At the 2024 Sensors Converge Conference and Expo in Santa Clara, Calif., the Best of Sensors Award for Connectivity was presented to Blecon for enabling Sensor IoT connectivity with Bluetooth Low Energy MCUs. These awards recognize excellence in sensor technologies, the electronics ecosystem, and the individuals and companies driving innovation in the field. A panel of expert judges evaluated entries based on their market value, problem-solving capabilities, and design uniqueness.
Blecon's approach to IoT connectivity leverages Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology to address the limitations of traditional connectivity solutions like Wi-Fi and cellular networks. By reimagining BLE as a robust backhaul network, Blecon has created a cost-effective, power-efficient, and scalable solution for connecting physical products to cloud applications.
Blecon's technology represents a fundamental shift in how BLE devices operate. Traditionally, BLE devices function as servers, waiting for connections from central hubs or smartphones. When a BLE device is first configured, it generates a unique key pair that serves as its secure identity. This Blecon approach eliminates the need for traditional pairing processes and provides a level of security comparable to that of cellular networks, ensuring that data transmission remains encrypted and tamper-proof.
The Blecon ecosystem comprises three key components: Blecon modems, hotspots, and networks. Blecon modems are firmware and libraries that equip standard BLE microcontrollers with trusted identity, robust security, and reliable network communication capabilities. Blecon hotspots, available as both dedicated hardware and mobile apps, provide seamless coverage without the need for complex configuration or pairing. The Blecon network, a cloud-based infrastructure, facilitates secure identity management, bidirectional cloud communication, geolocation, and time services for devices, routing requests to the respective cloud applications.
One of the most significant advantages of Blecon's solution is its ability to use existing devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, as BLE hotspots. This feature allows businesses to leverage their current technology infrastructure, reducing the need for additional hardware investments. By simply installing Blecon's app, these devices can serve as access points for BLE-enabled IoT devices, facilitating seamless data transmission to cloud applications.
From a cost perspective, Blecon's solution offers significant advantages. The widespread availability and low cost of BLE chips make it an economical option for IoT projects. The ease of deployment, using existing devices as hotspots, further reduces setup costs and complexity. Businesses can quickly implement BLE networks without extensive infrastructure changes, enabling faster rollouts and immediate benefits.
Blecon's BLE solution makes it applicable across various environments. In warehouses, it can be used for real-time inventory tracking and environmental monitoring. On construction sites, it can enhance safety compliance, monitor equipment uses, and track the movement of materials and personnel.
Blecon was founded in 2021 in London. The company's flagship product is a Bluetooth Low Energy module that can be easily integrated into a wide range of IoT devices, from industrial sensors to consumer electronics. By handling the complex Bluetooth connectivity and cloud integrations behind the scenes, Blecon allows product developers to focus on their core innovations rather than the technical challenges of IoT integration.