Broadcom Low-Power Applications Processor Enables World's First Cloud-Connected Robotic Sprinkler System

IRVINE, Calif., April 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Broadcom Corporation (NASDAQ: BRCM), a global innovation leader in semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications, today announced that its low-power applications processor is the technology behind an innovative new product designed to dramatically reduce water consumption. The Droplet Robotic Sprinkler leverages real-time data from more than 10,000 weather stations, millions of square miles of soil samples and comprehensive plant biological information to make intelligent decisions on when, where and how much water to deliver. Broadcom's cost-optimized, low-power BCM2835 provided the processing performance and low power required to deliver this industry first innovation. For more news, visit Broadcom's Newsroom.

With water rates doubling in the US and a serious drought in many areas, consumers are seeking ways to conserve water and reduce out-of-pocket expenses.  Easily configured via Wi-Fi on any mobile device, Droplet can cut  overall household water use in half, while reducing sprinkler system consumption up to 90 percent. In addition to substantial consumer cost savings, each sprinkler system has the potential to save thousands of gallons of fresh water per year. Enabled by Broadcom's low-power, single-chip media processor, Droplet also dramatically reduces energy costs, consuming on average just 30 cents per month in electricity.

"Droplet is the world's first smart sprinkler system that combines the latest technology in robotics, cloud computing and connected services to transform the way sprinkler systems function. Being first-to-market was a critical requirement and provides a significant advantage in the consumer market," said Steve Fernholz, Droplet Founder and Chief Executive Officer. "Broadcom's single-chip solution provided the intelligence and straightforward development platform we needed to get to market quickly with an innovative product that will ultimately benefit consumers and the environment alike."

The evolution of the Internet of Things (IoT) is driving significant growth and opportunities in a variety of end markets segments and analysts expect the home automation market to reach $16.4B by 2019² as consumer demand for automated control of the home continues to rise. Broadcom's single-chip solutions provide leading IoT innovators with the advanced embedded ecosystem needed to significantly reduce time-to-market while lowering overall system cost and power consumption.

"The Droplet Robotic Sprinkler is a prime example of how our low power solutions are inspiring innovation in a broad spectrum of products and market segments," said Leo Azevedo, Broadcom Associate Product Line Director, Mobile & Wireless Group. "Our low-cost, highly integrated, power-efficient chips and open source software provide the embedded community with the low-power profile and ease-of use needed to get to market quickly."

Key Features: Droplet Robotic Sprinkler

• Combination water timer, smart controller and targeted sprinkler head
• Easy to set up and manage via smartphone, tablet or laptop
• Advanced logic leverages real-time weather data, soil information and plant species data

Key Features: Broadcom^® BCM2835 Applications Processor

• Optimized for use in mobile and embedded applications
• Low power design with dual-core VideoCore® IV multimedia co-processor
• Simplified development enabled through open source community software

Availability The Droplet Robotic Sprinkler is now available for pre-order on Amazon.com.  Broadcom's BCM2835 applications processor is now available in production volume.

For ongoing news, visit Broadcom's Newsroom, read the B-Connected Blog, or visit Facebook or Twitter. And to stay connected, subscribe to Broadcom's RSS Feed.

Resources ¹ Droplet Blog ² Transparency Market Research Oct 2013

About Broadcom Broadcom Corporation (NASDAQ: BRCM), a FORTUNE 500® company, is a global leader and innovator in semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications. Broadcom® products seamlessly deliver voice, video, data and multimedia connectivity in the home, office and mobile environments.  With the industry's broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art system-on-a-chip solutions, Broadcom is changing the world by Connecting everything®.  For more information, go to www.broadcom.com.

Broadcom^®, the pulse logo, Connecting everything®, the Connecting everything logo, and VideoCore® are among the trademarks of Broadcom Corporation and/or its affiliates in the United States, certain other countries and/or the EU.  Any other trademarks or trade names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

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SOURCE Broadcom Corporation; BRCM Mobile & Wireless