Multi-protocol SoC prepares smart home for future IoT standards
An SoC for smart home devices that delivers multi-protocol support, with low power consumption has been announced by Qorvo.
The GP695 SoC integrates multiple communication protocols, including IEEE 802.15.4, ZigBee 3.0, Thread and Bluetooth low energy for sensors and actuators throughout the home. It supports these connectivity standards while optimising energy efficiency and extending battery life, claims the company.
Supporting the connectivity options allows for a single development platform, points out the company. For example, Bluetooth low energy-based smart phone connectivity for proximity-based services can combine with Thread or ZigBee 3.0 for smart home services. Homeowners can use mobile phones to connect a GP695-equipped door lock to a ZigBee smart home system using the phone’s Bluetooth protocol. The door lock can be opened or closed using the mobile phone and Bluetooth. Following on, this intelligent system can automatically lock the door over ZigBee when it detects that no one is in the home.
The GP695 complements the multi-protocol GP712, for use with smart home gateways, which was introduced last year. The GP695 uses the ARM Cortex-M4 computing architecture, and the company’s WiFi interference mitigation technology, for an extended range that covers the entire home.
According to the company, the market for smart HVAC, smart security systems, connected video doorbells and intercoms, garage door controllers, lightbulbs, smoke alarms, and leak detectors is expected to see record growth, as operators and insurance providers look to move into the smart home sector. The company believes that its power-efficient, multi-protocol chipsets for both gateway and sensor devices in the smart home network can let consumers control their smart homes without worrying about evolving IoT standards.
