Ultra low power (ULP) RF specialist Nordic Semiconductor ASA and ARM(R), the world's leading semiconductor Intellectual Property supplier, announce the launch of the nRF51822-mKIT, a platform for fast, easy, and flexible development of Bluetooth(R) Smart (Bluetooth low energy, a hallmark element of Bluetooth v4.1) applications.

Whilst still in its infancy, the Internet of Things (IoT) is in part evolving by using Bluetooth Smart as an underpinning technology. Bluetooth Smart is rapidly being adopted for short-range wireless connectivity between compact, coin cell-powered accessories using RF sensors and smartphone 'hubs' supporting associated software applications ('apps').

The ARM mbed(TM) initiative is a collaborative industry project that plans to nurture the IoT. The initiative delivers tools and fundamental open-source hardware and software building blocks for the rapid development of ARM-based devices. The collaboration between Nordic Semiconductor and ARM has resulted in Nordic's nRF51822 System-on-Chip (SoC) which combines a Bluetooth v4.1-compliant 2.4GHz multiprotocol radio with an ARM(R) Cortex(R)-M0 CPU core on a single chip optimized for ULP operation. The nRF51822 Series offers developers the ideal platform for designing the wirelessly-connected sensors that will help turn the IoT from a technological concept into reality as the mechanisms to transfer IP data from sensor nodes begin to appear.

Simon Ford, Director of Internet of Things (IoT) platforms, ARM said: "The platform from Nordic Semiconductor adds vital functionality for developers working on creating the next generation of ARM-based IoT products. Developers will be able to create a fully-functional prototype device with less effort. Allowing faster and more efficient development speeds up the time to market for thousands of new products that will be connecting people and businesses with the infrastructure around them."

nRF51822-mKIT features include:

- Nordic nRF51822 SoC combining Bluetooth v4.1-compliant 2.4GHz multiprotocol radio and ARM Cortex-M0 processor on a single chip optimized for ULP operation
- Bluetooth Smart API
- 31 Pin-assignable GPIO;
- CMSIS-DAP debugger;
- Programmable Peripheral Interconnect (PPI);
- Ability to run from a single 2032 coin-cell battery for in-situ testing of wireless performance.

"The cost, footprint and energy needs of Bluetooth Smart are miniscule - companies can add this technology to practically anything and completely transform an existing product or disrupt entire industries with new solutions. It's the natural choice for developers looking to create the new generation of products that is making the Internet of Things a reality," said Suke Jawanda, Bluetooth SIG CMO.

"Bluetooth Smart is being developed such that it will become an integral part of the IoT, and is the perfect technology for wirelessly linking compact coin cell-powered sensors to Internet-connected hubs such as smartphones or Wi-Fi bridges," says Geir Langeland, Nordic Semiconductor's Director of Sales & Marketing.