CSR has partnered with Cheertek to produce a reference design for a digital photo frame chipset with Bluetooth functionality. Cheertek has incorporated CSR's BlueCore4-ROM, which allows the frame to not only receive pictures but also to play audio streamed via Bluetooth.

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In addition, Cheertek has employed CSR's BlueCore Host Software (BCHS). Since this software provides the upper layers of the Bluetooth protocol stack along with power-saving intelligence and a large library of Bluetooth profiles, it offers OEMs an easy-to-use Bluetooth solution for further reducing time-to-market and lowering cost. BlueCore4-ROM is optimized for coexistence with other radios, and BCHS's simple yet powerful APIs make it possible for OEMs to develop a Bluetooth product without expert Bluetooth knowledge, according to the partners. CSR's hardware provides support for Bluetooth versions 1.2, 2.0+EDR and 2.1+EDR.

Frames based on Cheertek's design are able to receive pictures from mobile phones, PMPs, PCs and any other devices with appropriate Bluetooth functionality. These frames can also operate as mini entertainment devices by playing audio on built-in stereo speakers, streamed from Bluetooth-enabled media devices and phones.

Besides BlueCore4-ROM, the Cheertek frame design utilizes a RISC processor alongside its own CT956A chip. The design supports BIP, FTP and OPP Bluetooth profiles for photo transfer, A2DP and AVRCP for streaming and AVRCP for remote control functionality.

According to Hsiung-Hao Liu, vice president of Cheertek, “One of our main reasons for using BlueCore4-ROM was that it offers a complete solution and BCHS makes it quick and easy for manufacturers to produce a wireless photo frame, with all of the Bluetooth logic taken care of within the system. CSR provided us with clear documentation on how to utilize the APIs as well as comprehensive training, example applications and drivers. All in all, CSR made the experience as easy for us as possible.”

The Cheertek development kit is available. And it includes the software development environment and a hardware development board featuring CSR's BlueCore4-ROM Bluetooth chip and the CT956A chip.

For more information, visit www.csr.com and www.cheertek.com.