Technical articles for web content/SEO researched and written by Bruna Swerts.
Information:
1. Original Video Title: Energy Harvesting Using Zigbee Green Power And Bluetooth Low Energy
2. Keyword used: Zigbee
3. Original video link: https://www.digikey.co.uk/en/videos/o/on-semiconductor/energy-harvesting-using-zigbee-green-power-and-bluetooth-low-energy
4. Original video release date: 01/07/2021
5. Language: English
6. Details: ON Semiconductor | Pavan Mulabagal, Product Marketing Manager of IoT (@onsemi) | https://www.onsemi.com/ | USA
Language and Categorization of the Video:
Language: English
Categorization (SEO): Wireless, BLE, IoT
Content To Be Published:
Title of This Video: Energy Harvesting Using Zigbee And BLE
ON Semiconductor
SEO: Low-Power, Zigbee, Wireless, BLE, IoT |
Copywriting by Bruna Swerts:
Pavan Mulabagal, Product Marketing Manager of Internet of Things (IoT) at ON Semiconductor, walks the audience through a couple of demos featuring their ultra-low-power connectivity solutions. Low power solutions make use of several techniques and methodologies with the final goal of reducing the overall dynamic and static power consumption of any given integrated circuit (IC) – the benefits derived from this are many, ranging from a significant decrease in both current consumption and power dissipation, not to mention the drastic reduction in costs for anyone between manufacturers and end-users. The first low-power solution to be demonstrated is the Green Power variant of Zigbee, that on top of being extremely energy-efficient, is also capable of running on harvested energy. Energy harvesting is a process that enables energy to be collected from a particular system’s environment so it can be turned into electric power which, in its turn, gets to be used for different purposes, such as retro-feeding devices and allowing them to work (one example is a push button in which the end-user supplies the energy to the device through the mechanic act of pushing its button). The second one, within the BLE range, is an RSL10 SoC – currently benchmarked as the best in the industry in terms of power consumption. In both demos, an off-the-shelf product is used (in this particular case, an Ikea lamp) to represent one of the many use cases when it comes to home automation projects. The SoC is placed inside an energy harvesting switch, which uses the push of the button to power the chip and send green packets in order to turn the lamp on and off. The low-power feature of Zigbee solutions, combined with the hassle-free aspect of this wireless setup, are a few of the many benefits to be considered when automating lights, blinds/shades, and other household environments.
Meta Transcription:
The Product Marketing manager of IoT at ON Semiconductor gives a demo on low-power wireless solutions using Zigbee and BLE.
Information:
1. Original Video Title: SKY66112-11;802.15.4, Zigbee/Thread/Bluetooth 5, Front-End Module
2. Keyword used: Zigbee
3. Original video link: https://www.digikey.co.uk/en/videos/s/skyworks/sky66112-11-802-15-4-zigbee-thread-bluetooth-5-front-end-module
4. Original video release date: 04/02/2020
5. Language: English
6. Details: Skyworks Solutions | Stefan Fulga, Director of Product Marketing, @skyworksinc | https://www.skyworksinc.com/ | USA
Language and Categorization of the Video:
Language: English
Categorization (SEO): Wireless, BLE, IoT
Content To Be Published:
Title of This Video: SKY66112 Front-End Module
Skyworks Solutions
SEO: SKY66112, Convergence, Wireless, BLE, IoT |
Copywriting by Bruna Swerts:
Stefan Fulga – Director of Product Marketing for Skyworks Solutions – presents one of their latest releases, the SKY66112 front-end module. It features connectivity with technologies such as Bluetooth 5, Thread, Zigbee, and Multi-Mode (an optical fibre that can simultaneously carry multiple light rays or modes). The SKY66112 was developed to target mainly the Internet of Things (IoT) market, from home automation projects to industrial applications. To combine all the strongest features of previous solutions, each catering to a different ecosystem (BLE, Zigbee, etc), this solution was developed as a single device in response to the technological convergence taking place at the moment in this particular market. Up until recently, each of the aforementioned technologies was built to allow connectivity only in specific use cases, however, there has been an ongoing convergence of wireless technologies across different applications. While some of them may be complementary to each other, others on the other hand happen to compete among themselves. Back to the SKY66112, it features a transmit mode of the highest efficiency currently available – with a power efficiency of 20 dBm, and a PAE reaching over 40% – and uses a supply voltage between 1.2 V and 3.6 V – the solution also enables a reduction of current consumption once in receive mode. This has not impacted the improvements made in receiver sensitivity – which is kept between 6 and 7 dB, doubling the range while keeping it to 4 mA. Once paired with SoC devices, the solution offers extremely power-efficient results: during tests conducted by Skyworks Solutions, it was observed that keeping the same RF power, the current consumption suffered a decrease of up to 40%. In receiver mode, on the other hand, there was an increase in its sensitivity of around 6 dB. More data about it can be found on Skyworks’ website, along with the solution itself.
