and gaming enthusiasts. With the brand new Smart Connected Sensors platform, Bosch Sensortec ensures that movements and repetitions are not only measured, but that users get qualitative feedback on the movement execution. Specifically designed for full-body motion tracking, this new platform provides a fully integrated hardware and software solution that dramatically cuts development costs and time to market.Business customers wanting to integrate sensors in their designs are often faced with time-consuming and complicated tasks, combining and tweaking multiple devices to create the necessary hardware and software system. There is no sensor solution available on the market right now that provides wireless and ready-to-use full-body movement feedback. To meet this need and save developers precious time and effort, Bosch Sensortec provides business customers with the full package: BHI380, a programmable IMU-based sensor system using AI functionality. A wearable reference design (certified CE, FCC, ISED, MSIT, SRRC, MIC, NCC, UKCA) that can be straightforwardly attached to any part of the body without having to handle cable clutter, an external camera or dedicated bodysuits. Software features including gesture and activity recognition, body movement detection, relative body angle information, as well as a feedback coach. Multiple applications in rehabilitation, fitness and gaming The possibilities are almost endless. Key use cases will include rehabilitation, fitness, and gaming according to the motto “Move. Prove. Improve.” The Smart Connected Sensors platform provides complex feedback that enables users to properly perform rehabilitation exercises at home, thereby supporting their faster recovery. For highly responsive gaming applications, motion sensors will provide intuitive, accurate control by tracking even the tiniest movements. In the area of sports and fitness, the motion sensors can be used for complete body movement detection, for example to give detailed feedback on how well high-intensity exercises are performed. The sensors communicate wirelessly via Bluetooth Low Energy and thus do not restrict users' movement. Thanks to the platform principle, the system can be connected to numerous applications, such as wearables, hearables and AR/VR headsets. Engineers will find the Smart Connected Sensors platform easy to use and simple to scale, easily incorporating additional sensors and capabilities into their existing designs. Importantly, the platform enables up to eight nodes with various Bosch Sensortec sensors to be neatly connected to a central node, including Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), magnetometers and pressure sensors. “For applications using Smart Connected Sensors, our new platform significantly reduces the amount of effort required from designers, enabling them to cut time to market and focus more on their specific expertise,” said Stefan Finkbeiner, General Manager and CEO at Bosch Sensortec. For applications using Smart Connected Sensors, our new platform significantly reduces the amount of effort required from designers, enabling them to cut time to market and focus more on their specific expertise...said Stefan Finkbeiner, General Manager and CEO at Bosch Sensortec. The sensor platform provides qualitative feedback based on integrated AI features and comes with a pattern creation software tool that helps customers customize their system design. By using this tool, the customer retains control over their data, as there is no need for regular data exchange with Bosch Sensortec. Availability: Smart Connected Sensors is available on direct request.

Internet of Things
A new dimension of acceleration: Bosch launches world’s smallest MEMS accelerome ...

08.01.2024

Press release

Internet of Things

A new dimension of acceleration: Bosch launches world’s smallest MEMS accelerome ...

Las Vegas, Nevada / Reutlingen, Germany – Space is at a premium in hearables, smartwatches and other portable consumer products, and all components must be as small as possible. At the same time, OEMs are demanding plug-and-play step-counters and other sensors with built-in features that enable easy implementation without detailed application knowledge. To meet these challenges, Bosch Sensortec has announced the BMA530 and BMA580, the world's smallest MEMS accelerometers. Both devices include built-in features making them easy to design with. BMA530 tracks activities with its step counter and is especially suitable for wearables, and BMA580 targets hearables with voice activity detection.Compared to Bosch's current generation accelerometer (BMA253), the BMA530 and BMA580 have a 76 percent smaller footprint and have been reduced in height from 0.95 mm to 0.55 mm. This size reduction is achieved with an innovative Wafer Level Chip Scale Package (WLCSP). The small size of the accelerometers makes them easy to place on a PCB, and their integrated features make them easy for design engineers to integrate into their portable products. "The demand for tiny sensors with ever-increasing performance is growing as the industry moves towards more stylish and minimalist designs that require smaller sensors," said Stefan Finkbeiner, General Manager and CEO of Bosch Sensortec. "The new BMA530 and BMA580 provide an ultra-compact, fully-featured solution to meet this demand." The demand for tiny sensors with ever-increasing performance is growing as the industry moves towards more stylish and minimalist designs that require smaller sensors. The new BMA530 and BMA580 provide an ultra-compact, fully-featured solution to meet this demand. ...said Stefan Finkbeiner, General Manager and CEO of Bosch Sensortec. Bone conduction for reduced power consumption The BMA580 provides innovative voice activity detection and an advanced feature set for hearable devices. Typically, microphones in hearables consume a lot of power because they need to be always-on to listen for voice activity. Instead, the BMA580 uses bone conduction to detect the vibration of the user’s voice and then wakes the microphone from sleep – for an overall power saving. No other sensor on the market combines bone conduction with this miniature sensor size. The BMA580 enables user interaction with a hearable in response to the user tapping the device, for example to answer or end a call. The sensor’s software includes an algorithm that can distinguish between single, double and triple taps. In addition to wearables, the new BMA530 acceleration sensor is ideal for gesture recognition in toys, fall detection in laptops and other devices, and power management functions such as putting a smartphone to sleep when it is not moved. The new accelerometers offer multiple power modes and automatically switch from low-power to high-power modes to extend battery life. They offer a flexible set of connectivity options, including an I3C® interface. Availability: The new acceleration sensors from Bosch Sensortec can be ordered at our distribution partners from Q1 2024 onwards.

