We get

IoT I Volume 2

technical
Taking Matter into your
own hands

5G putting the smart in

today’s smart homes

Is Ultra-Wide Band the

next big wireless
technology

Wi-Fi 6 offering smart

connections to smart
homes

we get technical
1
 4 Taking Matter into your own hands
contents

12
5G putting the smart in today’s smart
homes

18
Is Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) the next big
wireless technology

26
Wi-Fi 6 offering smart connections to
smart homes

32
How to use multiband embedded
antennas in IoT designs

38
How to use GNSS modules to create
location-aware smart city solutions

44
Connecting IoT nodes to Amazon
AWS and Microsoft Azure Clouds

Use multiprotocol wireless modules

50 to simplify IoT product design and
certification

2
Editor’s note
The Internet of Things (IoT) has emerged as
a transformative and revolutionary concept,
reshaping the way we interact with technology
and the world around us.

At the core of IoT is the seamless

communication between devices, which
enables them to work in tandem, share
information, and make intelligent decisions
without human intervention. Through the
use of sensors, IoT devices can perceive
their environment, gather data, and react
accordingly, leading to a level of automation
and efficiency that was once only imagined in
science fiction.

The applications of IoT are vast and diverse,

permeating almost every aspect of our lives.
In smart homes, IoT technology allows us to
remotely control lighting, thermostats, and
security systems, enhancing comfort and
energy efficiency. In industrial automation,
smart factories leverage IoT to optimise
manufacturing processes, predict maintenance
needs, and improve overall productivity.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur seeking

innovative solutions, a developer diving into
IoT projects, or an individual curious about
the evolving tech-driven world, this practical
guide will equip you with a comprehensive
understanding of the Internet of Things and its
far-reaching implications.

For more information,

please check out our website at
www.digikey.com/automation.

we get technical
3
Taking Matter into your
own hands: Increasing
compatibility among
smart home products
Written by:
Paige West,
Editor at Electronic Specifier

4
 we get technical
5
Matter (formerly Project Connected Home over IP, or Project CHIP) is a
new, royalty-free connectivity standard that promises to increase the
compatibility among smart home products

Matter was founded in 2019 by the Layer 7 - Application Layer 7 - Application

Connectivity Standards Alliance
(CSA) with the goal of simplifying
Layer 6 - Presentation Layer 6 - Presentation
development for manufacturers
and increasing compatibility for
Layer 5 - Session Layer 5 - Session
consumers

It is built around members’ shared Layer 4 - Transport Layer 4 - Transport

belief that smart home devices
should be secure, reliable, and
Layer 3 - Network Layer 3 - Network
seamless to use.

Matter has the potential to Layer 2 - Data Link Layer 2 - Data Link

transform the Internet of

Things (IoT) from a plethora
Layer 1 - Physical Layer 1 - Physical
of disconnected devices to an
interoperable, ‘plug-and-play’
network.
Figure 1. The seven layers of the OSI
of the model includes assisting Reference Model
vendors and communications
How does Matter work? Figure 1 presents the seven layers
software developers to produce
interoperable network systems. of the OSI reference model.
To fully grasp the implications
of Matter on the IoT, specifically The application layer, which
The structure of the OSI reference
smart home technologies and the doubles as the highest in the OSI
model relies on a widely accepted
working principle of this novel IoT model, is the closest to the end
technique known as layering.
standard, this section begins by user. In other words, this layer
This technique partitions
exploring the several layers of the allows users to directly interact
communication functions into
Open System Interconnection (OSI) with the software application that
a vertical set of layers, with
reference model. initiates communication between
each performing a related set
of functions while enriching and client and server. This first layer
The OSI reference model describes
utilising the services of the next offers several communication
the tasks and conventions
layer below. The ITU-T X.200 functions, including file sharing,
that network systems require
standards detail seven specific database access, and message
to communicate with one
layers for the OSI reference model, handling through common
another[1]. The specifications
including the physical, data link, protocols such as File Transfer
of this conceptual model
network, transport, session, Protocol (FTP), Hypertext Transfer
remain available for public
presentation, and application layers, Protocol (HTTP), Trivial File
consumption, hence the term
in ascending order [2]. Transfer Protocol (TFTP), Server
‘open system’. The key objective

6
Message Block/Common Internet
File System (SMB/CIFS), and
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol
(SMTP).