Meta Transcription:
The SKY66112 module is a response to the technological convergence involving wireless technologies in the IoT market, such as BLE, Zigbee, and others.
Information:
1. Original Video Title: IoT Development Company
2. Keyword used: IoT
3. Original video link: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x84j2le
4. Original video release date: 29/09/2021
5. Language: English
6. Details: Smart Sight Innovations | info@smartsight.in | https://www.smartsight.in/ | India
Language and Categorization of the Video:
Language: English
Categorization (SEO): IoT, M2M, Software
Content To Be Published:
Title of This Video: IoT Development Company
Smart Sight Innovations
SEO: Technology, Digital Transformation, IoT, M2M, Software
Copywriting by Bruna Swerts:
Smart Sight Innovations relies upon the revolutionary potential of technology to invest in the development and deployment of IoT as their core business in digital transformation. Industrial IoT consists of several automated interactions between smart devices and systems, in which data exchange takes place through offsite or cloud-based solutions. This process, in its turn, leads to meaningful and time-sensitive analytics that make use of components with ultra-low energy consumption – which happens to be quite simple to install, and are based on industry standards. The industrial IoT phenomenon features traditional embedded systems as its essence – however, it has recently evolved from standalone systems in order to feature entire networks of connected devices and systems. Smart Sight Innovations’ highly qualified engineering team pays close attention to IoT technology on a global scale so their solutions are interoperable with M2M traffic customization. M2M data traffic happens to be a direct, autonomous communication between intelligent devices such as sensors and actuators. Therefore, M2M traffic is characterized in a different way from conventional mobile traffic – for instance, taking into consideration factors such as traffic density, packet size, and quality of service (QoS) requirements. Smart Sight Innovations’ solutions are catered to the clients’ specific needs within each industry and include innovations, implementation strategies, professional service providers, business empowerment, among others that might assist any business in getting up to date with the current technological convergence – which, along with standardization, enables a transparent and modular communication between different products over any given network via IoT technology, and the possibility of manufacturing a broader set of solutions in this field. Because of that, both manufacturers and software programmers are enabled to work on different projects or products while keeping their efforts coordinated and geared towards the same goals. Both creative journeys and business prospection can be positively impacted by Smart Sight Innovations, a leading digital transformation partner that focuses on IoT software development services.
Meta Transcription:
Smart Sight Innovations offers IoT-based software for digital transformation and M2M traffic customization.
Information:
1. Original Video Title: What Is Internet Of Things (IoT) And How Does It Work?
2. Keyword used: IoT
3. Original video link: https://www.business-standard.com/the-morning-show/video/decoded/what-is-internet-of-things-iot-and-how-does-it-work-157.htm
4. Original video release date: 28/10/2021
5. Language: English
6. Details: The Business Standard Morning Show | letters@business-standard.com | https://www.business-standard.com/the-morning-show | India
Language and Categorization of the Video:
Language: English
Categorization (SEO): IoT, Cloud, Wireless
Content To Be Published:
Title of This Video: What Is IoT And How Does It Work?
