Cambridge Consultants has released a portable, hardware-independent Bluetooth software package aimed at embedded devices. The profiles and protocol stack — Interface Express and BlueStack — have been ported to multiple processor architectures including ARM and MIPS, and run on a range of embedded operating systems including Linux.

Cambridge says its “Mezoe” Bluetooth firmware suite meets all the mandatory and optional requirements of Bluetooth v1.2, and that it offers a highly efficient and easy-to-use platform that minimizes the need to understand Bluetooth protocol specifications in detail. The interaction between profiles and the host application is reduced through an optimized API design. For example, a single API call registers a profile, providing a multitude of settings such as security, device visibility and service discovery records.

The software also boasts a compact and efficient memory management subsystem that gives developers complete control over how much system RAM is used. A “zero copy” strategy minimizes the amount of data copying between RAM buffers, making it easy to add Bluetooth to existing designs and to expand the capabilities of the Bluetooth system with minimal impact on the host processor, Cambridge says.

The software also comes with its own real-time scheduler, enabling its use without an operating system.

“Bluetooth is now growing rapidly in markets outside of its mobile phone and headset roots, such as automobiles and home electronics”, noted Steve Pearce, Software Development Manager at Cambridge Consultants. “These are highly cost-sensitive areas, where factors such as minimizing the hardware costs and second-sourcing are critical. This software provides an optimised platform to support OEMs in these emerging areas”.

In addition to the Interface Express and BlueStack software products, Cambridge Consultants also offers Bluetooth design assistance, including complete turnkey product design.

 
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