Based in Vantaa, Finland, Suunto has built a legacy as a leader in motion measurement technology. For decades, their products have been trusted by adventurers and athletes worldwide, celebrated for their precision, reliability, and innovative design. From the highest mountain peaks to the ocean's depths, Suunto's equipment has supported users in reaching new milestones and overcoming challenges.
Embracing the Need for Innovation
As technology advanced, Suunto saw a unique opportunity to enhance its smart watches by introducing Wi-Fi functionality. This would allow users to complete tasks such as downloading offline maps and performing firmware updates directly from their devices. However, adding this feature posed a challenge: existing Wi-Fi solutions were bulky and consumed too much power, risking the sleek design and long battery life that Suunto's customers valued.
To tackle this problem, Suunto explored cutting-edge solutions and chose the DA16200 IoT Wi-Fi SoC from Renesas. This chip stood out for its small size, exceptional stability, and low power consumption—qualities essential for integrating Wi-Fi into a compact smart watch without compromising performance.
The technical expertise provided by Renesas' Application Engineers proved invaluable. Their close collaboration with Suunto ensured a smooth integration of the DA16200, helping the company overcome technical obstacles and meet their ambitious goals.
Delivering Results
The impact of this solution was immediate. With the challenges resolved, Suunto completed the design phase a full month ahead of schedule, allowing them to bring their new smart watches to market faster than anticipated.
The enhanced functionality of the updated watches received an overwhelmingly positive response from customers. The new features, combined with the reliability Suunto is known for, drove a significant 10% increase in revenue, reaffirming the company's reputation as an innovator in its field.
Suunto's R&D team reflected on the success: "The DA16200's compact design and low power consumption were essential to achieving our vision. With Renesas' technical support, we were able to deliver a product that aligns with our commitment to quality and innovation."
A Story of Progress
Suunto's success story with the DA16200 IoT Wi-Fi SoC is a prime example of how innovative wireless technology can transform product design. The DA16200 offers an exceptional combination of compact size, low power consumption, and high stability—ideal for devices like smart watches where space and energy efficiency are critical. The DA16200's advanced capabilities ensured that Suunto could maintain their signature sleek design while enhancing the user experience, showcasing the power of Renesas' Wi-Fi solutions in modern wearables.