Toshiba has just launched the TZ1031MBG and TZ1011MBG application processors for wearable devices, as the latest additions to its ApP Lite family’s TZ1000 series. There has been an explosion of interest in services that monitor the duration and level of physical activity to promote exercise, improve nutrition and help prevent diseases related to lifestyle. This has increased the demand for wearable devices.

Last November, Toshiba launched the TZ1001MBG application processor, a single package that integrates sensors for data collecting, a processor for data processing, flash memory for data storage, and a Bluetooth Low Energy controller for data communication. Building on this, the new application processors expand sensing functionalities by adding a gyroscope to the TZ1031MBG and a gyroscope and magnetometer to the TZ1011MBG.

The high level integration of the new application processors makes it possible to realize wearable devices without any other components. It also contributes to a smaller form factor, which enables wearable devices to be reduced in size.

Key Features

• Integrates a wireless communication function, sensors, a memory and a processor in one package
• Functions necessary for wearable devices are integrated into a single package, contributing to small system design.
• Embedded ARM Cortex-M4F processor
• High performance ARM Cortex-M4F with DSP and floating point processing unit allows combination of data from multiple sensors, both internal and external, to improve accuracy (sensor fusion).
• High resolution ADCs
• The products integrate a 24-bit high resolution ISADC with high speed switches connected to three input channels, so as to be capable of measuring weak biomedical signals, such as the pulse and the heart’s electrical activity.
• Integrates Bluetooth wireless communication function
• Integration of Bluetooth Low Energy controller and RF circuit allows transfer of raw and processed data to external equipment, such as smartphones and tablets.

Sample shipments of the TZ1031MBG will start this month and mass production is scheduled to start in May. For the TZ1011MBG, these dates are this month and June respectively, Toshiba said.