Application Layer
Project
Connected Home over IP
Application Layer
A key distinction of the application
layer from its counterparts is its
ability to differentiate between TCP UDP
the application entity and the
application [3]. This distinction is Transport
IPv6
evident in an e-transport website Networking Layer
Network
that incorporates the ride ordering
Thread IPv6 for BLE (TED)
logic into the application while Physical and Media
DOCSIS DSL Cellular Ethernet WiFi

using HTTP to communicate with

802.15.4 Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)

customers and a remote database

Figure 2. Matter Standard Architecture
protocol to store orders. Moreover,
Pyramid. Credit: GitHub
end users can improve their
interaction with the website through
the protocol by simply clicking on a
Device security
defined standards, smart device
button. requirements
manufacturers can incorporate
Matter promises device-to- relevant features and user controls
Matter utilises the OSI application
device interoperability, which into user interface devices such as
layer-based working principle to
enable communication between can significantly boost customer an Alexa voice-activated speaker,

devices in smart homes due to the confidence by defining a standard iPhone, and so on (see application
inability of the devices to rely on for each of the above areas. In section). With its advanced security
user interpretation. For instance, terms of device installation and capabilities, Matter ensures secure
Matter can allow seamless setup, Matter involves a few steps: over-the-air software updates
communication between a smart these include the secure installation across all devices in the smart
light switch and light bulb and a of the device to the home network, home network.
thermostat and furnace. Figure 2 naming the device, pairing the
Put briefly, Matter will ensure the
presents the Matter IoT standard device with other smart devices
reliable and seamless connectivity
architecture overview. within the network and setting up
between devices in smart home
normal operations.
The Matter standard defines applications. When a customer
several functionalities for its Note that the user can add the receives a device designed with the
application layer. However, these device to the smart home network Matter standard, that device will
functionalities fit into three primary via a simple pairing mechanism come preloaded with relevant sets
areas: supported by Amazon, Apple, of credentials and software that
■ Device installation and setup for Google, and other manufacturers. prove its unique certification status.
customers Moreover, Matter defines The user can then add this Matter-
■ Sending and receiving application-level messaging, incorporated device by scanning
messages among smart devices security, as well as data types a QR code with their smartphone
and message content and formats. Due to Matter- and pressing the pair button on

we get technical
7
Taking Matter into your own hands

the device. After verifying the

initial credentials of the device,
the smartphone will then set up
the user network. After this, the
device comes online and is ready
for use, enabling seamless control
with a smartphone or any other
smart device in the smart home
network (for example, a speaker or
a smartwatch, smart refrigerator,
and so on).
Figure 3. Adding a Matter-incorporated device to a smart
Figure 3 outlines the steps for
home network. Credit: Infineon Technologies
adding a Matter-incorporated
device to a smart home network.

Matter components Application

Data Model Figure 4. Main components

Matter deploys its application Structure
of matter application layer.
layer on devices, controllers, and Interaction Model Credit: GitHub
IPv6 (internet protocol version Actions

6)-based networks to enhance Action Framing

the interoperability architectural

goal. Moreover, the standard Security: Encryption & Signing

supports Wi-Fi and Thread for core,

Message Framing & Routing
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and
operational communications for IP Framing & Transport Management

device setup and commissioning

simplification. The main features of
the Matter application layer include
the following [4]:

The application, which supports

the high order business logic of a
device

The data model that describes the

functionalities of devices

The interaction model represents

a set of actions for interaction with
the devices
Figure 5. A map that shows how Wi-Fi and Thread devices will connect in a Matter
Action framing, which frames network, as well as how Z-Wave devices could be bridged into the Matter network.
Z-Wave (and Zigbee) networks have IP at the gateway level enabling cloud
the action initially constructed
connectivity to Matter. Credit: Z-Wave Alliance

