Apple iOS Support
Bluetooth Modules That Simply Work
with iPhone, iPad, and iPod Devices
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 RN-41 and RN-42, 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
CONVENTIONAL APPROACH:
- High-end host microcontroller
- Adds complexity to firmware and hardware design
- Longer development cycles and learning curves
- Increases power consumption
- Difficult to port code across microcontroller platforms
ROVING NETWORKS
BLUETOOTH SOLUTION
- Low-cost host microcontroller
- Simple host interface
- iAP transparent to user
- Developers focus on their design, not iAP protocols
- Same interface for other smart phones and computing platforms
Developing Bluetooth Enabled iPhone, iPad and iPod Accessories
All products designed to connect to iPhone's, iPod's and iPad's including those that incorporate the Roving Bluetooth APL module must be registered and approved with Apple's Made for iPod (MFi) program.
Developers of such products should visit Apple's developer portal at: http://developer.apple.com/ipod/
With MFi membership, engineers can purchase the evaluation kit which includes detailed documentation and support.
