- u-blox is implementing its Bluetooth modules for track and trace solutions in the form of wearables that is being developed by Electronic Precepts
- The low-power device is effective in combating the COVID-19 pandemic by facilitating social distancing measures in public places
u-blox has announced that its Bluetooth 5 modules are being built into wearable devices known as TDS-50 that can help combat the global COVID-19 pandemic. The device has been developed by Electronic Precepts to present a highly-effective track and trace solution in which the data is directly stored on the device and then periodically sent to a web server. The device is suitable for use anywhere – from schools to businesses or airport settings.
It also features a social distancing function that enables its wearers to transmit and receive visual and vibrational alerts if another TDS-50 wearer comes within a distance of 2 metres for over 45 seconds.
The compact form factor of TDS-50 units makes them comfortable to wear. They also support ultra-low power operation, with the ability to deliver passive scanning (for social distancing purposes) for up to 240 hours.
A space-saving, highly-integrated and pre-approved system-in-package (SiP) called u-blox ANNA-B112 has been optimised for situations where a swift turnaround is mandated. It is based on:
- Nordic’s nRF52832 chip-level Bluetooth technology
- 64MHz Arm® Cortex®-M4 processor
- 512kB of embedded with flash memory
- Supports 1.4Mbit/s data rates
The device is highly suitable for wearable applications (wristbands or pendants) and does not impact heavily on battery reserves.
“This collaboration with Electronic Precepts gives us a valuable opportunity to highlight all of the key elements that make u-blox technology so appealing to numerous industry sectors,” adds Carl Bellanca, Head of Sales for u-blox Americas. “It underlines our ability to provide cutting-edge wireless solutions that have all the necessary processing and data storage capabilities, while also taking up minimal space and drawing only a relatively small amount of power.”
“u-blox was able to satisfy all our expectations with the ANNA-B112 module, allowing us to bring our track and trace device to market within a very short timeframe, while also addressing the stringent space and power constraints that had been set,” states Jeff Singer, CEO of Electronic Precepts. “Over ten thousand TDS-50 units have already been shipped and demand is ramping up every day. We see huge potential for it in schools, businesses and theme parks, as well as within airport environments.”