8
by the interaction model into a experiences, reliable connectivity, categories include lightbulbs,
prescriptive packed binary format state-of-the-art control and light switches, lighting controllers,
compute, and intuitive sensing [6]. plugs and outlets, door locks,
Security layer that receives the
thermostats and HVAC controllers,
encoded action frame for further The development of the Matter
blinds and shades, home security
encryption, ensuring data security standard has experienced the
sensors, garage door controllers,
and authentication incorporation of a proven, robust,
wireless access points, bridges,
and pervasive security against data
Message framing and routing layer televisions, streaming video
and privacy breaches. Moreover,
for payload format construction players, and smart home control
Matter ensures that products from
and message properties and devices.
all project members will work
routing information specification
seamlessly together, allowing Matter 1.1 enhances support for
The IP framing and transport easy control with a preferred Intermittently Connected Devices
management layer sends the system. Matter also enables the (ICDs). Sometimes called ‘sleepy
constructed payload to the co-existence of several low-power devices,’ these are typically battery-
underlying transport protocol for wireless solutions to ensure reliable powered devices like contact,
data IP management connectivity for the smart home motion, and temperature sensors
network. as well as door locks and switches
The project has set a goal of a that need to conserve power for
twice-yearly release cycle. Matter Additionally, this new IoT standard
optimal operation and lifespan.
1.1 was released in May 2023 – ensures advanced control and
The additional support reduces
the updates in 1.1 make it easier computation through low-power,
the likelihood that a device will be
for device makers and developers high-performance microcontrollers
reported as offline when users or
to get started with Matter, and to (MCUs) that utilise human-machine
platforms interact with it.
more easily certify products they’ve interface (HMI), AI, display,
developed and get them to users sensing, and security, and ensure
intuitive sensing through highly Smart lighting
faster. There is also enhanced
support for battery-operated accurate and reliable smart device Smart lighting is arguably one
devices which is an important situational awareness. of the most popular aspects of
feature across many smart home a smart home, allowing users to
categories. Smart home applications dim, brighten and even change the
colour of their lights wirelessly.
Developers interested in learning This section looks at some of the
more about these enhancements Matter-enabled products currently Smart lighting company WiZ was
can access the software on the market and how some of one of the first to update all its
development kit (SDK) on GitHub[4] the biggest brands in consumer smart bulbs, lamps, and plugs
or download the specifications electronics have deployed the manufactured in early 2021 or later
from the Alliance website[5]. new technology, which runs on to Matter. The latest version of the
supported IP networks like Wi-Fi company’s app, WiZ v2, introduces
and Thread (Figure 5). a convenient feature that allows
Benefits of Matter
users to seamlessly transfer any
Matter’s 1.0 version supports a
Key benefits that Matter bring to compatible product to the new
subset (albeit a significant one) of
smart home technology include smart home standard within the
smart home product categories
advanced security, universal app itself. Once migrated, these
and the features within each. These
interoperability, seamless user products can be easily integrated

we get technical
9
Taking Matter into your own hands

into any Matter-compatible

platform, such as Apple Home.

Philips Hue users will be able to

benefit from greater interoperability
when the Philips Hue Bridge smart
Figure 6. Amazon is bringing
lighting hub is automatically
Matter to Alexa devices.
enriched with Matter. The smart Credit: Amazon
lighting hub connects and controls
all Philips Hue products, from
indoor and outdoor lights to
entertainment features, smart
accessories, and more. Once
Matter has been incorporated,
users will benefit from a simplified
connected experience when
a selection of its smart speakers, Google Assistant, the Google Home
integrating with other smart home
and the configuration of a Matter app, Android Power Controls, and
devices.
device with Alexa was restricted compatible Google devices.
to Android phones. However,
Smart security Devices with Thread built-in like
Amazon has expanded its support
Nest Wi-Fi, Nest Hub Max and the
for Matter by enabling it on all
Smart security systems are an second-generation Nest Hub will
second-generation smart speakers,
integral part of the smart home. become connection points for
including the Echo Plus, Echo Dot,
Matter devices. All Nest displays
Perhaps one of the most significant and Echo. This brings the total
and speakers (the Nest Hub and
announcements in this area comes count of Amazon Alexa Matter
Nest Mini) will automatically
from Netatmo which announced controllers to 20, providing users
update to control Matter devices.
its first Matter product in 2022: a with more options for controlling
This will create stronger and
smart security sensor. Designed to their smart home devices.
faster connectivity across the
improve home security, the sensor
Amazon has said that it will extend smart home and give users a more
is equipped with a contact sensor
its Frustration-Free Setup (FFS) reliable experience.
and infrared motion detector and
to make Matter set up even easier
can be placed on windows and Google has also partnered with
with Alexa. No device side software
doors to detect their opening. With Samsung to build a smoother Multi-
development kit (SDK) is needed to
Matter and Thread compatibility, Admin experience. When launching
support Frustration-Free Setup for
the sensor can interact with other the Google Home app, users will
Matter devices.
connected products around the now have the ability to view Matter
house regardless of the given devices that have been configured
brand. Google Nest and Android using Samsung SmartThings.
Google has brought Matter to its Users can effortlessly incorporate
Amazon Alexa Nest and Android products. Users these devices into the Google
can control Matter devices instantly Home ecosystem, and vice versa,
Amazon had previously limited the enabling seamless integration
via Matter-enabled Android apps,
activation of Matter-over-Wi-Fi to between the two platforms.

