Out of the box headset design

BlueVOX QFN-based design continues CSR's industry-leading approach to reducing time to market, with a ready to go hardware design with proven headset software - and a Windows configuration tool.

If the PCB is used as it is, the electronics design can be fixed within a few hours of receiving the product. All without affecting the pre-existing Bluetooth qualification. Now that the PRD 2.0 program is approved - Bluetooth SIG members can perform most or all the testing, assessment, and listing on their own in lieu of using a BQB or BQTF*.

CSR has included everything required for the headset electronics - including microphone, speaker, battery, antenna, buttons, LEDs, and mini USB connector for charging - onto a PCB that measures ~1.7 x 4.2cm. The board features a rounded end that helps it to fit into both clip and ear-hanger style design. At the heart of the design is a BlueCore device with its integrated mono CODEC, DC-DC converter, NiMH/Li battery charger, and software in ROM. 

CSR's reference design that is complete and interoperability tested - yet still software-configurable. To complement the efficiency of the hardware design, the headset application comes with a Windows based tool that allows users to configure their own HMI schemes. Configurable features include the functionality of button presses, LED flashing, pairing operation, etc.

Behind this tool is a powerful new iteration of CSR's established headset software: Headset v4. Among its features is support for Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR, eSCO, and the Handsfree 1.5 Profile. Other features include: support for the onchip wind noise reduction filter; customer-specific ringtones; three-way calling; sidetone generation; and auto reconnect after link loss and power down. This broad functionality enables designers to achieve a low cost headset without compromising audio quality or user experience. For example, the wind noise reduction filter supports use even in noisy environments, and the addition of sidetone gives a more natural user experience by feeding back a small amount of the user's voice into the speaker.

* Under PRD 2.0, if users do not affect elements within the 'Bluetooth scope' of the product, they can modify other parts of the hardware without compromising the Bluetooth qualification (for example by moving the microphone). This cuts a truly substantial amount of time and risk from the development process, allowing OEMs to focus on industrial design aspects.