Bluetooth Card Unleashes Industrial Handhelds

To track their products, many delivery-service and warehouse employees use handheld terminals. Typically, these devices work by having the operator enter product information via a keypad or IrDA-based bar scanner. Now, the devices are entering the wireless world with a little help from high-speed Bluetooth connections.

Making such connections possible required the participation of Psion Teklogix and Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. (TAEC). According to the companies' recent announcement, Toshiba's Bluetooth Secure Digital Input/Output (SDIO) Card will be integrated into Psion Teklogix's 7535 handheld terminal. This terminal is actually a Windows CE.NET handheld computer. It combines the latest technologies with ruggedness and ergonomics. As a result, the 7535 delivers the performance, durability, and usability that's required for mobile data collection in harsh warehouse and field environments.

With the Bluetooth SDIO Card from TAEC, the Psion Teklogix 7535 hand-held can connect to remote printers, cell phones, and any other devices that are equipped with Bluetooth radios. In a warehouse, for example, it can connect to Bluetooth-enabled printers for the purpose of printing tags and labels. Or it could communicate with other Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers.

Most importantly, this device forges these connections while eliminating the need for handhelds to be attached to remote devices by cables. Employees therefore avoid the hassle of cables and wires. In addition, customers save dramatically on cable-replacement costs.

The Bluetooth SDIO Card fits directly into the SDIO slot on the Psion Teklogix 7535 handheld terminal. Users benefit from Bluetooth's data-transfer functionality wherever they're currently using the rugged device as well as when they're within range of Bluetooth-enabled equipment.

The Bluetooth SDIO card is embedded in the 7535 handheld, so it operates at a range of 5 m or less. It's therefore well suited for applications in the supply-chain and warehouse environments. Its ability to enable employees to work without the bulkiness of traditional cables also allows for a safer environment. This device welcomes a wide range of possibilities for the future of the supply-chain environment.

The Bluetooth card from Toshiba integrates the Bluetooth profile and protocol into an SDIO format. As a result, it enables digital products to be easily Bluetooth enabled. The Bluetooth SDIO card conforms to the applicable SDIO Specification Version 1.0, SDIO Card Type-B for Bluetooth and Bluetooth Version 1.1.

The 7535 Bluetooth-enabled hand-held is available today from Psion Teklogix. It can be purchased from global sales offices, distributors, and value-added resellers. Contact them directly for pricing information.