10
Samsung SmartThings Can Matter deliver on its specification with 1,135 new
products certified by the Alliance.
promise?
Samsung has unveiled a Matter- Matter’s momentum has resulted in
certified smart home hub that As this discussion has illustrated, more than 60 members joining the
serves as a central device capable Matter is well on its way to Alliance since the specification’s
of connecting and configuring becoming the common language release.
multiple smart home devices from for all smart devices. Despite being
various brands. Members are now focused on
delayed three times, the promise of
making Matter easier to use and
a more safe, reliable, and seamless
The Samsung SmartThings Station getting products to market. An
network for smart devices can now
allows users to connect various Interoperability Testing Facility
be visualised.
devices such as thermostats, (ITF) has opened in Portland,
lighting fixtures, and power outlets, Tobin Richardson, CEO of the Oregon providing interoperability
among others, all from a convenient Connectivity Standards Alliance testing services to members of
mobile app. Moreover, the Station (CSA), believes that Matter will the Alliance. It includes a range of
hub includes a dedicated button signify “the end of walled gardens Matter controllers, hubs, and end
that can be programmed with in the smart home” and “open the devices configured to check the
different tap patterns to activate field for better experiences by any most typical sets of devices and
personalised and specific routines manufacturer” supported by a installation configurations found in
according to the user’s preferences. global, secure, and open standard residential settings.
for interoperability.
For Samsung Galaxy device The next version of Matter, with
owners, the Station offers an Since the release of Matter 1.0 new features and device type
additional benefit of tracking in October 2022, there have support, is expected late 2023.
registered products like their phone been 17,991 downloads of the
or a Galaxy SmartTag.

SmartThings is an open platform

References:
that brings together devices,
developers, and services into 1. Jasud, Ms. Priti V. The OSI Model: Overview on the Seven Layers of
a large integrated ecosystem. Computer Networks International Journal for Innovative Research in
Matter-enabled devices will join Science & Technology
other products and brands already 2. ITU-T X.200 standard International Telecommunications Union
available within the SmartThings’ 3. Tomsho, Greg. Guide to Networking Essentials, 7th Edition 2016
ecosystem, including devices from Cengage Learning
Google, eve Systems, Honeywell 4. Project CHIP, Connected Home IP Github
Home by Resideo, Linksys, 5. Matter 1.1 Specifications Connectivity Standards Alliance
Nanoleaf, Philips Hue, Schlage, 6. The new revolutionary standard for smart home: Matter Infineon
Wemo, and Yale. Technologies

we get technical
11
5G putting the ‘smart’ in
today’s smart homes
Written by:
Sam Holland,
Editor at IoT Insider

12
5G is a crucial and ever-more This is vital as it is a flawed notion
prevalent communications that a home becomes a smart
technology throughout urban home as soon as its Internet
areas, particularly smart cities. Far capabilities have successfully
from simply a boost in smartphone facilitated the use of one or more
Internet speeds, 5G is purpose- smart devices, such as voice-
built for on-the-go activities such activated systems like smart
as location services, augmented speakers (discussed later). Again,
reality, and even mission-critical while smart speakers are an
applications like driver assistance increasingly common feature
systems of traditional modern homes,
they are not a prerequisite for,
What is less well known, however,
or even necessarily a defining
is that 5G is also suited to smart from 8 to 10 milliseconds. However,
characteristic of, a smart home.
homes and their applications. As industry leaders such as Verizon
the following sections will discuss, With the importance of have reported a 5G latency of
5G can offer functionality that is connectivity, reliability, and 30 milliseconds during its early
similar to that of Wi-Fi, along with automation in mind, this discussion deployment. Various observations
even higher reliability and security. will consider the value of 5G in have identified a reduced 5G
This is particularly when compared wearable technologies and other latency of 10 to 20 milliseconds
to the iterations that precede smart devices in smart homes. The close to 5G towers and an
Wi-Fi 6 (namely the most recent next pages will cover 5G’s technical increased 5G latency of 50 to 500
version of Wi-Fi that is discussed specifications before going on milliseconds during handovers.
elsewhere in this ebook). to discuss the technology’s chief
5G also leverages an adaptive
features that facilitate smart device
modulation and coding scheme to
Defining smart homes in the performance, miniaturisation,
maintain an ultra-low bit error rate.
automation, and more.
context of 5G For low-band, mid-band, and high-
band 5G, the estimated ranges are
To detail the benefits of 5G in respectively:
a smart home, it is important
5G technical specifications
■ 600 to 900 megahertz
to consider the particular way 5G technology offers improved ■ 1.7 to 4.7 gigahertz
in which the word ‘smart’ will capabilities compared to preceding ■ 24 to 47 gigahertz
be used to consider the value communications technologies
of 5G and its applications. The The high speeds of 5G do still
in terms of speed, latency, error
word ‘smart’ will be used in this require a consideration of users’
rate, and range. With an estimated
discussion to qualify a level of network infrastructure to be best
speed ranging from 50Mbit/s
Internet connectivity that facilitates utilised, however. Reflective of this,
(megabits per second) to over
the reliable interoperation of the next section discusses the
1,000Mbit/s – in other words
connected consumer devices. concept of 5G network slicing[1].
1 gigabits per second – 5G
This is to the point that such smart
technology has the capacity to be
devices can collectively achieve
10 times faster than 4G. Network slicing
a degree of automation that
cannot be supported by traditional On top of this, 5G offers a 5G technology has the capability
Internet-connected homes. theoretical air latency that ranges of supporting several smart home

