Bluetooth Modules That Simply Work
with iPhone, iPad, and iPod Devices
PRODUCT BRIEF
Roving Networks
Bluetooth Solution
Roving Networks Bluetooth APL modules
natively support iAP (iPod Accessory Protocol)
data connections and directly manage authentication, reducing
engineering effort and cost, and simplifying accessory product design.
Apple iOS devices such as the iPhone freely connect with Bluetooth
hands-free and headset accessories. However, establishing Bluetooth
data connections with Apple devices requires a unique discovery/pairing
sequence and negotiation with the Apple authentication co-processor.
APL modules are based on the standard RN41-I/RM and RN42-I/RM,
making them footprint compatible. Power, ground and UART connections
are identical, and connection of the Apple authentication chip is direct to
the module via a 3-wire interface.
FEATURES
Discoverable/Connectable with iPhone, iPod or iPad
Allows dual profile Bluetooth connections to other smartphone or computing platforms
Automatically stores Bluetooth address of the last paired iPhone, iPod, or iPad device, for quick reconnection
Secure Simple Pairing (SSP) enables no PIN code required operation
Supports the complete Roving Networks Bluetooth feature set
Direct hardware connection to the authentication coprocessor
No iAP firmware development required for authentication on host microprocessor
Class 1 (~100m) and Class 2 (~30m) versions available
RN-4X-APL-PB v1.1r 0812
2012 Roving Networks. All rights reserved.
Conventional Approach
Customer Implements iAP
on Microcontroller
= SERIAL DATA
= AUTHENTICATION
Roving Networks Bluetooth Solution
Bluetooth Module
Implements iAP
RN41APL-I/RM/
RN42APL-I/RM
Bluetooth
Module
oller
contr
Micro
oller
contr
Micro
iAP Authentication
Chip
Host Microcontroller:
Application
iAP Authentication
Host Microcontroller:
Application
iAP Authentication
Chip
High-end host microcontroller
Low-cost host microcontroller
Adds complexity to firmware and hardware design
Simple host interface
Longer development cycles and learning curves
iAP transparent to user
Increases power consumption
Developers focus on their design, not iAP protocols
Difficult to port code across microcontroller platforms
Same interface for other smart phones and computing platforms
Developing Bluetooth Enabled
iPhone, iPad and iPod Accessories
All products designed to connect to iPhones, iPods
and iPads including those that incorporate the Roving
Bluetooth APL module must be registered and approved
with Apples Made for iPod (MFi) program.
Developers of such products should visit Apples
developer portal at: http://developer.apple.com/ipod/
With MFi membership, engineers can purchase
the evaluation kit which includes detailed
documentation and support.
The RN-4x-APL-EVAL evaluation kits include:
RN-4x-APLX development board which contains:
RN4xAPL-I/RM module
Apple authentication co-processor
Status LEDs
Power regulation
RS232 and TTL signals
PRODUCT SELECTOR
Module
Class
Typ. Range
Four RN4xAPL-I/RM modules
RN41APL-I/RM
Class 1
100m
RN-41-APL-EVAL Note 1
Complete design documents including schematics
RN42APL-I/RM
Class 2
30m
RN-42-APL-EVAL Note 2
Source code for the Roving Networks Diagnostic Application
Note 1
Note 2
Development Kit
http://www.microchipdirect.com/ProductSearch.aspx?keywords=RN-41-APL-EVAL
http://www.microchipdirect.com/ProductSearch.aspx?keywords=RN-42-APL-EVAL
102 Cooper Court | Los Gatos, CA 95032
+1 408 395-5300
www.rovingnetworks.com