Internet of Things
Sensor tech #LikeABosch: world's smallest particulate matter sensor revolutioniz ...

04.01.2023

Press release

Sensortec

Sensor tech #LikeABosch: world's smallest particulate matter sensor revolutioniz ...

Clean air is fundamental to our health and well-being. Today, people typically spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, which has a negative long-term impact on health because indoor air is three to five times more polluted than in the outdoor environment in most parts of the world. A major component of this pollution is fine dust known as PM2.5 particulates, which are solid and liquid particles smaller than 2.5 µm. These particulates are inhaled and enter the lungs, where they cause serious health problems.The most common air quality measurement stations only provide outdoor data averaged over time, which fails to deliver real-time, localized information most relevant to our health. At CES® in Las Vegas, Nevada, Bosch Sensortec is addressing this issue with its new BMV080, the world’s smallest PM2.5 air quality sensor, which provides accurate, actionable data. “Indoor air quality is a problem: in poorly ventilated homes, PM2.5 concentration from domestic cooking can reach levels 100 times higher than acceptable limits,” said Dr. Lucas Ginzinger, Head of Product Area Optics at Bosch Sensortec. “With localized, actionable data from the new BMV080, it’s now possible to identify and respond to poor air quality.” The BMV080 sensing element measures only 4.2 x 3.5 x 3 mm³ (W x L x H), which is more than 450 times smaller in volume than any comparable device on the market. The miniscule size and fanless, non-intrusive design of the BMV080 are a game-changer, and its noiseless operation means it does not disturb residents who may be sleeping or working. The new sensor is maintenance-free with no fan-induced dust buildup, which means that it’s more reliable, and less prone to malfunction. It is a natural fit for ultra-compact wearable or IoT devices such as air quality monitors, smart thermostats, smart speakers, smart switches and smart air purifiers. Comparable state-of-the-art PM2.5 sensors all rely on a fan to draw air across a laser beam, where a photodiode then detects and measures the particulates as they reflect or block the light from the laser. The BMV080 utilizes an innovative design based on ultra-compact lasers with integrated photodiodes. It applies sophisticated algorithms to measure the PM2.5 concentration directly in free space, without requiring a fan. The innovation brings awareness and choice to people who value healthy living. The new sensor is easily integrated into ultra-compact IoT-based smart home and smart building systems to deliver air quality notifications to residents when PM2.5 levels rise above a threshold level. To take action, the resident or home automation system can ventilate by switching on an exhaust fan or filter to clear the air. "The BMV080 provides timely, accurate and actionable information about particulate concentration levels in the air, enabling the identification and handling of indoor and outdoor pollution to improve people's well-being and health,” said Stefan Finkbeiner, CEO at Bosch Sensortec. "It is dramatically smaller than existing devices on the market and opens up an entirely new set of applications for design engineers to explore." The BMV080 provides timely, accurate and actionable information about particulate concentration levels in the air, enabling the identification and handling of indoor and outdoor pollution to improve people's well-being and health,...said Stefan Finkbeiner, CEO at Bosch Sensortec. Bosch at CES 2023 under the motto “Sensor tech #LikeABosch”: As a global market leader in MEMS sensor solutions, Bosch will showcase numerous innovations for consumer electronics. Click here for an overview of the sensor solutions from Bosch Sensortec. Availability: Product samples will be available in 2023. Website: BMV080

Sensortec
Sensor tech #LikeABosch: brand-new robust barometric pressure sensor is ready fo ...

04.01.2023

Press release

Sensortec

Sensor tech #LikeABosch: brand-new robust barometric pressure sensor is ready fo ...