The Business Standard Morning Show
SEO: Internet, Network, IoT, Cloud, Wireless
Copywriting by Bruna Swerts:
A connected ecosystem has become a popular expression – meaning a group of wireless technology resources all connected one to another, functioning as a cohesive unit, in which information is exchanged over the cloud – and people are exposed to it in different environments, be it homes, workspaces, cars, or factories. It is the Internet of Things (IoT) that allows this interoperability and connectivity between resources or devices in each or all environments. As for its main definition, the IoT consists of a network of devices that are connected through the Internet to perform tasks as a group, functioning together by sending and receiving data and commands one from another. The aforementioned connected ecosystem, along with automation (either home or corporate) is, in fact, enabled by IoT. One example would be to have a smart speaker and a smart bulb, both of which could be off-the-shelf products. While isolated they provide limited data and perform only a few functions, by being linked within a connected ecosystem their possibilities expand – the smart speaker being able to send different commands to the smart bulb, which in its turn would perform several tasks and report data back to a receiver, such as a smartphone. It is this combination of data between such smart devices, once linked together within an automation setup, that allows information to be gathered and transformed into action. That means that the IoT, aside from being responsible for the pairing of any given devices, also enables home or corporate automation. Among the many benefits of its deployment – other than the ones provided by a connected ecosystem – one is to optimize the use of the Internet and linked devices in order to facilitate all sorts of tasks, together with data integration between paired devices. The latter refers specifically to a network, in which analytics are applied so interaction between devices becomes possible, despite physical distance. This interaction can range from simple information exchange, such as status updates, to actual commands.
Meta Transcription:
How the Internet of Things (IoT) operates a group of wireless devices within a network to exchange data and commands over the cloud.
Information:
1. Original Video Title: Adding power meters to any relays: Aqara T1 & Zigbee2MQTT
2. Keyword used: Zigbee
3. Original video link: https://notenoughtech.com/home-automation/how-to-use-aqara-t1-with-zigbee2mqtt/
4. Original video release date: 30/04/2021
5. Language: English
6. Details: Mat Zolnierczyk | mat@notenoughtech.com | Editor, maker, owner of notenoughtech.com | UK
Language and Categorization of the Video:
Language: English
Categorization (SEO): IoT, Asset Tracking
Content To Be Published:
Title of This Video: Adding Power Metering to Relays – Aqara T1 & Zibgee 2MQTT
SEO: Power meter, switch, IoT, Asset Tracking
Copywriting by Bruna Swerts:
Taking what had been mentioned in a previous video about the Aqara T1 switches, Mat from NotEnoughTech walks the audience through the process of connecting the no-neutral switch to Zigbee 2MQTT, as he continues to explore possibilities and new features to implement into any home automation process. In this video, the project is to add a power meter feature to Aqara T1 no-neutral switch, given that, unlike the option that comes with live and neutral wire, the former does not include a built-in meter. The same process could also be adapted and applied to any relay that is compatible with Zigbee 2MQTT and covers both Aqara devices – requiring minimal adaptations in order for users to deploy data to their dashboards.
The power meter dashboard includes an image of the device and its name, for easy identification of the same; data regarding the load, temperature, and total energy consumed, so key elements – such as temperature – can be constantly monitored and therefore prevent any damages to the device; a range icon for the antenna, in order to display signal levels; an On/Off power switch; a box including historical data which can be stored in the system; and a Grafana chart as an integration option, even though the data reflected above it is actually stored. Due to the fact that Zigbee 3.0 is being used, this project could likely be deployed and integrated with ecosystems other than what is presented here using Aqara T1. Mat tests it on four different ones, and even though most of them proved to be responsive, lack of proper integration and two-way communication, along with insufficient data and configuration issues, made Zigbee CC2531 coordinator the ecosystem of choice in this scenario. One final point regarding this coordinator is that even though Z-Stack 3.0 is not usually recommended for this type of integration, tests were made using two firmware (Z-Stack 1.2 and 3.0.x) leading to a successful pairing.