we get technical
13
5G putting the ‘smart’ in today’s smart homes

applications, many of which block, which manages all of the The following subsection presents
will be covered throughout this three above-mentioned layers to a 5G network slicing use case that
discussion. Correspondingly, users ensure the efficient coordinated reflects the capability of 5G to
are increasingly incorporating a coexistence of multiple slices boost the efficiency of smart home
network slicing concept into their systems.
The service layer interfaces with
smart home systems to achieve the
5G network business entities that Figure 2[3] illustrates a typical 5G
high efficiency and reliability that
share the underlying physical network slicing framework for
is required of their interconnected
network (such entities may be smart homes.
smart devices. 5G network slicing
mobile virtual network operators
is the process by which a network To meet the security requirements
and third-party service providers,
architecture allows virtual and of smart home security systems,
for instance), and it also provides
independent network multiplexing, engineers specialised in 5G will
appropriate service requirements.
all within the same physical usually isolate the system into a
The network function layer ensures
network infrastructure. dedicated end-to-end network slice.
the development of each network
Such engineers assign an AUSF
In the context of smart homes, slice in line with the service
(Authentication Server Function) for
such a use of 5G network slicing instance requests from the upper
the system to carry out the device
ensures that the network slices layer. The infrastructure layer,
authentication before granting
meet various requirements for on the other hand, provides the
access to a network slice. The
specific smart home applications physical network topology required
network slice for eMBB (enhanced
by establishing an isolated end- for 5G network multiplexing and the
Mobile Broadband) network slice,
to-end network. The following physical network resources needed
moreover, ensures the connectivity
paragraphs explore the following: to host several network functions in
of high data rate-intensive devices,
each slice.
A generic 5G network slicing
framework

A typical 5G network slicing case Service Layer

for a smart home network
Virtual mobile 3rd party service
operator provider
To address the former, Figure 1[2]

Network Slice Controller

presents an architecture that maps
out common elements of different
solutions into a unified, generic Network Layer Function
Orchestrator

framework. Network Network

function operation

The framework comprises

two blocks:
Infrastructure Layer
A three-tier architecture block,
Radio Access Transport Core
which includes the service layer, network Network network

network function layer, and

infrastructure layer
Figure 1. A diagram that covers the generic framework for 5G
The network slice controller network slicing. Credit: Foukas et al. (2017)

14
 Access Network Core Network
Figure 2. Smart home
5G network slicing
Smart Credit: Dzogovic et al.
RAN AUSF
Home
Security
Slice Fixed Access UPF DN AF

UDM AMF

NRF SMF

eMBB RAN AUSF

Network NEF AUSF
Slice UPF DN AF
Fixed Access
PCF

RAN
Massive
IoT Slice
UPF DN

including tablets, smartphones, Benefits of 5G for smart wearable sensor adoption, and the
cameras, and laptops. potential for device miniaturisation
home applications
(discussed later).
Users can gain access to this 5G exhibits faster broadband
network slice through a single, Existing smart home devices face
speeds than Wi-Fi 5 and its
significant challenges[4] in terms of
comprehensive subscription for preceding iterations. It offers a
their ability to communicate and
home and mobile devices for LPWAN (low-power wide-area
interact with each other. Providing
individuals or an entire household. network), making it suitable for
a solution to these limitations, 5G
In contrast to eMBB, the Massive smart home products that rely on
offers a unified wireless standard[5],
IoT network slice ensures lower reliable and constant connectivity.
which offers users’ smart home
With its high capacity and wireless
data rate connectivity for low- ecosystems a significant boost
infrastructure, the technology
power devices, such as sensors in interoperability. Moreover, the
respectively allows the connection
(smoke/gas detectors, motion low latency of the technology
of more devices than a local
sensors, proximity sensors, and so allows users and stakeholders
network-enabled smart home
on), and other home appliances, to see rapid improvements in
system and limited reliance on
including coffee machines, washing smart home functions, some of
existing wired infrastructure.
machines, air conditioners, electric which are covered in the following
5G technology also offers other subsections.
cookers, and refrigerators.
benefits in a wide range of smart
The next section discusses home applications, including
the benefits of 5G’s capacity to improved interoperability, low
accommodate both high data rate- latency, enhanced encryption,
advanced connectivity, increased
intensive and low-power devices.