Barometric pressure sensors are a key component in fitness tracking wearables and other applications, enabling altitude to be accurately determined. Bosch Sensortec continues to push the boundaries of possibilities and introduces the BMP585 at CES® in Las Vegas, Nevada. The BMP585 is a robust barometric pressure sensor that can be used underwater and in harsh environments – for example, in wearables for swimming.The BMP585 includes a liquid-proof gel cover, which means it can be used in wearables that will be exposed to water or other liquids, including salt water and chlorinated water in swimming pools. It includes all the features of Bosch’s existing BMP581 pressure sensor, with comparable best-in-class accuracy, while providing the robustness needed for new use cases. Low power consumption ensures long battery life in wearables, hearables, and portable applications. “With the BMP585, OEMs don’t need to sacrifice performance to achieve robustness – there’s no compromise necessary. With its extreme accuracy, the sensor measures a change in height of just a few centimeters. It can therefore detect movements in fitness training down to the level of individual pull-ups or push-ups. At the same time, users do not have to worry about environmental conditions - thanks to its ruggedness,” said Dr. Stefan Finkbeiner, CEO at Bosch Sensortec. Carefree and ready for any adventure: the BMP585 provides reliable mapping data for distance traveled and meters of altitude for hiking or running trips, thus supporting GPS data, and enabling accurate localization and navigation. With its resistance to water and chemicals, the BMP585 is also perfectly suited for a variety of industrial use cases such as liquid-level detection. Since its seal blocks access to dust, the sensor is ideally suited for clog detection in home appliances such as vacuum cleaners. With the BMP585, OEMs don’t need to sacrifice performance to achieve robustness – there’s no compromise necessary. With its extreme accuracy, the sensor measures a change in height of just a few centimeters. It can therefore detect movements in fitness training down to the level of individual pull-ups or push-ups. At the same time, users do not have to worry about environmental conditions - thanks to its ruggedness,...said Dr. Stefan Finkbeiner, CEO at Bosch Sensortec. Best-in-class performance and ultra-low current consumption The BMP585 delivers best-in-class performance similar to Bosch’s existing BMP581. It provides excellent relative accuracy of +/-0.06 hPa and typical absolute accuracy of +/-0.5 hPa. The BMP585 has a typical temperature coefficient offset (TCO) of just +/-0.5 Pa/K and low RMS noise of 0.08 Pa @ 1000 hPa (typical). Long-term drift over 12 months is only +/-0.2 hPa. Typical current consumption of just 1.3 μA at 1Hz data rate substantially extends battery life. The BMP585 offers an I2C, I3C, and SPI digital, serial interface. The BMP585 is provided in a compact 9-pin LGA package with a metal lid, measuring just 3.25 mm x 3.25 mm x 1.86 mm³, and is small enough to use in smartwatches and other wearables. Bosch at CES 2023 under the motto “Sensor tech #LikeABosch”: As a global market leader in MEMS sensor solutions, Bosch will showcase numerous innovations for consumer electronics. Click here for an overview of the sensor solutions from Bosch Sensortec. Availability: The BMP585 is available in Q2 2023. Website: BMP585

Sensortec
Sensor tech #LikeABosch: new smart sensor system is more than a digital fitness ...

04.01.2023

Press release

Sensortec

Sensor tech #LikeABosch: new smart sensor system is more than a digital fitness ...

Today’s consumers want portable and smart devices that have high performance and a full set of features, yet provide a long battery life. For product designers, this means making difficult decisions to minimize power consumption without affecting the user experience.At CES® in Las Vegas, Nevada, Bosch Sensortec announces a new smart sensor system that delivers a best-in-class performance/power consumption ratio, yet is simple to integrate due to its small size and built-in, ready-to-use software algorithms. The new BHI360 is a programmable IMU-based sensor system combining a gyroscope with an accelerometer that enables full customization. The integrated sensor fusion library enables 3D audio with head orientation for personalized sound experiences as well as simple gesture recognition. A product variant, the BHI380 equips the sensor with additional algorithms. BHI380 is based on the same architecture but also includes self-learning AI software suitable for a wide variety of fitness tracking, thus making training and tracking a breeze and enabling personalized workouts. Dedicated swim tracking software measures swimming style and boosts users to the next fitness level in the water, while the pedestrian dead reckoning (PDR) algorithm helps users reach their destination, even when the GPS signal drops out for a few minutes. This means it is particularly suitable for hearable and wearable devices. Typical applications include pedestrian navigation, 3D audio, personalized fitness tracking, and human-machine interaction. The smart sensor system has an integrated, low-power custom processor. This custom processor can run simpler sensor processing algorithms itself, such as gesture detection or step counting, thus avoiding waking the main device processor and keeping power consumption ultra-low. The custom processor also helps achieve better power consumption for high-end algorithms. “When we say that the BHI360/380 is the most intelligent programmable IMU ever, we mean it has the most powerful built-in microprocessor, paired with an extensive software library of integrated algorithms,” said Dr. Stefan Finkbeiner, CEO at Bosch Sensortec. The sensor is provided in a compact 20-pin LGA package measuring 2.5 x 3 x 0.95 mm 3 . This means it is 50% smaller than its previous generation, and that it is the smallest programmable dual-core IMU sensor in the market. Typical total current consumption is less than 600 µA for 3D orientation. It provides fast SPI (50MHz) and I2C (3.4MHz) host interfaces, as well as multiple SPI, I2C, and GPIO interfaces for external sensors. When we say that the BHI360/380 is the most intelligent programmable IMU ever, we mean it has the most powerful built-in microprocessor, paired with an extensive software library of integrated algorithms,...said Dr. Stefan Finkbeiner, CEO at Bosch Sensortec. Bosch at CES 2023 under the motto “Sensor tech #LikeABosch”: As a global market leader in MEMS sensor solutions, Bosch will showcase numerous innovations for consumer electronics. Click here for an overview of the sensor solutions from Bosch Sensortec. Availability: The BHI360 is available at our distribution partners from April 2023 onwards. The BHI380 is available on direct request from May 2023 onwards. Website: BHI360 BHI380

