On May 31, Alps Electric Co., Ltd. announced that its UGT Series of Bluetooth modules have acquired certification for Bluetooth 1.1 specifications, a world first for modules with Class 1 output.

Recently, equipment incorporating Bluetooth wireless interface specifications, especially those for personal computers, have gained attention as they have appeared on the market. Equipment incorporating Bluetooth modules is expected to extend to the car electronics and household goods fields as well.

Alps acquired Bluetooth 1.1 certification for its modules compatible with Class 1 output-a world first made possible by the Company's proprietary protocol analysis technology and radio frequency (RF) circuit optimization.

The UGT Series comprise general port-to-port modules that include RF circuits and baseband circuits. Compatible with Class 1 output, which enables transmission up to 100 meters, the new products are an external antenna type that connects with a coaxial cable from the antenna installed by the set manufacturer. They are compatible with USB and UART interfaces.

Alps' efforts in the development of Bluetooth modules began with the first demonstration of a working model in Japan at ALPS SHOW 2000, which was held in March 2000. Further development led to the acquisition of Bluetooth 1.0b certification for a general-purpose module on November 20, 2000. Alps initiated mass production in December of the same year.

On March 30, 2001, Alps acquired Bluetooth 1.0b+CE certification for surface-mounting modules, broadening its product lineup. Monthly production of all modules has reached approximately 100,000 units, and products incorporating Alps modules are circulating throughout the market today.