CSR introduces its highly integrated and cost effective RoadTunes ROM solution for PNDs and aftermarket in-car devices

CAMBRIDGE, England CSR (LSE:CSR) today announced it has launched its RoadTunes ROM solution for portable navigation devices (PNDs) and aftermarket in-car devices, such as Bluetooth-enabled vehicle infotainment and car radio platforms. Following on from the highly successful flash-based RoadTunes solution, this new cost effective version is well positioned to enable Bluetooth in entry level PNDs and aftermarket in-car devices where previously the cost has been prohibitive. CSR is now in a position to support customers to enable Bluetooth across their entire product lines, offering the customisable flash-based solution for the high and mid-end products and now a cost-optimised solution in RoadTunes ROM for the entry level products.

Launched last year, CSR’s RoadTunes boasts a feature rich and highly integrated Bluetooth solution for PNDs and aftermarket in-car devices. It also provides customers with embedded, hands-free echo and noise suppression and Bluetooth stereo audio processing capabilities in a single chip. In launching the ROM-based version of RoadTunes, CSR has been able to snapshot its key features, optimise eBOM cost and integration time thereby enabling manufacturers to develop Bluetooth connectivity quickly and cost effectively for their entry level products.

The RoadTunes ROM chipset is a complete embedded Bluetooth solution in a QFN package which requires minimal external components. The ROM chip has a comprehensive feature set including a stereo CODEC, echo and noise suppression and Bluetooth in a single package and at a highly competitive price. The Bluetooth profile feature set includes, but is not limited to, hands-free, audio streaming and phonebook connectivity. Based on CSR’s BlueCore5-Multimedia chip, RoadTunes ROM is a low power design with a powerful RISC and DSP processor.

CSR has designed RoadTunes ROM to allow OEMs to easily and quickly integrate Bluetooth connectivity, enabling a faster time to market by taking the stress out of and simplifying the integration effort involved with incorporating wireless connectivity in embedded PNDs and aftermarket automotive devices. On average it takes less than six weeks to integrate RoadTunes ROM on a device and does not require prior in-depth Bluetooth experience.

CSR provides highly portable host software for both the flash and ROM solutions. This helps to speed the integration of RoadTunes onto customer platforms. Bluetooth profiles and other features in the RoadTunes ROM chipset can be enabled or disabled as needed by this host software. It is also scalable to requirements and can be integrated into many different host CPU devices, from 16bit devices to powerful ARM platforms.

RoadTunes ROM provides exceptional interoperability as it has been tested against a high number of phones in, or about to appear in, the market. CSR provides all of its customers with the entire list of phones that the design has been tested against.

“RoadTunes was our first product to simplify the integration of Bluetooth and audio processing capabilities for our customers. With RoadTunes ROM we are enabling the adoption of Bluetooth functionality in entire product lines, from the high-end to the entry level,” said Thomas Carmody, Head of Automotive Marketing in CSR’s Audio and Connectivity Business Unit. “Bluetooth is fast becoming an essential feature for portable navigation and automotive products, and we are pleased to be able to offer manufacturers a high quality and very competitively priced Bluetooth solution that they can easily integrate with their entire line of products. CSR is committed to the RoadTunes concept and will continue to develop this product line, adding new features and releasing new and exciting RoadTunes products in the future.”

RoadTunes ROM is available now.