Nordic Semiconductor ASA, a leading expert in ultra-low-power (ULP) radio frequency (RF) technology, recently announced that Scosche, a U.S.-based development company, has integrated the Nordic nRF51422 system-on-chip (SoC) into its RHYTHM+ armband heart rate monitor. This advanced SoC enables seamless connectivity between the device and smartphones, as well as compatibility with ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart (formerly known as Bluetooth Low Energy) wireless communication protocols commonly used in fitness equipment, watches, and cycling computers.
The RHYTHM+ is a sleek, lightweight armband designed to be worn on the forearm just below the elbow. It uses an optical sensor to measure blood flow, allowing it to estimate heart rate and calories burned. Scosche claims that this design offers greater accuracy and comfort compared to traditional chest-worn heart rate monitors. Additionally, the device doesn’t require any conductive gels or moisture to function reliably, making it more user-friendly than conventional heart rate belts.
Scosche emphasizes that the RHYTHM+ is fully compatible with both ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart technologies, ensuring it can work with nearly any third-party fitness hardware or app available on the market. The device is powered by a 3.7 V lithium polymer rechargeable battery, offering up to 8 hours of continuous use. Its wireless range extends up to 100 feet (30 meters), and it’s built with a breathable, sweat-resistant Lycra armband rated IP67, meaning it can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter deep.
Joshua Duffy, Scosche's electrical engineering manager, noted that chest straps are often expensive and uncomfortable, which limits the adoption of heart rate-based training. “RHYTHM+ was designed to be affordable, comfortable, and compatible with most ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart devices,†he said. While ANT+ remains dominant in large-scale sports environments due to its reliability, Duffy also acknowledged the growing importance of Bluetooth Smart in consumer electronics like smartphones and tablets.
He added, “The Nordic nRF51422 is the only SoC on the market that supports both ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart simultaneously. It also features an ultra-low-power flash architecture that separates application code from the wireless protocol stack, making programming faster and more efficient than competing solutions.â€
Duffy concluded, “Nordic is clearly a leader in ultra-low-power wireless technology, and their extensive experience with ANT and ANT+ gives them a strong competitive edge. We’ve been very satisfied with their technical support. During our tests in Southern California, we successfully measured heart rate transmission over 400 feet (121 meters) using the RHYTHM+ and an iPhone 5!â€
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