By Alex Pluemer, contributing writer
Silicon Labs recently launched the next-generation Z-Wave 700 on the Wireless Gecko platform, which combines comprehensive hardware and software connectivity for the internet of things (IoT) market. The smart home platform leverages Z-Wave’s Security 2 (S2) security and interoperability, improving energy efficiency and performance, and the Wireless Gecko platform to help developers design more intelligent and smaller smart home devices at a reduced cost and in a shorter time to market.
The Z-Wave 700 integrates an Arm processor-based platform with large on-chip memory for greater intelligence at the edge. It also offers a 10-year coin-cell battery life, enhancing its capability to support more wireless sensor applications. In addition, the new platform delivers extended RF range to provide device connectivity throughout a multi-story residence and to the edge of the surrounding property (100+ meters direct range).
Enabling interoperability with thousands of devices, Z-Wave’s S2 framework delivers best-in-class security and end-to-end encryption, which the company boasts makes its platform and connected devices “virtually un-hackable.” The platform also includes a SmartStart installation feature for automatically creating and configuring Z-Wave networks.
Silicon Labs offers a variety of development tools to speed up design, including developer kits, energy profiler tools, and gateway software with a certified reference code. Silicon Labs’ Simplicity Studio development suite provides one-click access to a range of software tools that will help developers simplify their Z-Wave 700-based designs.
The Z-Wave 700 offers a single global SKU to simplify logistics and global production. Silicon Labs is currently shipping pre-orders to 150 select beta customers within the Z-Wave Alliance. Production quantities are planned for late in the first quarter of 2019.
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