Silicon Labs Unveils BG2B Bluetooth LE SoC for Ultra-Low-Power IoT
Silicon Labs, a leading innovator in low-power wireless connectivity, has unveiled the BG2B, its next Series 2 Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) wireless SoC. This new system-on-chip is engineered to empower developers in creating smaller, more secure, and longer-lasting battery-powered IoT devices by offering an industry-leading combination of power efficiency, robust security, and comprehensive integration.
As Bluetooth LE applications evolve to include sophisticated features like secure ranging, location awareness, and advanced security, developers face the challenge of incorporating these capabilities without compromising battery life or compact designs. The BG2B addresses these demands by integrating Silicon Labs' lowest-power Bluetooth architecture to date, a complete feature set for Bluetooth Channel Sounding, Secure Vault™ High security, and a rich array of integrated peripherals, including CAN-FD, LED drivers, and dual ADCs, all within a single, highly integrated platform.
This innovative SoC is designed to extend battery life and prepare devices for more demanding Bluetooth LE applications across various sectors. Its key differentiators lie in its ultra-low-power consumption, advanced security features, and extensive on-chip integration, which collectively aim to reduce system cost and complexity for next-generation IoT solutions.
Specifications
| Product | Function | Manufacturer | Security | Power Efficiency (MCU Active Current) | Power Efficiency (EM2 Sleep Current) | Key Integrations | Channel Sounding Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BG2B | Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) wireless SoC | Silicon Labs | Secure Vault™ High, PSA Level 3 compliance support | 14%-15% lower than previous lowest power SoC | 1.1 µA with RAM retention | CAN-FD, LED boost/sink, dual 12-bit ADCs, VRL, expanded memory | Mode 3, NADM, Inline PCT, Apple/Google specifications |
Key Features
- Silicon Labs' lowest-power Bluetooth LE device, featuring a dual-output DC-DC power architecture and multi-core design.
- Delivers 14%-15% lower MCU active current and lower Bluetooth receive current compared to Silicon Labs' previous lowest-power Bluetooth LE SoC.
- Achieves 1.1 µA EM2 sleep current with RAM retention, enabling longer battery life for sleepy products.
- Supports advanced Bluetooth Channel Sounding capabilities, including Mode 3, Normalised Attack Detector Metric (NADM), and Inline Phase Correction Term (Inline PCT).
- Designed to meet Apple and Google Bluetooth Channel Sounding specifications, supported by a royalty-free ranging library and development tools.
- Offers lower energy per ranging event through shorter Channel Sounding step timings and lower active/receive currents.
- Integrates Secure Vault™ High technology to protect device identity, firmware, cryptographic keys, and sensitive data.
- Designed to support PSA Level 3 compliance, preparing manufacturers for evolving cybersecurity requirements.
- Features integrated CAN-FD for wireless diagnostics and monitoring in commercial vehicles and industrial equipment.
- Includes integrated LED boost and four-channel LED sink capabilities, eliminating external LED driver circuitry.
- Incorporates dual 12-bit ADCs for simultaneous analog sampling and Variable Resistive Load (VRL) for accurate battery health estimation.
- Supports secure provisioning with unique identities, certificates, and cryptographic credentials during manufacturing via Silicon Labs' Custom Part Manufacturing Service (CPMS).
Applications
- Secure ranging and proximity awareness
- Asset tracking and location-aware experiences
- Electronic shelf labels (ESLs) and smart retail devices
- Smart home devices and industrial monitoring
- Vehicle diagnostics, fleet management, and industrial equipment maintenance
- Wireless sensors, asset tags, smart locks, remotes, and wearables
- Battery-powered products requiring RGBW LED for status indication