Sensortec
Sensor tech #LikeABosch: always on the right track thanks to a micro-sized digit ...

04.01.2023

Press release

Sensortec

Sensor tech #LikeABosch: always on the right track thanks to a micro-sized digit ...

For any portable device, other motion sensors may tell you where you are and how fast you’re moving, but to find out which direction you’re pointing you need a reliable magnetometer. Acting like a compass, it provides an accurate measurement of orientation in relation to the earth’s magnetic field.At CES® in Las Vegas, Nevada, Bosch Sensortec announces its next-generation magnetometer, the BMM350, which provides excellent performance with low current consumption to extend battery life. It enables a wide range of new use cases, including detecting head orientation for 3D audio, and pixel latency reduction in AR/VR to improve the user experience and avoid motion sickness. In indoor navigation, the digital pathfinder improves positioning accuracy where no GPS signal is available, and it enables position and speed detection in e-bikes, other vehicles, or industrial applications. The BMM350 is based on innovative TMR (tunnel magnetoresistance) technology and includes a unique field shock recovery feature. This capability, developed by Bosch, makes the device very robust against external magnetic fields, ensuring high accuracy at all times. “The market for magnetometers is growing, and our customers are asking for more accuracy – to keep up with the precision offered by our IMUs and pressure sensors,” said Dr. Stefan Finkbeiner, CEO at Bosch Sensortec. “It’s the right time to introduce the BMM350, with the benefits of its new TMR technology.” Compared to Bosch’s previous generation magnetometer, BMM150, the new device offers significantly improved performance. The average typical current consumption of the BMM350 is only 200 μA at a 100 Hz data rate, which is 20 times lower than the previous generation. Also, the noise is three times lower for the x/y axis, and the sensitivity is four times smaller compared to the BMM150. The BMM350 is provided in a slim WLCSP package measuring just 1.28 x 1.28 x 0.5 mm 3 . The market for magnetometers is growing, and our customers are asking for more accuracy – to keep up with the precision offered by our IMUs and pressure sensors,...said Dr. Stefan Finkbeiner, CEO at Bosch Sensortec. Bosch at CES 2023 under the motto “Sensor tech #LikeABosch”: As a global market leader in MEMS sensor solutions, Bosch will showcase numerous innovations for consumer electronics. Click here for an overview of the sensor solutions from Bosch Sensortec. Availability: The BMM350 is available in Q2 2023. Website: BMM350

Sensortec
Many applications made easy: Bosch launches cost-effective motion sensor BMI323