For those who are just starting their home automation process, there is a link provided in the video description for a tutorial on how to add the device and flush the coordinates. The pairing process is a fairly simple one, consisting of pressing the device’s button for five seconds so it can appear on the list of supported devices. Once this is done, the user can follow the programming flow through Node-RED by importing the setup instructions provided by NotEnoughTech. There are a few initial notes for doing so: one specifically for adding the cost of electricity, to consumption can be properly calculated; one for choosing the type of switch being used (neutral or no-neutral – in the case of the latter, it is required to set a current draw); one for setting the internal temperature; and a final one for establishing whether or not there is a power meter. As previously mentioned, there is also the option of exporting data from a Grafana dashboard.
Once those basic steps have been covered, the setup process is detailed throughout the tutorial. Given that so much can be achieved by programming it through Node-RED, there is the possibility of expanding this project to add a second channel, in order to support devices that utilize dual-channel technology. For those who are not familiar with Node-RED, NotEnoughTech provides a seven-part tutorial that covers basic principles and serves as a base to handle projects such as adding a power meter to relays, presented here.
Meta Transcription:
How to add a power meter system to Aqara T1 no-neutral switch, and any other relay that is compatible with Zigbee 2MQTT.
Information:
1. Original Video Title: Using Sonoff Zigbee Sensors With Zigbee2MQTT, Tuya, IKEA And Xiaomi?
2. Keyword used: Zigbee
3. Original video link: https://notenoughtech.com/home-automation/adding-sonoff-sensors-in-zigbee2mqtt-and-other-systems/
4. Original video release date: 07/09/2020
5. Language: English
6. Details: NotEnoughTech | Mat Zolnierczyk, mat@notenoughtech.com | Editor, maker, owner of notenoughtech.com | UK
Language and Categorization of the Video:
Language: English
Categorization (SEO): Wireless, Software, IoT
Content To Be Published:
Title of This Video: Using Sonoff Zigbee Sensors In Different Systems
NotEnoughTech
SEO: Sensor, Sonoff, Wireless, Software, IoT |
Copywriting by Bruna Swerts:
Mat from NotEnoughTech takes the Sonoff Zigbee sensors, which have been launched to be used with the Bridge of the same product line – both featured in previous videos – and tests their compatibility against different home automation systems, such as Tuya and Xiaomi MiHome hubs, Ikea’s TRÅDFRI, and ultimately, Raspberry Pi and the CC2531USB debugger. Starting with Tuya, the pairing was quite successful in which most devices were promptly identified and linked through the Tuya app – even the Basic R3 Zigbee smart switch, and the S31 smart socket, both being identified as a smart socket device in the app. The sensors for temperature/humidity, motion, and contact presented flawless results, however, the push-button was not correctly identified by the app: a different device appeared on the screen, and none of the actions performed by the device were actually registered. Despite the outcome, the Tuya app was praised for its overall look and efficiency, especially when compared to the eWeLink one. As for Xiaomi MiHome and Ikea TRÅDFRI, the results were not as satisfactory: none of them allowed proper pairing with the Sonoff Zigbee sensors, Ikea, in particular, being the least recommended system. Their Zigbee range, however, provides great results and can be paired with CC2531. The final test is with Zigbee2MQTT, using CC2531 and three different revisions of the ZStack 1.2 (an open-source LaaS software), which unlike more recent versions is already fully developed. Out of the three different firmware revisions, both 20190608 and 20180507 worked without any issues, unlike the 20190425 one. Even though all devices were able to be paired, the temperature and the contact ones presented issues in status updates when using older firmware revisions – therefore, it is imperative to update the firmware in order to get a proper pairing with any device (a link to a tutorial for that is provided in the video). A full write-up to pair the devices in Node-RED is also available, and the process is simple: by pressing each device’s button for a few seconds they are instantly recognized within the system, and after that, all it takes is to set up a few commands – extra codes are provided for a few basic conversions, such as the default Celsius in temperature to Fahrenheit. In the end, the broad compatibility that was confirmed through these tests, along with the Sonoff Zigbee sensors’ extended battery life, make them a valuable choice for most home automation setups.
