The latest addition to TI low-power RF's product portfolio is the CC1190, a highly-integrated, cost-effective RF range extender for low-power wireless applications at 850 to 950 MHz. The CC1190 works with TI's CC1101 sub-1 GHz transceiver and the CC430 or CC1110 systems-on-chip. The CC1190+CC1101 solution can provide up to +149-dB link budget. The single-chip CC1190 integrates a power amplifier (PA), a low-noise amplifier (LNA), switches and RF matching, which eliminates expensive discrete components, simplifies design layout, reduces test time, improves RF performance and shrinks overall board space.

Start development today with the CC1190EMK evaluation module kit. Combo boards with a transceiver and CC1190 will be available 2Q 2010.

A new and enhanced version of SmartRF Studio, the SmartRF Studio 7 (Beta), is now available.

Features and enhancements of the SmartRF Studio 7 (Beta)

• Easier to use
• New graphical user interface based on Qt
• Improved register view and register access
• Perl script interface

Download the tool at www.ti.com/smartrfstudio. We encourage all of you to try out the beta version and send any feedback you might have, be it bug reports or requests for enhancements, to smartrfstudio7beta@list.ti.com.

Note that you can have both the official version of SmartRF Studio (v 6.x.x) and the Beta version installed on your PC.

The Bluetooth SIG announced the Bluetooth Innovator of the Year earlier this month. The Innovation World Cup 2009 drew more than 250 entries illustrating the wealth of opportunities for product development with the new Bluetooth low energy wireless technology. Texas Instruments and 14 other industry experts participated in the panel of judges, selecting a winner and three finalists whose ideas were recognized at the award ceremony held in-line with the Wearable Technologies Show at ispo 2010 In Munich earlier this month.

The winning idea by Edward Sazonov, PhD, The Fit Companion, is a small, unobtrusive sensor that when clipped-on to a user's clothing or integrated in to a shoe, provides feedback about their physical activity. The data, transmitted via Bluetooth low energy technology, can help individuals to lose weight and achieve optimal physical activity. The other finalists' Bluetooth low energy enabled solutions include a fitness monitoring solution specifically created for snow sports, a wrist watch designed for swimmers and a fertility manager and body monitor.

Ideas for the Bluetooth Innovation World Cup 2010 can be submitted from June 1st – August 31st 2010.

The ZigBee® Alliance recently announced the certification of a number of home automation products, including the adhoco.S1 radio-controlled power switch, using Texas Instruments' CC2430 ZigBee system-on-chip. The adhoco.S1 is a small, combined light on/off actuator and light switch sensor fitting behind light control switches of any type at 230 VAC operation. It features an indicator LED and a multi-purpose pushbutton. The certified products will be branded with the ZigBee Certified logo and the ZigBee Home Automation icon on product packaging and advertisements to clearly communicate interoperability to the marketplace.

SignalFire Telemetry Inc has introduced its Gateway-in-a-Stick™ as the latest component in its SignalFire Remote Sensing System™ (SFRSS). The Gateway-in-a-Stick is a rugged, integrated device that combines a high gain antenna with gateway electronics on a single, easily mounted package. It uses Texas Instruments' CC1110 inside, along with TI power management products.

The IC training is aimed at providing a learning forum for design engineers where practical high-performance solutions, tools and workshops are presented for analog and digital technologies. The exhibits demonstrate the latest TI technology. Don't miss this opportunity to meet with a number of Texas Instruments' experts and gain valuable ideas for solving your technical challenges!