20.10.2022

Press release

Sensortec

Many applications made easy: Bosch launches cost-effective motion sensor BMI323

The BMI323’s combination of simplicity with an excellent price-performance ratio will open up new applications for IMUs...said Dr. Stefan Finkbeiner, CEO at Bosch Sensortec. Tiny MEMS motion sensors are all around us. They make consumer products easier to use and improve how our smartphones and other gadgets interact with us. These sensors are precise, compact and power-efficient, however, until now, they have been complex for basic applications. To address this issue, Bosch Sensortec is launching the BMI323, an affordable Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) with excellent performance and integrated features enabling a shorter development time. "The BMI323’s combination of simplicity with an excellent price-performance ratio will open up new applications for IMUs," said Dr. Stefan Finkbeiner, CEO at Bosch Sensortec. "These will include standard consumer products, such as toys, gaming controllers, remote controls, wearables, fitness trackers, smartwatches as well as tablets and laptops." Like its predecessor BMI160, the new BMI323 is a general-purpose, low-power IMU that combines precise acceleration and angular rate (gyroscopic) measurement with intelligent integrated features that are triggered by motion. Its integrated features make development faster and easier for OEMs. For example, the BMI323 already includes Bosch Sensortec’s plug-and-play step counter software, so customers don’t need to spend time developing their own algorithms. Other features include motion detection that can turn subsystems on or off when a device, such as a TV remote control, is put down or picked up, thus reducing overall power consumption. Compared to the BMI160, the BMI323 provides improved accelerometer performance as well as lower power consumption. In high-performance mode, using both the gyroscope and the accelerometer, the BMI323 has a current consumption of 790µA compared to 925µA on the BMI160, which represents a reduction of nearly 15%. The 6-axis BMI323 has a self-calibrating 16-bit triaxial gyroscope, a 16-bit triaxial accelerometer, and a 16-bit digital temperature sensor housed in a miniature 2.5 x 3.0 x 0.83 mm3 (14-pin) LGA package that is pin to pin compatible with the BMI160 and others. The BMI323 is the first IMU device announced by Bosch Sensortec to include the new I3C interface, in addition to the I2C and SPI interfaces. Availability: The BMI323 is available now. Website: https://www.bosch-sensortec.com/products/motion-sensors/imus/bmi323/ Contact person for press inquiries: Katharina Sorg phone: +49 711 811-26074 Twitter: @BoschMEMS

Sensortec
Bosch barometric pressure sensor raises the bar for accuracy and performance in ...

05.04.2022

Press release

Smart Home

Bosch barometric pressure sensor raises the bar for accuracy and performance in ...

Bosch Sensortec introduces the BMP581, a barometric pressure sensor that couples low power consumption with extreme accuracy to provide altitude tracking in wearables, hearables or IoT devices. This capability makes it ideal for applications such as fitness tracking, fall detection, indoor localization and navigation, enabling new use cases that were previously impossible."Building on the excellent performance and low power consumption of previous generations of Bosch sensors, our new BMP581 now delivers an entirely new level of accuracy", says Dr. Stefan Finkbeiner, CEO at Bosch Sensortec. "It’s breathtakingly accurate: it can measure a barometric pressure fluctuation that's equivalent to one-thousandth of the weight of a mosquito (7.6 μg)." This extreme level of accuracy enables the sensor to detect an altitude change of just a few centimeters. It can, therefore, monitor movement in fitness applications down to the level of individual pull-ups or push-ups, and can provide highly accurate location information for indoor localization, navigation, and floor detection to provide key data for emergency call requirements (E-911) . The sensor can noticeably improve flight stability and landing accuracy in drones, and help detect water levels in household appliances to avoid flooding. Building on the excellent performance and low power consumption of previous generations of Bosch sensors, our new BMP581 now delivers an entirely new level of accuracy...Dr. Stefan Finkbeiner, CEO at Bosch Sensortec Low power consumption coupled with high accuracy The BMP581 provides an excellent relative accuracy of +/-0.06 hPa and a typical absolute accuracy of +/-0.3 hPa. Full accuracy is available over a wide measurement range from 300 hPa to 1100 hPa. The BMP581 has a typical temperature coefficient offset (TCO) of just +/-0.5 Pa/K and low RMS noise of 0.08 Pa @ 1000 hPa (typical). Long-term drift over 12 months is only +/-0.1 hPa. Compared to BMP390, the previous generation of Bosch barometric pressure sensors, the BMP581 draws 85% less current, noise is 80% lower, and TCO is reduced by 33%. Typical current consumption of just 1.3 μA at 1Hz substantially extends battery life, while the deep standby mode draws only 0.5 μA. The sensor provides an I2C, I3C and SPI (3-wire/4-wire) digital, serial interface. The BMP581 is provided in a compact 10-pin LGA package shielded by a metal cover, measuring just 2.0 x 2.0 x 0.75mm 3 . Virtual unveiling event: Watch the video to find more detailed information and application examples for the new sensor and to get an insight into the product's development. https://www.bosch-sensortec.com/unveil/event/ Availability: The BMP581 is available now and offers a strong price-performance ratio.

Smart Home
More than meets the eye: Bosch enables the next generation of smartglasses