Meta Transcription:
NotEnoughTech tests the compatibility of Sonoff Zigbee sensors with different home automation ecosystems.
Information:
1. Original Video Title: Sonoff Basic R3 Teardown (Zigbee, RF & WiFi)
2. Keyword used: Zigbee
3. Original video link: https://notenoughtech.com/home-automation/sonoff-basic-r3-teardown/
4. Original video release date: 16/12/2019
5. Language: English
6. Details: NotEnoughTech | Mat Zolnierczyk, mat@notenoughtech.com | Editor, maker, owner of notenoughtech.com | UK
Language and Categorization of the Video:
Language: English
Categorization (SEO): Wireless, Software, IoT
Content To Be Published:
Title of This Video: Sonoff Basic R3 Teardown
NotEnoughTech
SEO: Smart Switch, Sonoff, Wireless, Software, IoT |
Copywriting by Bruna Swerts:
Mat from NotEnoughTech presents the Sonoff Basic R3 solution and its features, along with its interior, and also points out the different aspects of its Zigbee version. The Basic R3 is a smart switch enabled via Wi-Fi, which allows devices connected via eWeLink to be controlled through a DIY capability. On the outside, both the standard versions and the Zigbee one all look the same – one has to read their model number inside the device to identify it properly, which could be considered a cosmetic flaw. This particular smart switch consists of two pieces: a relay board – which allows real-time control for each of its onboard channels to be programmed independently – and a connectivity piece to enable Wi-Fi, RF, or Zigbee. However, the feature that makes it stand out amongst other Sonoff devices is the DIY capability – which is covered in detail in another NotEnoughTech video – which is enabled by a single piece within the board. As for the solution’s hardware, the Basic R3 solution is equipped with a relay running on 10 amp and an ESP8285 SoC (which makes the board work with minimal power consumption). The board is split into two modules with a missing IC, meaning that the same PCB is used across different devices. There is a second version of this smart switch, the R3 RF, with actual RF components (as the name states it) on the relay part – the connectivity portion, on the other hand, is exactly the same as in the aforementioned Basic R3. This version runs on 433 MHz and it can technically be controlled without requiring ESP. Finally, the Zigbee version presents a different connectivity module when compared to the previous ones (using the CC2530 technology instead), keeping just the relay board similar to the Basic R3 version. Once the R3 board is split, it is possible to see that it is compatible with GPIO pins on Raspberry Pi. The pin layout is fairly similar in the RF version, much like the presence of the ESP8285. Once again, the Zigbee version stands out, between having the CC2530 chip and the five different pads – not to mention the fact that the connection to this board requires an I²C interface. In the end, while the three Sonoff smart switches presented looked quite similar, the differences in the relay (Wi-Fi and RF options) and the entirely different interface for the Zigbee model are remarkable options to suit different needs.
Meta Transcription:
NotEnoughTech presents the main features of the Sonoff Basic R3 smart switch and its Zigbee version.
