Bluetooth joins GSM to cut M2M running costs

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Feb 11, 2004

A novel reference design combines Bluegiga's embeddable Wrap Thor Bluetooth module with the Nokia 12 GSM module.

A novel reference design combines Bluegiga's embeddable Wrap Thor Bluetooth module with the Nokia 12 GSM module.

The Bluegiga Wrap Thor and Nokia 12 form the first reference design in the market to enable the developers of machine-to-machine (M2M) systems to extend their GSM-based remote management systems with cost-efficient wireless Bluetooth functionalities.

With Bluetooth technology, remotely monitored M2M systems are controllable and configurable over Bluetooth links, using either smartphones like the Nokia 6600 based on Symbian Series 60 platform or laptop PCs.

Routing the entire data traffic of a monitored site via Bluetooth links into a single device with an uplink to the GSM network helps to reduce the costs of remote operation.

"The design reference is perfectly in line with our strategy to develop comprehensive communication solutions based on wireless Bluetooth technology", said Tom Nordman, General Manager, Bluegiga Technologies.

"Nowadays autonomous information systems seldom require on-site monitoring.

The integration of Bluegiga and Nokia products introduces a smooth and cost-efficient solution for remote M2M monitoring".

Aimed at device manufacturers and application developers, the reference design includes three separate components: a Bluegiga Wrap Thor Bluetooth module; Bluetooth Java application programming interfaces for the Nokia 12 GSM module; and hardware reference designs.

The Bluegiga Wrap Thor is a robust, configurable Bluetooth module optimised for embedded applications.

It enables device manufacturers (OEMs) to easily add a secure and robust wireless communication element in both new and existing applications.

The Nokia 12 is a compact and intelligent GSM module for M2M applications and other wireless solutions.

A Nokia M2M platform compatible product, the Nokia 12 GSM module can also act as a cellular modem or be remotely controlled via text messaging.

With support for Java technology, location services and offering a wide range of data bearers, the Nokia 12 GSM module makes application development more cost effective and faster.