Press Release

January 3, 2002

Bluetooth protocol stack technology from IAR Systems now ported to ALPS modules
IAR Systems and ALPS today announced that the Embedded Bluetooth protocol stack software from IAR Systems has been ported to the Bluetooth modules from ALPS . IAR Systems has adapted and optimized its Bluetooth software for the ALPS modules for use in Bluetooth products world-wide.

IAR Systems has adapted and optimized its Embedded Bluetooth protocol stack technology to work seamlessly with the Bluetooth modules from ALPS , which are targeted for automotive, industrial and consumer products with built-in Bluetooth capabilities.

The Embedded Bluetooth protocol stack from IAR is one of the most compact in the world, which reduces manufacturing cost in serial production, due to reduced consumption of CPU and ROM memory resources.

“Porting the stack to the ALPS modules strengthens IAR Systems’ position as the leading supplier of development tools for Bluetooth products,” says Lars-Erik Stenkil, General Manager at IAR Systems in Jönköping , Sweden . At the same time, ALPS customers get a highly compact Bluetooth protocol stack which in turn may reduce production costs for the entire Bluetooth product."

ALPS has developed a series of Bluetooth modules named UGTZ4.  These modules are certified according to Bluetooth specification 1.1. The size of the modules is 32 x 15 x 1.9 mm with a 20 pin connector and 25 x 15 x 2.25 mm for the SMD type. UGTZ4 is a multipoint device that can handle up to 7 clients and is available for delivery in mass production quantities.

“ALPS Nordic AB is looking forward to this cooperation with IAR Systems as it enables us to provide customers with a complete solution of both hardware and software for Bluetooth applications,” says Lars Holmberg at ALPS Nordic AB.

About IAR Systems
By focusing on the embedded systems industry, IAR Systems has reached the position of leading supplier of software development tools for embedded microcontrollers. Since the company was founded in 1983, IAR has worked in close cooperation with the world’s major chip manufacturers to develop a wide range of programming tools supporting a large number of chip architectures. The tools today consist of highly efficient C and EC++ compilers in the IAR Embedded Workbench™ development environment, the device driver wizard IAR MakeApp™ for graphical configuration and initialization of the chip and creation of complete device drivers and the IAR visualSTATE® graphic programming tool with a patented technology to generate validated and small production-ready code. IAR Systems also provides a total solution for Bluetooth™ protocol stacks and applications, from development of Bluetooth devices to qualification. IAR Design Services injects engineering expertise and experience into embedded system projects. It contributes to IAR’s mission to reduce the development time for embedded systems and accelerate time-to-market. IAR Systems has offices in the US , UK , Japan , Canada , Germany , Denmark , and Sweden . More information is available at www.iar.com.

About ALPS
ALPS Nordic AB in Sweden , a subsidiary of ALPS ELECTRIC CO., LTD., is the window for the Bluetooth protocol stack from IAR Systems.

ALPS ELECTRIC CO., LTD. is a Japanese corporation that has manufactured a wide range of electronic components and systems since its foundation in 1948. Based on innovative proprietary technology and market outlook, the company provides cutting-edge electronic components and systems that contribute to the advancement of a multimedia society in the four core businesses of communications and broadcasting, components, computer peripherals and car electronics. Based on a four-sphere business structure comprising Japan , Asia , the United States and Europe , ALPS advances global corporate activities that strengthen partnerships with customers, countries and regions throughout the world.  

For further information, please contact:

Lars Holmberg, ALPS Nordic AB, Box 4025, SE-171 04 Solna, Sweden, phone: +46 8 4043217,

e-mail: lars.holmberg@alps.se