10.12.2019

Press release

Internet of Things

More than meets the eye: Bosch enables the next generation of smartglasses

At CES® in Las Vegas, Nevada, Bosch Sensortec launches an innovative optical Light Drive system for smartglasses. The Bosch Smartglasses Light Drive module is a sole source, all-in-one technology stack consisting of MEMS mirrors, optical elements, sensors, and onboard processing. This integrated solution delivers a clean visual experience with bright images that are always in focus – even in direct sunlight.The disruptive Bosch Light Drive technology revolutionizes all-day wearables with perceived total transparency for the user, and with radical social acceptance because it is nearly invisible to others. Additionally, the technology can also be applied to optimize performance of waveguide systems for which integration packages are in development. There is no externally visible display or integrated camera, the two pitfalls that have alienated users of other smartglasses technologies. The smaller size allows designers to overcome the bulky, cumbersome characteristics of many of today’s smartglasses. For the first time, a turnkey system enables smaller, lighter, more stylish smartglasses designs that meet the visual and comfort needs of everyone. The tiny module is also big news for those who wear eyeglasses for vision correction - a significant market, since six out of ten people use corrective lenses every day. The Smartglasses Light Drive system is the smallest and lightest product on the market today and is, therefore, able to turn almost any regular spectacles into smartglasses. By eliminating distracting phone usage, smartglasses can help improve driving safety and reduce the impulse of users to constantly check their mobile devices for notifications or messages....says Dr. Stefan Finkbeiner, CEO of Bosch Sensortec. Bosch Sensortec’s innovative Smartglasses Light Drive solution paves the way for a day without digital fatigue. The system displays the perfect balance of just-in-time hands-free information in a minimalist format, making it ideal for applications including navigation, calls, and notifications such as alarms, calendar reminders, and messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and WeChat. Everyday note-based information like to-do and shopping checklists are exceptionally convenient. To date, these applications have been primarily restricted to devices with physical displays like smartphones or smartwatches. Smartglasses minimize socially unacceptable behavior such as obsessive phone checking, and help improve driver safety by providing hands-free, transparent heads-up navigation directions. The new technology promises to broaden the scope and availability of apps and information, coupled with instant access to relevant data, social media, and intuitive control of audio playback. Innovative technology in a tiny package A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) based collimated light scanner inside the Bosch Smartglasses Light Drive module scans a holographic element (HOE) that is embedded in the lens of the smartglasses. This HOE redirects the light beam onto the human retina surface, directly painting a picture that is always in focus. The technology enables hands-free, secure viewing of practically any data from a connected mobile device, such as a paired smartphone, overlaid in a comfortable viewing position. The projected high-resolution image is crisp, bright, private, and clearly visible even in direct sunlight thanks to its adaptive brightness. The Bosch Light Drive technology is compatible with curved and corrective lenses, making this new tech appealing and available to users who already wear prescription glasses. Older competitor display technologies are hindered by a haze or rainbow glare called stray light that is visible when the system is switched off. The Bosch Light Drive technology provides pleasing all-day optical transparency with minimal stray light sensitivity, meaning the view is always crystal clear, and that distracting internal reflections are a thing of the past. Smallest Smartglasses Light Drive solution on the market The new complete turnkey Light Drive system is the smallest comparable solution available on the market, delivering a depth reduction of 30 percent compared to existing solutions. It measures approximately 45-75 mm x 5-10 mm x 8 mm (L x H x W, depending on customer integration) and weighs less than 10 grams. This makes it easy for glasses manufacturers to flexibly reduce the width of the glasses frame to create a stylish design, and eliminate the visibly chunky design of first-generation smartglasses. Social acceptance and broad adoption have the potential to make retinal Light Drive technologies the next boom for manufacturers of consumer electronics display devices. End-to-end solution for smartglasses manufacturers Bosch Sensortec provides a turnkey Light Drive solution – designed and built in-house to ensure consistent high quality, reliability, and performance, whilst being able to quickly respond to market and customer demands for product modifications. Bosch Sensortec is the only end-to-end system provider of such retinal Light Drive technology and can further leverage this position by offering an extensive range of complementary devices and solutions. The smartglasses module is enriched by several sensor solutions, such as Bosch’s smart sensor BHI260, the barometric pressure sensor BMP388, and the BMM150 magnetometer. The sensors enable intuitive user interface features such as multi-tap functions on the frame to improve convenience while operating the glasses. The Bosch Smartglasses Light Drive solution will be available in 2021 to high-volume manufacturers as part number BML500P.

