Macnica launches new BLE rapid prototyping kit "Koshian 5" compatible with Bluetooth® 5.0 for makers from July 25th

Macnica (Headquarters: Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, President: Kazumasa Hara, hereinafter referred to as Macnica) has announced the release of "Koshian," a new feature-added version of the popular Mpression for Makers product, the BLE prototyping kit "Koshian 3.0." (Kocian) 5'' will go on sale from July 25th. The planned sales price of Koshian 5 is 1,680 yen (excluding tax), and it can still be purchased online.

■Development background
One of the concepts of the current Koshian 3.0 is "easy development with JavaScript," and it is a development kit equipped with Bluetooth 4.2 that allows rapid prototyping without hardware expertise. It has been widely used for development by individuals, professionals, hardware developers, and application developers. However, recently, many IoT products are being developed that are equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 or higher standards, so Macnica has developed a version that is compatible with Bluetooth 5.0 in order to continue supporting the maker's market. did.

In Koshian 5, which will be released this time, the Bluetooth function has been strengthened, and in addition to "upgrading to Bluetooth 5.0" and "adding Bluetooth Mesh functions", the development environment has been renewed, and "easy development with Python", "Provision of SDK for iOS / Android", "Easy development with visual programming", "Easy acquisition from one piece", and "Affordable price". In addition, by expanding the functions unique to the new model, it will be a new product that will further enhance the range of customer innovation and idea realization.

In the future, we plan to continue planning products that can help makers realize their ideas, and we plan to provide information on how to use them widely through maker events and the Company website.

■ About Koshian 5

Model MP-KSN005A
size 10.16mm x 21.5mm
Built-in Bluetooth device BGM13S22F512 SiP module (manufactured by Silicon Labs)
Bluetooth 5.0 compliant
Built-in antenna
Communication interface I2C、UART、SPI、PWM、GPIO、A/D
External connection connector DF40C-24DP-0.4V(51) 24pin (HIROSE) and end face through holes (1.27/2.54mm pin pitch) can be connected to breadboards and universal boards
firmware Preloaded with original konashi 5 FW

Koshian 5 has the following features and functions compared to Koshian3.0.
1. Bluetooth version upgrade
Koshian 3.0 Bluetooth 4.2 will be upgraded to Bluetooth 5.0 in Koshian 5. This improves communication speed and range.
2. Addition of Bluetooth Mesh function
Bluetooth Mesh function is added. By using this function, it is possible to operate terminals in cooperation with each other.
3. Maintain hardware size
Although it is a function addition version, the hardware size is the same as Koshian3.0.
Note: Koshian 5 is not compatible with Koshian 3.0.
4. Renewal of development environment -1
We have prepared a development environment in Python, making it possible to easily develop on a PC.
5. Renewal of development environment -2
We have prepared an iOS SDK, and it is now possible to develop a smartphone app and link it (SDK development for Android, etc. is under consideration).
6. Renewal of development environment -3
It provides a visual programming environment and enables easy development from a browser.
7. Use as main chip for konashi 5 *
By connecting to the konashi 5 baseboard, it is possible to easily experience IoT using sensors such as temperature and humidity, air pressure, human sensation, acceleration, and gyro sensor as konashi 5. The konashi 5 baseboard also functions as a breakout board for the Koshian 5, eliminating the need for soldering the through-hole interface required for the Koshian 5, and allowing it to be directly connected to a breadboard or similar with jumper wires.

Koshian 5 Close-up photo

konashi 5 (left), Koshian 5 (right)

*: konashi 5 is a development kit for device control and sensor data collection from PCs, smartphones, Raspberry Pi, etc. konashi 5 is a product of Yukai Engineering Co., Ltd.

[Click here for product details]
URL: https://www.macnica.co.jp/business/semiconductor/macnica_products/makers/143699/

[Click here for product inquiries]
Macnica Mpression Planning and Development Department
E-mail: BbgMpdPps@macnica.co.jp

 

*Company names and product names mentioned in this text are trademarks or registered trademarks of Macnica and each company.
*The information published in the news release (including product price, specifications, etc.) is current as of the date of announcement. Please note that the information may be subject to change without prior notice.

About Macnica

Macnica is Service & Solution Company that handles the latest technologies in a comprehensive manner, with semiconductors and cyber security at its core. With operations in 81 locations in 23 countries/regions around the world, the company is leveraging the technical capabilities and global network it has cultivated over its 50-year history to discover, propose, and implement cutting-edge technologies such as AI, IoT, and autonomous driving.
About Macnica: www.macnica.co.jp

About Mpression

As electronic devices become more sophisticated and complex, and companies have limited costs and manpower, product development times are also becoming shorter. Furthermore, development momentum is increasing outside the traditional electronics industry, and unprecedented development needs are beginning to emerge. In order to resolve these issues at development sites, Macnica has developed more advanced, ready-to-use Services & Solutions are packed with the know-how of experienced engineers both inside and outside the company. That is our original technology brand, "Mpression." With a focus on semiconductors and networks, we develop products and services that support our customers in solving design and development issues and accelerating innovation. We work closely with our customers as a good advisor. We will also promote "consideration of environmental impact during development" and "initiatives for society such as SDGs, CSV, and CSR."

Inquiries from the press regarding this matter

Macnica://www.macnica.co.jp
Public Relations Office Miyahara E-mail: macpr@macnica.co.jp
Macnica Building 1, 1-6-3 Shin-Yokohama, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama 222-8561