Murata Electronics North America (www.murata.com), a world-leading innovator in electronics, today introduced Blue Module(TM), the world's smallest Bluetooth(TM) module.

Developed using unique Low Temperature Co-Fired Ceramics (LTCC) technology, Murata integrates both active devices (IC's) and passive components onto a single surface mount ceramic chip that supports Universal Serial Bus (USB), Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (UART), and Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) interfaces.

The newest and most advanced wireless technology, Bluetooth allows electronic devices to communicate without wires or cables. Cellular phones, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), notebook and desktop PC's, wireless printers, mouses and keyboards all benefit from Murata's revolutionary Bluetooth module.

``Murata is at the forefront of design engineering of components for Bluetooth enabled devices. Not only have we created the world's smallest and most complete module for wireless technology, but we have simplified the design and layout for the customer,'' said Scott Klettke, Market Segment Manager for Murata Electronics North America. ``Design engineers no longer have to source and mount several components to achieve the desired solution. With Murata's complete package, they have the freedom to focus on their core competencies.''

To achieve the smallest Bluetooth module, the passive components and matching circuits are integrated within the substrate of the chip, making it both a carrier of the IC and a functional device. Traditionally, most design engineers place the IC on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) and mount the supporting passives, memory and matching elements.

With Murata's product, all the components are already integrated into a single surface-mount ceramic chip. Aside from the benefit of a smaller size, reduced burden to the design engineer, and reduced inspection time, sourcing and inventory costs can be reduced because the all-in-one device eliminates the line item cost of managing several part numbers on a bill of materials.

In total, approximately 60 components are embedded in the 14.5 x 11.9 x 2.3mm module - including a RF/Baseband IC that is mounted in a cavity on the bottom surface of the substrate. Murata mounts a Power Amplifier (PA) to increase the output power and a Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) to improve sensitivity on the surface of the substrate as well.

Additionally, there are several parts and functions that are integrated within the substrate such as a Band Pass Filter, a Balun and other passives. Lastly, a switching diode, flash memory and crystal oscillator pieces are arranged on the substrate. Murata's Blue Module(TM) has achieved Logo Certification of Version 1.0b + CE and will acquire version 1.1 shortly.

Murata's Bluetooth module is available for sampling at $100 each. Sample kits that include working models (2 units), evaluation boards, and development kit software are available upon request for $300.