Internet of Things
Hearables: Bosch brings smart features to your ear

17.06.2019

Press release

Internet of Things

Hearables: Bosch brings smart features to your ear

Bosch Sensortec announces a new variant of its high-performance BMA456 accelerometer at Sensors Expo & Conference in San Jose, California. The BMA456 hearable accelerometer is the industry’s only accelerometer with optimized hearable features integrated in one sensor and complements the existing BMA456 wearable variant. Manufacturers can now design smaller and more accurate hearables with lower power consumption while increasing their performance. Hearables include devices such as standard or sports earbuds, hearing aids or high-end hearables like gaming headsets. Bosch Sensortec's many years of experience in the areas of signal processing and ultra-low power MEMS sensor design are key to helping manufacturers create the next generation of hearables....Dr. Stefan Finkbeiner, CEO of Bosch Sensortec "Bosch Sensortec's many years of experience in the areas of signal processing and ultra-low power MEMS sensor design are key to helping manufacturers create the next generation of hearables," says Dr. Stefan Finkbeiner, CEO of Bosch Sensortec. "The new BMA456 is a great example of how Bosch leverages its experience and know-how, adapting proven wearable technologies for the developing hearables market." Accelerometers have played a pivotal role in extending the possibilities for hearables, enabling sensing for initiating voice assistant systems, head gesture control and body movement tracking and more....Peter Cooney, Founder and Research Director, SAR Insight & Consulting Hearables are a fast-growing market segment, and a major growth driver in the wearables space. Based on data from SAR Insight & Consulting, the market for True Wireless Earbuds (TWE) is expected to grow to almost 180 million units by 2023. "Accelerometers have played a pivotal role in extending the possibilities for hearables, enabling sensing for initiating voice assistant systems, head gesture control and body movement tracking and more," says Peter Cooney, Founder and Research Director, SAR Insight & Consulting, "As the TWS market continues to expand rapidly, there are many interesting opportunities for sensor vendors to enable interesting and innovative products offering substantial market potential". A broad range of hearable features The new BMA456 accelerometer variant integrates hearable-specific gestures for intuitive user interactions such as tap, double-tap and triple-tap. Thereby, the user can, for example, conveniently control playback, manage the volume, or accept and decline calls. All of these functions are carried out within the BMA456 itself, thus eliminating the need to wake up a power-hungry application processor. These features and its extremely low height of 0.65 mm make the BMA456 a perfect fit for Truly Wireless Stereo (TWS) headsets and midrange hearables used for entertainment and in everyday life. Another feature is power management. To limit power consumption, the BMA456 accelerometer accurately distinguishes between motion and no-motion, switching itself and the device to a low-power mode. In addition, the sensor enables low-power in-ear and out-of-ear recognition that could, for example, instantly pause playback when the user removes the hearable from their ear and set the entire system to sleep mode. The BMA456 also includes a low-power step counter and step detector that is specifically optimized for hearables. In combination with the sophisticated activity recognition feature that detects walking, running and standing still, the BMA456 hearable variant is a perfect fit for sports and activity-tracking hearables that operate with smartphones or stand-alone. Manufacturers can flexibly configure the default parameter sets of these features to improve the performance of their devices. The sensor’s low noise of 120 µg√Hz, low offset of ±20 mg and low TCO of 0.35 mg/K further improve the accuracy of the device. Users thereby benefit from an intuitive user experience, accurate activity tracking and an extended battery life. Comprehensive product portfolio for hearables Bosch Sensortec offers a comprehensive portfolio of sensing solutions for hearables, so manufacturers can find the optimal solution for any hearable application, whether it be for sports, hearing aids, standard earbuds or high-end hearables such as gaming headsets. The product portfolio for hearables includes accelerometers (BMA456, BMA400), magnetometers (BMM150), inertial measurement units (BMI270), pressure sensors (BMP388) and smart sensors (BHA260, BHI260). Package and availability The BMA456 hearable variant comes in a tiny package measuring 2 x 2 x 0.65 mm³. This variant will be available via Bosch Sensortec’s distributors in July 2019.

Internet of Things
Bosch announces virtual touchscreen on every surface for smart homes and IoT

07.01.2019

Press release

Smart Home

Bosch announces virtual touchscreen on every surface for smart homes and IoT

At CES® in Las Vegas, Nevada , Bosch Sensortec announced the BML100PI, an Interactive Projection Module that enriches smart homes with a virtual touchscreen on every surface – turning ordinary shelves into personal assistants. With this Interactive Projection Module any regular shelf can easily be transformed into a personal assistant for the user, greatly enhancing the level of convenience in people’s daily lives.... Dr. Stefan Finkbeiner, CEO of Bosch Sensortec The BML100PI module provides a complete, ready-to-use solution for interactive projection, enabling highly flexible virtual touchscreens. A generated laser beam creates a focus-free image on any surface and then scans it line-by-line to detect any gestures or finger movements. No calibration or adjustment is required for accurate gesture and touch recognition. Bosch Sensortec’s Interactive Projection Module provides a touchscreen with a highly intuitive user experience for any smart home appliances as a fully flexible alternative compared to a static, physical screen. Personal assistants in smart homes Home device manufacturers can use the BML100PI to create 'smart shelves' consisting of several simultaneous projections on the individual shelves for example in fridges, cupboards, kitchen cabinets or wardrobes. One module can provide touchscreen functionality on up to six different surfaces. For example, a single module can project a weather forecast, the user’s individual daily schedule as well as reminders of upcoming events on to a wardrobe. This information is processed and appropriate clothing is recommended to match the weather forecast and/or planned personal activities. The created look can then be shared with friends via social media – directly on the shelf surface. If an item of clothing is missing or in the laundry bin, the smart shelf can suggest new clothing for the user to order in an online fashion store or it can schedule a date for the laundry service, which is directly synced with the user’s calendar. "With this Interactive Projection Module any regular shelf can easily be transformed into a personal assistant for the user, greatly enhancing the level of convenience in people’s daily lives," said Dr. Stefan Finkbeiner, CEO of Bosch Sensortec. The BML100PI is a compact plug-and-play solution that enables manufacturers of smart home appliances and furniture to create entirely new, exciting use cases. This creates a huge potential for product differentiation for manufacturers. An allrounder for all environments One key feature is that the module can project a sharp image on to any type of surface, regardless of whether it is dark, colored, wet, stepped or curved. It can thus provide interactive projection e.g. in bedrooms, home appliances or kitchen gadgets where suitable projection surfaces are often lacking. Compact module – easy to integrate in any smart home appliances The BML100PI offers low power consumption of typically 2 W. With its footprint of only 47 mm x 43 mm it is smaller than a credit card. This enables manufacturers to simply integrate it into practically all new and existing smart home appliances – significantly easier than existing projection or display solutions on the market. In addition to the BML100PI module, Bosch Sensortec offers the BML100P variant, which provides the same projection features but without the touch functionality. Availability The BML100PI and BML100P will be available in the second quarter of 2020.