Information:
1. Original Video Title: Smart Lighting Buyers Guide 2019 Future Proof Your Smart Home
2. Keyword used: Zigbee
3. Original video link: https://www.thesmarthomehookup.com/smart-lighting-buyers-guide-2019/
4. Original video release date: 13/02/2019
5. Language: English
6. Details: The Hook Up | SmartHomeHookUp@gmail.com | USA
Language and Categorization of the Video:
Language: English
Categorization (SEO): Wireless, Software, IoT
Content To Be Published:
Title of This Video: Smart Lighting Buyers Guide
The Hook Up
SEO: Home Automation, Smart Light, Wireless, Software, IoT |
Copywriting by Bruna Swerts:
The Hook Up presents a vast range of smart light options enabled by switches, dimmers, or bulbs, via three different protocols – Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Wi-Fi – in order to help users assess what is the most suitable choice for their budget and needs when it comes to home automation projects. Among all options considered, bulbs were only recommended for very particular use cases in which controlling light brightness and shade was important, or in cases where there is no intention of adopting switches since the technical challenges they pose – from power life to lack of proper connectivity with the current setup of most households – outnumber their benefits when compares to switches or dimmers. Should a user opt for switches, those can be installed either behind an existing plate or as a new one. The advantage of the former is that, other than keeping the actual plate and buttons, those continue to function as on/off toggles, whereas a new switch place can only be configured via the app to perform such a task. Regarding the hardware of a switch, the main concern should be to make sure it has been certified by a proper institution, mostly for safety purposes. As for the software, there are two main ways in which it can be controlled: the first is via the manufacturer’s app, downloaded into a mobile device. The issue, in this case, is the fact that different devices might require different apps, that will not necessarily be able to communicate among them, making the home automation setup more challenging. The second option would be a hub, which allows products from different brands to be controlled from one single point and communicate between them – however, they are not easy to set up nor maintain by regular mainstream users, requiring an extra set of skills. Given that scenario, the best option for users who are not entirely familiar with home automation and still wish to install a smart light system in their homes is to choose products that are compatible with the Tuya app. Tuya’s ecosystem allows devices ranging from smart lights to security sensors to be monitored within one single app, since the brand works closely with several reputable manufacturers to make sure their products are compatible with its system by providing a small module – which, in its turn, enables this connectivity. The app is user-friendly, leading to an easy setup and control, and there is also the fact that Tuya develops solutions for all sorts of home automation categories. One last advantage is the ability to migrate, in the future, to an open-source hub by simply loading the smart light system or any other component directly from the cloud, or by updating the firmware on such devices to a specific local control solution. As for other types of protocol, such as Zigbee and Z-Wave, while they can work with fewer devices directly connected to the network and provide low power consumption, the lack of consistency in connectivity between hubs and devices – be it from different manufacturers, or even different generations – proves to be a significant challenge to the operation of their mesh network, leading to possible home automation failures.
Meta Transcription:
The Hook Up presents a vast range of smart light options for all sorts of budgets and needs in home automation projects.
Information:
1. Original Video Title: Cheap Vs Expensive – Solar Powered Motorized Blinds (Axis Gear Vs Zemismart)
2. Keyword used: Zigbee
3. Original video link: https://www.thesmarthomehookup.com/cheap-vs-expensive-solar-powered-automated-blinds/
4. Original video release date: 14/08/2019
5. Language: English
6. Details: The Hook Up | SmartHomeHookUp@gmail.com | USA
Language and Categorization of the Video:
Language: English
Categorization (SEO): Wireless
Content To Be Published:
Title of This Video: Solar Powered Motorized Blinds – Axis Gear Vs. Zemismart
The Hook Up
SEO: Axis Gear, Zemismart, Wireless
Copywriting by Bruna Swerts:
Axis Gear and Zemismart solar-powered motorized blind devices and evaluated in terms of packaging, setup, performance, and battery life, among other features. Zemismart provides a rather utilitarian box to keep the motor, gear shape options for different styles of curtain cords, a solar panel to charge the internal lithium battery (smaller than the one provided by Axis Gear), a power adapter, and accessories for mounting the device on the wall. The installation is easy: blind chains are looped around the gear so the motor is left hanging before its position is determined. Once installed, the device is promptly identified by using the Blind Engine app, which allows several configuration options. The downfall is that by lacking connectivity with Wi-Fi and Zigbee (among other systems), to have it rely solely upon Bluetooth makes it impossible to be controlled by multiple sources, not to mention being prone to signal issues. While in terms of performance it was able to tilt and open/close small to medium-sized blinds, but when it came to testing it on large roller-style shades, the motor crashed on several occasions. Finally, regarding the solar-powered feature, its battery depleted around 1% per 10 open/close cycles when operating small to regular-sized blinders. Given that the battery was able to charge roughly 1% each day, in theory, its solar power should prove to be effective. Axis Gear costs about five times the price of the Zemismart device, and as an extra benefit, it provides the option of running it through their app or adding them to an existing smart hub. Its package was more elaborate, which led to more waste of wrapping. Its motor was slightly slower and noisier. It failed to operate on larger roller-style shades as well, but it was able to control the tilt of vertical blinds along with the horizontal ones in which it was tested – opening and closing the vertical ones, however, provided to be challenging for both devices. As for its solar-powered feature, the Axis Gear motor displayed no oscillation in battery levels during the tests, which could indicate that it does not reliably monitor that feature. Ultimately, a lot can be improved in both devices – however, the price difference, along with a slighter overall performance, makes the latter a better choice.
