ALPS Develops and Commences Mass Production of “UGZZC-G Series” Bluetooth All In One Module with Antenna for Automotive Use

Car navigation and audio systems have become essential for driving comfort. Besides navigation and music playback, these automotive infotainment systems can now perform a wide range of functions as support is increasingly provided for hands-free phone calls and due to enhanced interoperability with smartphones, portable music players and other mobile devices. This interoperability requires a wireless communication module, with data communication methods based on Bluetooth® technology currently being the most widely used.



Products that use Bluetooth®, a technology convenient for near-field communication in spaces like a vehicle cabin, require Bluetooth® SIG certification and certification specified in radio legislation in each country. The same certification has to be obtained also for the end equipment after the Bluetooth® module has been installed and with the antenna included, meaning an enormous amount of time and effort is spent on examination and testing. Furthermore, many car audio and other automotive systems have CPUs with low processing capability, creating large demand, when incorporating Bluetooth technology, for products like ALPS' All In One modules*, which contain a Bluetooth® protocol stack. There is also growing demand for modules with built-in antennas.



ALPS has responded by developing the UGZZC–G Series Bluetooth® All In One module for automotive use with a built-in antenna. Having incorporated the antenna and Bluetooth® protocol stack into the module, ALPS is responsible for obtaining for the module not only Bluetooth® certification but also certification required by radio legislation in relevant countries. The module also has a built-in serial flash memory enabling storage of up to 3,000 phone book data entries and incorporates sorting and other functions for managing that data, thereby helping to reduce the software development workload of equipment manufacturers. ALPS’ addition of a module integrating antenna, Bluetooth® protocol stack and memory to its current lineup of All In One modules helps to reduce the design, testing, software development and certification burden for end equipment.



RF and simulation technologies acquired by ALPS over the years were applied to optimize circuitry affecting antenna characteristics, allowing integration of the antenna into the module. Use of a pin header connection contributes to a smaller footprint within car audio systems while retaining wireless communication characteristics.



ALPS has produced more than 25 million automotive Bluetooth® All In One modules to date and the new UGZZC–G Series is part of additional efforts to step up commercialization of products that meet the needs of the market.



* All In One module:

A module containing lower (RF and baseband) through to upper (communication protocol) Bluetooth® layers to enable processing using Bluetooth®.



Features



Built-in Antenna and Memory for More in an All In One Module

1. Antenna integration helps to reduce the antenna verification workload of equipment manufacturers

2. Built-in serial flash ROM for phone book data storage (up to 3,000 entries)

3. Smaller footprint with vertical mounting design

Principal Applications



Wireless communication between car audio or navigation systems and mobile devices

Other communication devices for automotive use



Specifications



Model: UGZZC–G Series

Dimensions (W × D × H): 29.0mm x 36.1mm x 8.0mm

Specification: Ver. 2.1 + EDR

Interface: UART

Frequency: 2402 – 2408MHz

Supply voltage: 3.3V

Transfer speed: 1 – 3Mbps

Operating temperature: -20 to +75°C