Smart Home
Bosch announces industry’s first Position Tracking Smart Sensor BHI160BP for wea ...

07.11.2018

Press release

Internet of Things

Bosch announces industry’s first Position Tracking Smart Sensor BHI160BP for wea ...

Reutlingen / Munich, Germany – At electronica Munich, Bosch Sensortec announces the BHI160BP, the industry’s first Position Tracking Smart Sensor that utilizes integrated inertial sensors to improve GPS location tracking. Pedestrian position tracking is a crucial application for mobile applications; unfortunately, GPS modules can rapidly drain a device’s battery capacity – especially when the battery is as small as in wearable devices....Dr. Stefan Finkbeiner, CEO of Bosch Sensortec Always-on position tracking When used with a GPS or GNSS module, the BHI160BP enables users to take full advantage of pedestrian position tracking with up to 80% saving in system power consumption compared with a typical GNSS-only solution, without compromising on accuracy. Users benefit from a greatly extended battery life and longer charging intervals for wearable applications such as smartwatches and fitness trackers and other mobile devices such as smartphones or hearables. This new position tracking approach is set to enable a new class of compact devices with even smaller batteries. The BHI160BP tracks a person’s position by intelligently applying an inertial sensor based algorithm for Pedestrian Dead Reckoning (PDR). To maintain accuracy, it calculates the user’s relative location based on data collected from the inertial sensors and then re-calibrates itself every few minutes to obtain the absolute position provided by the GNSS/GPS module. This means that the GNSS/GPS module can be kept in sleep mode for most of the time, which drastically reduces a device's power consumption and extends its operating time. "Pedestrian position tracking is a crucial application for mobile applications; unfortunately, GPS modules can rapidly drain a device’s battery capacity – especially when the battery is as small as in wearable devices," says Dr. Stefan Finkbeiner, CEO of Bosch Sensortec. "Our new Position Tracking Smart Sensor solves this problem and enables users to navigate reliably while extending the operation of GPS tracking in their devices from several hours up to several days." Straightforward integration The position tracking capability provided by the BHI160BP also means that a device can maintain solid accuracy even when the GNSS signal is blocked or weak, e.g. near tall buildings or indoors. This ensures accurate pedestrian navigation at all times, even in shielded indoor areas such as subways. The BHI160BP is a new member of Bosch Sensortec’s BHI160 family and adds application-specific functionality for position tracking. It provides a ready-to-use solution that can be quickly and easily integrated into a system design without requiring an update to a new GNSS module, thereby significantly cutting time to market. While the current configuration is optimized for use with GNSS receivers (such as GPS), the BHI160BP can also support most of the common global localization technologies. As well as improving localization, the BHI160BP can also serve to handle gesture recognition and 3D orientation, with 3D calculations performed by the sensor itself rather than by an application processor. Wide range of features and functionalities The new BHI160BP draws only 1.3 mA in active operation mode and is the industry’s lowest-power solution that integrates the Fuser Core (MCU) and a 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). Additionally, the Position Tracking Smart Sensor offers a variety of customized virtual sensors, such as a calibrated accelerometer, orientation and wake up gesture, within a single device. Furthermore, the BHI160BP can be extended by connecting additional physical sensors, such as a magnetometer, over a secondary interface. The new BHI160BP comes in a compact 3 x 3 x 0.95 mm3 LGA-package and is pin-to-pin compatible with the BHI160.

Internet of Things
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