Freescale Showcases Processors for Internet of Things

US chip-maker Freescale Semiconductor Tuesday unleashed the power of its embedded processors for 'Internet of Things' in which objects of everyday use are connected through a network to send and receive data.

"Internet of Things (IoT) is the evolution of embedded processors with higher performance and intelligence to electronic devices used in everyday life," Freescale Digital Networking Vice President Tom Deitrich said at the company's technology forum in Bangalore.

As electronic applications evolve, to address them, solutions have to be smaller, faster, more energy efficient and secure, Deitrich said.

Technology trends estimate that a whopping 50 billion devices will be connected to the Internet by 2020 as against seven billion devices in 2010.

"When the growth trend accelerates, a record one trillion devices are expected to be connected to the Internet by 2025. The devices would need embedded processors (chips) that are not only easier to use, but also software and an ecosystem that enable getting them to market quickly," Deitrich told about 800 delegates participating in the ninth edition of the two-day India forum.

As a robust networking infrastructure will be required to manage the dramatic increase in data traffic due to the IoT, Deitrich said wireless communication would be the touch point for connectivity, as new applications emerge in automotive, energy grid, medical, security and building automation.

"In the IoT, connected electronic devices will sense and monitor our environment, consult information acquired from the cloud and respond with appropriate action to enhance our convenience or safety," Freescale General Manager for Analog and Sensors James Bates said.

For instance, personal medical devices and tele-health applications connected to the IoT offer huge potential for monitoring ageing population and improving the quality of life.

"Automobiles have become the ultimate smart mobile device with electronic solutions replacing mechanical systems to enhance driving experience, improve safety and increase their efficiency," Bates said.

Studies estimate that the number of cars connected to the Internet worldwide will increase six-fold to 150 million connected vehicles by 2020.

The $4.2-billion multinational showcased and demonstrated a range of futuristic devices on a IoT wall at the forum to explain the concept of the IoT and how it will make everything around us smart.

The wall showcased devices like smart watch, wearable camera, fitness watch, heart beat meter, posture monitor waist band, dog tracker and an IoT gateway.

The two-day forum provided attendees an opportunity to explore the company's latest innovations and its eco-system partners and training in domains such as automotive, networking, consumer, healthcare, industrial, smart energy, software and design services.