Synaptics has unveiled its SYN20708 dual-core system-on-chip (SoC), marking a significant step in the company's pursuit of the Internet of Things (IoT) market. The new SoC supports Bluetooth Classic, Bluetooth Low Energy, Zigbee, and Thread protocols concurrently on both cores, enabling simultaneous multiprotocol connectivity—a feature critical for modern IoT ecosystems.
A Versatile Dual-Radio SoC
The SYN20708 is a highly integrated dual-radio SoC designed to support Bluetooth 5.4 and IEEE 802.15.4 protocols, including Zigbee, Thread, and Matter. Its architecture features two independent 2.4-GHz radios, enabling concurrent Bluetooth and IEEE 802.15.4 operations. These radios come equipped with integrated power and a low-noise amplifier, delivering advanced functionalities such as high-accuracy distance measurement (HADM), angle-of-arrival (AoA), and angle-of-departure (AoD).
The chip also anticipates the emerging Bluetooth 6.0 specifications and offers IEEE 802.15.4 support with OpenThread and ZBOSS stacks, making it a future-proof choice for IoT developers.
Compute and Memory Architecture
At the heart of the SYN20708 is an Arm Cortex-M4 processor clocked at 160 MHz. It includes 1.64 MB of ROM, 544 KB of RAM, and 1.664 MB of code RAM, alongside 256 bytes of user-accessible OTP memory for calibration and system configuration. A high-speed UART port supports interfacing with external hosts, enhancing system integration.
Low Power and Compact Design
Fabricated using a 16-nm FinFET process, the SYN20708 achieves impressive power efficiency. Its normal receive mode consumes just 2.48 mW from a 3.3-V rail, while normal-mode transmit power reaches 135.83 mW at 14-dBm output per core. The SoC’s compact 5.5 mm × 5.5 mm package includes secure boot functionality and versatile antenna options, making it suitable for industrial, consumer, and IoT applications.
Advanced Coexistence Mechanisms for IoT Applications
With IoT ecosystems involving an increasing density of connected devices, the ability to manage multiple protocols in the crowded 2.4-GHz spectrum is essential. Multiprotocol IoT systems typically integrate Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for device-to-device communication and IEEE 802.15.4 protocols, such as Zigbee and Thread, for reliable mesh networking. The SYN20708 tackles these challenges with robust coexistence interfaces and precise timing control.
Coexistence Interfaces
The SYN20708 incorporates Synaptics' Serial Enhanced Coexistence Interface (SECI), which facilitates real-time communication between radios. This enables them to coordinate transmissions and avoid interference. For instance, a Bluetooth radio can signal a Zigbee radio to delay its transmission, ensuring seamless performance. Priority levels and arbitration mechanisms allow high-priority tasks, such as Bluetooth audio streaming, to preempt lower-priority operations, like Zigbee network updates.
Timing Synchronization
Precise timing control complements coexistence interfaces by scheduling transmission and reception events without overlap. The SYN20708 leverages low-latency processing to allocate microsecond-level time slots for each protocol’s activities. Adaptive frequency hopping (AFH) in Bluetooth further mitigates interference by dynamically steering transmissions to less congested channels. These mechanisms ensure reliable performance even in dense IoT environments.
Driving Innovation in Multiprotocol Connectivity
As IoT ecosystems become more complex, the ability to manage multiple communication protocols concurrently is paramount. The SYN20708 exemplifies this trend, integrating diverse protocols into a compact, power-efficient design. With its robust feature set and advanced coexistence capabilities, the SYN20708 is well-positioned to drive innovation in IoT and industrial automation. The SoC is now available for purchase, offering a compelling solution for developers aiming to build versatile and reliable IoT devices.