Meta Transcription:
Axis Gear and Zemismart blind motors have their packaging, setup, performance, and battery life evaluated.
Information:
1. Original Video Title: Connect Zigbee + Amazon Echo Demo
2. Keyword used: Zigbee
3. Original video link: https://training.ti.com/connect-zigbee-amazon-echo-demo?context=1136411-1139461-1137363
4. Original video release date: 01/02/2019
5. Language: English
6. Details: Texas Instruments | efishpaw@ti.com, cgoforth@ti.com | USA
Language and Categorization of the Video:
Language: English
Categorization (SEO): Wireless, BLE
Content To Be Published:
Title of This Video: Zigbee SimpleLink Launchpad Demo with Alexa
SEO: Green Power, Interoperability, Wireless, BLE
Copywriting by Bruna Swerts:
Ryan Brown – one of the experts at Texas Instruments on the applications team – explains what Zigbee is, the benefits of its interoperability, and demonstrates a few of its features and functions while using Green Power and SimpleLink CC26X2R1 LaunchPad. For this particular demo, a couple of off-the-shelf items are used, such as Amazon Alexa Echo Plus, and a Philips Hue light.
In a nutshell, Zigbee is a mass specification on a 2.4 GHz band, connected between devices, which allows interoperability between several types of devices. This interoperability, in its turn, relates to how compatible devices can be when considering different vendors and types of technology – and it becomes evident through this demo, along with the benefits of the SimpleLink platform, given that the devices used are part of it. One thing to note regarding the Green Power is that it is in fact a new feature from the Zigbee 3.0 specification, allowing the operation of its devices without needing batteries.
The way in which the demo is presented consists of using the Alexa Echo Plus device as a Zigbee coordinator, the CC26X2R1 LaunchPad as a router, the Philips Hue as a router light, and another CC26X2R1 LaunchPad acting as a Green Power device, which has an MCU and operates BLE and Thread as well as Zigbee. Alexa Echo Plus sends commands to either router, while the Green Power device sends packets back to Alexa which are then forwarded to the CC26X2R1 router, allowing the lights to be controlled also from its switch.
The system can then be controlled through the app, provided that both the mobile device (in this case, a cellphone) and Alexa are connected to the same network. This way, Alexa can control the light through cloud access, and also through voice commands. The interesting factor in this demo, however, is the fact that by using this setup the lights can be both controlled directly by Alexa through cloud/voice commands, but also by routing through the LaunchPad. This is where Zigbee’s mesh network becomes evident, by enabling the use of routers to get to an end device. For instance, if the end device happened to be out of single-hop range from Alexa, it could route through the Launchpad device. The interoperability is thus demonstrated by combining these off-the-shelf products and Zigbee SimpleLink Launchpad solutions operating within the same network. For users who would like to explore other similar possibilities, Texas Instruments offers a Resource Explorer, in which all their SDKs are stored.
Meta Transcription:
Ryan Brown from Texas Instruments presents Zigbee and the benefits of its interoperability in a demo using Green Power and SimpleLink CC26X2R1 LaunchPad.