we get technical
15
5G putting the ‘smart’ in today’s smart homes

Speed and security in intensive it is for the IVAs’ software to patients in the comfort of
to digitally process their users’ their homes. The collective
voice-activated smart
voice data, largely due to the term for devices that enable
home systems
complexity of both human speech users to experience a remote
In a smart home, 5G-enabled patterns and natural language or virtual location as if they are
voice-activated systems (such itself. physically present in that location
as smart speakers) can receive is ‘telepresence’, which will be
Currently, smart speaker
voice commands from its user vital to the accuracy and safety
manufacturers attempt to
and achieve a near-instantaneous of remote healthcare diagnoses
counteract this challenge by
response, translating to higher user and treatments. Aided by a rise in
focusing on moving their products’
safety and security. Consider that wearable sensors, 5G may offer the
voice processing capabilities
hackers can exploit the vulnerability precision needed for telepresence
from the Cloud to the Edge, but
of existing smart home systems, which preceding technologies will
the speed of such a system is
particularly when their devices are not be able to achieve.
still flawed owing to most users’
both connected by and reliant on
Wi-Fi limitations. When compared 5G-enabled Cloud computing is
the 128-bit encryption of 4G.
to both 4G and Wi-Fi 5, the low also facilitating the migration of
By offering a security standard latency of 5G has the potential processing power to conventional
with twice as many bits as to bring a marked increase in the hardware systems, which is
its predecessor, 5G’s 256-bit speed of all manner of voice- bringing a significant level of
encryption means that it is far controlled systems – not just those miniaturisation to existing devices.
better designed than its latest in stationary smart speakers, but This is leading to greater viability
predecessor for protecting smart those in on-the-go interfaces such for lightweight and compact
home devices from cyber attacks. as the iPhone-based version of Siri. devices that may ensure a better
(Malicious agents will require experience for smart home users.
Healthcare Wearables and
2,256 different combinations to This is particularly important for
Hardware Miniaturisation
break a 256-bit encryption system, at-home patients whose wearable
which renders the hacking process 5G offers wide-scale connectivity sensors would otherwise be
virtually impossible.) improvements compared uncomfortable and unwieldy.
to previous networks. Such
5G also offers smart speakers,
enhancements from 4G mean that
such as Amazon Echos and Google Considering the future of
the technology can significantly
Homes, the ability to expedite smart homes
boost the adoption of smart home
the rate at which intelligent
systems across several areas. For As this discussion has covered,
virtual assistant (IVA) software,
instance, industry predictions[6] the connectivity, reliability, and
such as Alexa, can respond to a
refer to a notable boost in accuracy of 5G offer technological
user’s spoken commands. Smart
5G-enabled wearable sensors benefits that range from network
speakers, which are connected
adoption, which is beneficial for slicing to advancements in medical
to traditional Wi-Fi routers, are in
monitoring the wellbeing of users technology.
increasing use throughout modern
both in and out of the smart home.
(not even necessarily smart) These advantages, among
homes. However, they are restricted 5G allows medical personnel to many others, mean that there
in terms of their response times. offer effective communication are innumerable smart home
This is owing to how compute- and remote medical assistance capabilities offered by the

16
fifth generation of cellular References:
communications. The question
does arise, however: how will 1. Shunliang Zhang. An Overview of Network Slicing for 5G 2019 Institute
5G support what are (at the of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
time of writing) only prospective 2. Xenofon Foukas, Georgios Patounas, Ahmed Elmokashfi, Mahesh K.
commercial smart devices? To Marina. Network Slicing in 5G: Survey and Challenges 2017 Institute of
revisit the earlier discussion of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
defining a smart home, consider 3. Linh-An Phan and Taehong Kim. Breaking Down the Compatibility
once more that the term ‘smart’ Problem in Smart Homes: A Dynamically Updatable Gateway Platform
hinges on how much automation 2020 National Library of Medicine
is offered by the user’s domestic 4. Everything you need to know about 5G. Qualcomm
devices. 5. 5G, the Internet of Things (IoT) and Wearable Devices GSMA 2019
6. Revolutionizing Wearables for 5G: 5G Technologies: Recent
In view of this, perhaps the future Developments and Future Perspectives for Wearable Devices and
of the 5G-connected smart home Antennas 2017 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
will involve commercial home
robots that offer users a level of
home automation[6] that cannot be
realised by even the most efficient
smart devices on the market today.

we get technical
17
Is Ultra-Wideband (UWB)
the next big wireless
technology for smart
homes?

