Texas Instruments recently introduced the next-generation SimpleLink SensorTag development kit, which enables the fast integration of sensor data with wireless cloud connectivity.
Features of the new SensorTags include:
- Flexible development with wireless connectivity options including Bluetooth low energy, 6LoWPAN and ZigBee based on the SimpleLink ultra-low power CC2650 wireless microcontroller
- 10 integrated low-power sensors
- New DevPack plug-in modules that extend the kits’ functionality and programmability
- Out of the box capabilities with a free iOS or Android app
- Connect to the cloud in minutes via TI’s IoT cloud ecosystem including IBM’s Bluemix IoT Foundation
- Available TI Design reference designs, including 3-D print files of the SensorTag enclosures, that enable you to reuse the SensorTags for new designs
The SensorTag kits come with ready-to-use protocol stacks, a free Code Composer Studio IDE license, online training, and 24/7 online TI E2E community support. In addition, TI’s cloud-based software development tools provide instant access to examples, documentation, software and even an integrated development environment (IDE) all from the convenience of the web.
Expanding the standards supported by the SensorTag, there will be two different development kit versions:
- The multi-standard SensorTag, based on the SimpleLink ultra-low power CC2650 wireless MCU, supports development for Bluetooth Smart, 6LoWPAN and ZigBee. This SensorTag has a unique feature that enables developers to change between different 2.4-GHz technologies by simply loading new software images directly from the SensorTag app over-the-air. When the SensorTag is used as a ZigBee and 6LoWPAN device, it connects to the cloud via a BeagleBone Black gateway. For Bluetooth Smart development, it connects via a smartphone.
- The Wi-Fi SensorTag will allow users to demo the SimpleLink CC3200 wireless MCU. Further details and availability information will be coming soon. Start developing today with the CC3200 solution with these development tools.
- Both SensorTags come with 10 integrated low-power sensors including the TI OPT3001 precision ambient light sensor, TI HDC1000 integrated humidity and temperature sensor and TI TMP007 contactless IR thermopile sensor. Additional sensors include a nine-axis motion sensor (gyroscope, compass and accelerometer), altimeter/ pressure sensor, digital microphone, and magnet sensor.
New to the next-generation CC2650 SensorTag is the ability for developers to customize their kit to fit their design with new DevPack plug-in modules. DevPacks available today include:
- The $15 Debug DevPack is based on the TM4C1294 microcontroller (MCU) to add debug capabilities to the SensorTag. Plug it into the DevPack expansion header and debug the SensorTag with Code Composer Studio IDE, TI Cloud Tools, or IAR embedded workbench for ARM.
- The Display (watch) DevPack adds a 1.35 inch ultra-low power graphical display to the SensorTag. The Watch DevPack is designed for development of smartwatches, refrigerator displays and any other application that has a need for a remote display.
- The LED Audio DevPack consists of four high power multi-color LEDs and a 4W audio amplifier powered by a micro-USB for home automation and smart lighting applications.
- Create your own! If developers cannot find a specific DevPack to fit their needs, they can create their own by downloading the Build Your Own DevPack guide.
The new SimpleLink multi-standard CC2650 SensorTag (CC2650STK) is available now for $29 in the TI Store and authorized distributors. Related software for each connectivity standard is also available:
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- Bluetooth Smart software
- 6LoWPAN software
- ZigBee software
The SimpleLink SensorTag DevPacks are also available on the TI Store and through TI authorized distributors. The Debug DevPack (CC-DEVPACK-DEBUG) costs $15. The Display DevPack (DEVPACK-WATCH) costs $19. The LED Audio DevPack (DEVPACK-LED-AUDIO) is $19. Pricing and availability for the SimpleLink Wi-Fi CC3200 SensorTag will be coming later in 2015.
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