Software development kit simplifies the integration of Bluetooth connectivity into embedded devices for the medical, industrial, and consumer appliance markets
QNX, a subsidiary of BlackBerry, today demonstrated the QNX SDK for Bluetooth Connectivity, a new middleware solution for medical devices, industrial automation systems, consumer appliances, and other embedded system applications.
Designed for flexibility, the SDK offers a dual-mode Bluetooth Smart Ready stack that supports classic Bluetooth connectivity as well as connectivity to Bluetooth Low Energy devices. The SDK is also highly modular, allowing developers to create scalable, future-ready designs that can readily support new Bluetooth profiles. Developers can choose from a comprehensive set of pre-integrated profiles, including the classic PAN, SPP, HDP, HID, FTP, and OPP profiles, as well as the BAS, FMP, HRP, HOGP, and PXP Low Energy profiles. The SDK complies with the latest Bluetooth Core Specification, 4.2.
For developers of infusion pumps, vital-sign monitors, and other health-data aggregation devices, the QNX® SDK for Bluetooth Connectivity includes an IEEE 11073 Personal Health Data stack certified by the Continua Health Alliance. This stack enables easy interoperability with pulse oximeters, weight scales, and other Bluetooth-enabled peripherals, and addresses the growing demand for health devices that can wirelessly collect patient data, either in a clinical setting or the patient’s home.
“From systems that perform remote control of factory equipment to devices that monitor a patient’s pulse, we are seeing increased demand for a solution that can take the headache and risk out of implementing Bluetooth connectivity in embedded systems,” said Grant Courville, Senior Director of Product Management, QNX Software Systems.
“By offering a Bluetooth stack pre-integrated with the QNX Neutrino OS, we can help customers improve time-to-market, provide an easier path to Bluetooth certification, and offer the convenience of a one-stop solution for Bluetooth and OS support.”
The QNX SDK for Bluetooth Connectivity is powered by technology from Mindtree Limited, one of the co-creators of the Bluetooth 4.0, 4.1, and 4.2 specifications. Mindtree has over 15 years’ experience supplying and supporting Bluetooth technology, and their IP has been implemented in over 35 million systems worldwide.
“By integrating Mindtree’s EtherMind Bluetooth and IEEE 11073 stacks into its new SDK, QNX Software Systems is providing its customers with proven technology that can enable a wide variety of use cases,” said Jayanth Krishna, General Manager, Short Range Wireless, Mindtree.
“Mindtree backs its highly robust and interoperable stack with platform integration services delivered in partnership with QNX Software Systems. This solution will ensure that customers can seamlessly add reliable Bluetooth connectivity to their products.”
The QNX SDK for Bluetooth Connectivity is scheduled for general release in Q2 2016.
QNX Demos at Embedded World
This week, at Embedded World, QNX Software Systems (Hall 4, Booth 534) will demonstrate how the QNX SDK for Bluetooth Connectivity can help developers build vital-sign monitors and other connected embedded systems. The demonstration system can discover and pair with Bluetooth classic and Bluetooth Low Energy devices (e.g. pulse oximeter, weight scale, heart rate monitor), render their data onto a touchscreen display based on Qt 5, and provide a history of heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and other vitals.
The booth will also feature a variety of commercially available end products that demonstrate the versatility and reliability of QNX OS technology. These include:
- An award-winning double-drum washing machine that can wash two separate loads of laundry simultaneously.
- A traffic light controlled by an ACTROS.compact traffic controller from SWARCO TRAFFIC SYSTEMS.
- An EN 50155-compliant Modular Train Control System (MTCS) from MEN Mikro Elektronik that is based on the QNX OS for Safety, an operating system certified to the IEC 61508 and ISO 26262 functional safety standards.