18
 The absence of highly accurate much more seamless, automated
indoor location technologies is and personalised experience within
Written by: currently hindering the smart the smart home which will be the
Paige West, home from becoming truly focus for the remainder of this
Editor at Electronic Specifier interconnected and fully automated article.
[1]
. Ultra-wideband (or UWB) has the
potential to solve this problem – it
is a fast, secure, and low power
How UWB works
radio technology used to determine One key difference between
location with precise accuracy. conventional radio transmissions
and UWB is the nature of
UWB is not a new technology
information transmission.
(Figure 1): it was originally used
Conventional systems transmit
for military radar applications
information by varying several
but for various reasons, such as
elements, including the phase of
power restrictions, it was unable to
a sinusoidal wave, power levels,
succeed.
and frequency. UWB-based
However, it has recently re-emerged transmissions, on the other
and since 2019, UWB has evolved hand, generate radio energy at
and expanded into mainstream specific time intervals, occupy
consumer technology. With the large bandwidths, and enable time
help of organisations like the UWB modulation or pulse position. UWB
Alliance and the FiRa Consortium, can also encode pulse polarity
who are dedicated to the promotion and amplitude or use orthogonal
and growth of the technology, it pulses to transmit information.
has been predicted that by 2025 Industry leaders are increasingly
there will be over one billion incorporating this technology
annual device shipments of UWB into several devices for a wide
technology [1]. range of applications, including
security, patient monitoring,
Due to its high-accuracy, reliability,
entertainment, and general smart
and robustness, UWB can offer a

UWB History

1960-1990s 2000s 2007 2020

Restricted to Military Radar Orthogonal Frequency- Ranging and Low Power Secure Fine Ranging
Divinsion Multiplexing Consumption
G. Marconi’s first experiments with (OFDM) Specified in IEEE 802.15.4z and in
Figure 1: The history of UWB. UWB on spark-gap transmitters in
transatlantic radio communication Adapted for use as an OFDM
Specified in IEEE 802.15.4a UWB has
been resurrected as an impulse radio
standardisation process by
FiRa Consortium
and its use for military radar
Credit: ABI Research applications
technology and standardised
in IEEE.802: 15.3 as an ultra-high
technology used for ranging

data rate transfer method

we get technical
19
Is Ultra-Wideband (UWB) the next big wireless technology for smart homes?

motion tracking by to digital bits, modulates it in the

ensuring the UWB radio- UWB pulse generator, and transmits
equipped devices could it through the UWB antenna. The
carry out the following: energy detection receiver then
■ localise themselves to demodulates the received data
each other and uploads it to the middleware
■ track the changes in at the receiver side, ensuring
the channel impulse adequate temperature monitoring
response of each in smart homes. Since users
communication prefer to access environmental
channel parameters measured by the
■ fuse each observed sensor nodes through a hardware-
change into a position independent interface in smart
Figure 2: Schematic for UWB Radio-Equipped Devices
estimate of a nearby home applications, this use
for Smart Home Applications.
Credit: Ledergerber & D’Andrea (2020) person case incorporates a software
infrastructure. Figure 4 presents
To further explore the
the software framework.
home applications [2], e.g., light and working principles of a UWB-
temperature monitoring and control equipped smart home system, the The image to the left shows the
(see applications section). remainder of this section explores software infrastructure layout,
a use case: one that incorporates while the right represents the
To further consider monitoring
a low-energy UWB sensor node measured temperature layout.
applications, UWB radio-equipped
software and hardware design A dedicated interface of the
devices can track movements
into room temperature monitoring. software framework receives
within their surroundings by
Figure 3 presents a typical UWB all the information coming
detecting channel impulse
system architecture and refers from the wireless sensor nodes
response changes of each
(left to right) to the UWB signal (WSNs). Relevant information
communication channel and
transmitter and receiver within (i.e., temperature measurement)
intersecting their corresponding
the sensor node and the control remains available for the end-
multi-static radar network.
system, respectively. user to view and manage in
Figure 2 presents a conceptualised the application-client layer
To summarise the working principle
UWB-based monitoring application. of the framework. This UWB-
of the UWB system architecture, the
enabled software-hardware
Designers of this simplified UWB- sensor node converts the physical
integration aids the deployment
based system achieved adequate information, e.g., room temperature,
Figure 3: UWB System Architecture.
Credit: Khajenasiri et al. (2014)

Controller
Micro
Sensor & UWB Tx UWB Rx
Controller
Interface
Middleware

UWB
Signal
Power Power
Supply Supply

20
of adequate solutions for overall large channel capacity of UBW to create pulses and minimise
energy management in smart signals on the signal-to-noise ratio interference in UWB signals. While
homes, depending on customer (SNR) allows them to thrive in noisy PPM shifts the pulses in the time
requirements. environments. domain to result in small time
duration pulses (approximately
Other smart home applications will
1ns), CDMA and OFDMA prevent
be explored later in this article. Carrier-free signal
the possible interception of signals
Table 1 compares some existing The capability of UWB technology by nearby users and eliminate
wireless connection standards, to directly modulate data in the signal interference, respectively.
alongside UWB. The table shows form of pulses during transmission
that UWB offers the lowest energy significantly minimises hardware
Resistance to multipath
per bit and the highest maximum requirements for incorporating
this technology into smart home fading and jamming
bit rate. Moreover, UWB is widely
associated with high data rates, systems. Moreover, this capability The wide bandwidth of a UWB
low power consumption, and results in lower implementation signal makes it resistant to
wide bandwidth. Other key costs given that UWB does not multipath fading, which is a
characteristics of the ultra- require advanced equipment such common occurrence in narrowband
wideband technology include as equalisers, frequency mixers, signals. Moreover, unlike
large channel capacity, carrier-free shaping filters, and digital to narrowband signals that jamming
signalling, innovative modulation analogue converters. devices can easily block, these
techniques, and resistance to devices cannot completely block
multipath fading and jamming [3]. UWB signals.

