ANT+ and TI working together in connecting low power sensors to smartphones

ANT and Texas Instruments have partnered to establish connection of ANT+ sensors to mainstream mobile phones with the WiLink series of multi-protocol chips.

ANT+ facilitates interoperability between ANT+ Alliance member devices and the collection, automatic transfer and tracking of sensor data. Applicable in sport, wellness management and home health monitoring, ANT+ (built on the base ANT protocol) offers device profiles that specify data formats, channel parameters and network key.

ANT/ANT+ offers an ultra low power wireless technology solution such as,

Mature, stable and proven with extensive infrastructure (development and manufacturing tools)
Low cost solution (membership, development, certification, chips, etc)
Ultra low power solution (offering longer battery life than comparative protocols for the same data through put)
Capable of complex network topologies with multiple masters
Available now a leading multi protocol (WiFi/BT/FM/ANT) chip for use in cell phones and other mobile hub devices

Existing devices based on WiLink solutions can enable ANT with a simple software upgrade, to connect to the many available ANT+ sensors. In addition to providing support on the WiLink 6.0 solution, ANT+ support is extensible to the newly announced WiLink 7.0 offering, which is a WLAN/GPS/Bluetooth/FM single chip solution.

ANT provides a simple, low cost and low power solution for short range wireless communication in both point-to-point and more complex network topologies with multiple masters. Adhering to the ANT+ profile further ensures the interoperability and accuracy that standardizes ANT+ products.

"Working with ANT and the established ANT+ ecosystem allows us to expand today's smart phone applications with an improved, more connected user experience," stated Eran Sandhaus, director of marketing, TI's wireless connectivity solutions business unit. "We are excited about extending our WiLink platform and low-power RF solutions to support ANT. Device manufacturers designing with our WiLink 6.0 solution can leverage the protocol today to enable mobile handsets to connect with existing and future ANT+ mobile sport, fitness and health applications."

"We are thrilled to launch this mobile solution with TI, optimizing both their strong industry footprint and the value of ANT+," declared Brian Macdonald, Director, ANT Wireless. "This is a pivotal advancement that allows cell phone providers to immediately partner with best-in-class brands and deliver innovative products right away."

TI, together with Dynastream, is also developing ANT ICs for the sensor market. The CC257x series of ANT ICs is expected to sample to selected customers later this year.

Availability: Handsets supporting ANT-enabled technologies are expected to be available in third quarter 2010.

For more details visit www.ti.com, www.thisisant.com