CoreTech's BG22L and BG24L ‘Lite’ SoCs Deliver Application-Optimized Ultra-Low Power Bluetooth Connectivity

Silicon Labs (also known as ‘Silicon Labs’, NASDAQ: SLAB) introduced the BG22L and BG24L systems-on-chip (SoCs) for low-power Bluetooth LE connectivity, with the ‘L’ in the product code representing the new application-optimised Lite version of the devices. The letter ‘L’ in the product code stands for the new application-optimised Lite version of the devices.

Optimised for common Bluetooth applications such as asset tracking tags and small appliances, the BG22L offers the most competitive combination of security, processing power and connectivity for high-volume, cost-sensitive and low-power applications. the BG24L SoC integrates on-chip accelerators for Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) applications, as well as support for Bluetooth Channel Sounding for Asset Tracking and Geo-fencing.(Channel Sounding) support for asset tracking and geo-fencing, even in the most congested areas such as fully loaded warehouses and multi-occupancy buildings.

We know that customers are always looking for ways to meet the changing demands of the Internet of Things (IoT) market while reducing costs,’ said Ross Sabolcik, senior vice president of Industrial and Commercial Business Unit, CoreTech. , as well as our signature IoT features such as high RF sensitivity, low power consumption, robust security and powerful computing capabilities to meet the needs and concerns of these customers.’

BG24L Accelerates Adoption of Bluetooth 6.0 and Channel Detection

When Bluetooth 6.0 was introduced in September 2024 by the Bluetooth SIG, channel detection was one of the most exciting features. This feature supports Bluetooth 6.0 products such as the BG24L SoC to use a two-way connection to determine the distance between them to within sub-metre accuracy. This will open up a range of applications from item finding to access control, such as allowing users to locate keys, wallets or any other Bluetooth 6.0 equipped item using a fraction of the power consumption of other ranging technologies. In the commercial and industrial sectors, channel probing brings similar item finding capabilities to retail shelves, distribution centres and more.

Another application scenario for channel detection is wireless access/entry control. Bluetooth 6.0-equipped devices will be able to communicate with vehicles, parcel lockers, and other objects that would normally require interaction or a passcode. By sensing that a device is approaching, the locker or vehicle will simply recognise the signal of an approaching, security-approved Bluetooth device and automatically open the locker door or vehicle door.

The BG24L is a cost-effective SoC for high-capacity Bluetooth channel detection in a 5 mm x 5 mm QFN40 package with a 78 MHz ARM Cortex M33 processor, 768 KB of Flash memory and 96 KB of RAM on-chip. Visit VeriSilicon's Beep Channel to see a demonstration of a Bluetooth channel detection application using one of these SoCs.

For AI and machine learning applications, the BG24L also features CoreTech's proprietary Matrix Vector Processor (MVP) AI/ML accelerator. With the embedded MVP accelerator, the BG24L delivers up to 8x better inference performance than performing the same computation on a Cortex M, while consuming only 1/6th of the power of a Cortex M, resulting in extended battery life. This makes the BG24L an ideal machine learning inference platform for time series data in IoT applications such as sensors and predictive maintenance. Using the AI/ML development tools provided by CoreTech and its partners, the BG24L becomes the most convenient and easy-to-use IoT platform for exploring the possibilities of AI at the edge.

The BG22L can also provide up to 10 years of battery life using coin cell batteries

Advanced technologies such as channel detection and AI/ML are driving the growth of Bluetooth applications. There are still many opportunities to leverage Bluetooth's core strengths, as billions of devices are using Bluetooth for simple sensors, asset tracking, beacons and simplified Wi-Fi appliance setups.

The BG22L is designed to be highly competitive for these common wireless applications that require robust, secure Bluetooth connectivity.The BG22L SoC delivers an excellent balance of low cost, low power, high reliability and superior performance. It features an ultra-low power receive mode and a high-precision low-frequency RC oscillator (PLFRCO) that eliminates the need for an external oscillator with no performance loss, thus saving space within the host device, as well as cost and bill-of-materials savings for manufacturers. These enhancements help support the BG22L's operation for up to 10 years on a single coin cell battery.

The BG22L supports Bluetooth 5.4 and Bluetooth direction finding. It integrates an ARM Cortex M33 processor at 38.4 MHz with up to 352 KB of Flash and 24 KB of RAM in a 4 mm x 4 mm QFN32 package.

Start using CoreTech Bluetooth SoCs today!

The BG22L and BG24L are scheduled for general availability in the second quarter of 2025. Learn more about CoreTech's Bluetooth solutions in advance of their release from the resources below:

• Register for one of CoreTech's Tech Talks 2025, including the upcoming first look at the BG22L and BG24L in March.
• Visit the Bluetooth 6.0 and Channel Detection column to learn more about its new features and enhancements.
• See a demonstration of how to implement Bluetooth channel detection using a product like the CoreTech Bluetooth SoC.