Technical specifications of UWB

Benefits of UWB
Standard Energy per bit Maximum bit rate Maximum
(nJ/bit) (Mb/s) range (m) UWB is beneficial in smart home
ZigBee 296 0.25 75 applications for access control,
real-time location systems (RTLS),
Bluetooth 34 1 15 device tracking, indoor navigation,
Wi-Fi 130 54 100 point-and-trigger control, etc [4].
UWB 5 100 10 UWB can track the exact locations
Table 1: Comparison of Various Wireless Standards. of smart home users when they
Credit: Khajenasiri et al. (2015) enter or exit their homes, allowing
them instant and hands-free
access after verifying their security
Large channel capacity Modulation techniques credentials. This wireless tracking
capability of the technology makes
The US Federal Communications UWB uses Pulse Position
it ideal for access control in smart
Commission (FCC) describes any Modulation (PPM), Code-Division
home systems.
signal with a bandwidth of over Multiple Access (CDMA), and
500MHz as an ultra-wideband Orthogonal Frequency Division Incorporating UWB technology
signal. The independence of the Multiplexing (OFDM) techniques into smart home systems allows

we get technical
21
Is Ultra-Wideband (UWB) the next big wireless technology for smart homes?

LinkSmart
Application Client
28
Early Day Night
Morning
Figure 4: Software
26
Framework for the
Internet UWB Temperature

Temperature (°C)
24
Monitoring
Application.
Gateway 22 Credit: Khajenasiri
LinkSmart
et al. (2014)
web-services 20

Database 18

TelosB cc2530 STM300 UWB

Interface Interface Interface Interface 16

0 5 10 15 20
Time (hour)

TelosB cc2530 STM300 UWB

WSN WSN WSN WSN

(a) (b)
caregivers to track patient provide accurate positioning smart home device or appliance
movements within their homes within buildings and exceptional and perform specific operations
through a Real-Time Locating performance in non-line-of-sight using the relevant control panel
System (RTLS). This application scenarios makes it ideal for indoor in the smartphone display. This
is possible due to the capability smart home navigation. Although ‘point-and-trigger’ functionality is
of UWB to deliver centimetre- voice-activated commands are ideal for turning off and on a TV,
level location accuracy, ultra-low the de-facto standard for simple changing radio stations, turning
latency, and robustness in harsh tasks, several home automation up the thermostat, casting audio
environments. and control tasks are hard to or video from a smartphone to the
describe. However, with the high TV or speaker, selecting the colour
Users can also track personal items
accuracy and direction capabilities or brightness of a smart light bulb,
by incorporating a UWB tag into
of UWB signals, users can use etc.
them (see application section). This
smartphones to detect the specific
technology offers higher accuracy,
directional, and lower latency
positioning than other alternatives, Figure 5: UWB for Point-
and-Trigger Control.
such as the Bluetooth Low Energy
Credit: NXP
(BLE) solution, which has a
significant dominance in this space.
Moreover, designers can integrate
UWB and BLE solutions into a
single personal tracking device for
initial pairing and handover.

The capability of UWB to

22
 VBAT Figure 6: UWB smart lock
Level PC
PC Shifter
application. Credit: NXP

VDD
Level PC
VBAT Shifter PC SPIFI
UWB BLE
Module
SPI
Module Flash
SPI

INT SPP
VDD VBAT Level
SPI Shifter
SE + NFC PC
PMIC
PC

Level
VBAT Shifter

VDD

VBAT

NXP Technology Non NXP Technology Optional Technology

Smart home applications smartphone, adding an additional recognition location has been
layer of security, and interactions reduced from 50cm to under 10cm.
Charlie Zhang, Board Chair of the can range from something as
FiRa Consortium and Senior Vice The more precisely a digital car key
simple as status LEDs to LCD
President, Engineering, Samsung module detects the location of a
panels with touchscreen control.
Research America, sees many smartphone, the more diverse and
exciting new applications that can NXP provide a variety of more convenient functions can be
benefit from UWB technology, connectivity options like UWB and implemented.
and this section explores some supply analogue components to
A similar application has been
of the most promising in more complete the design of the smart
developed by Bosch: its perfectly
detail – namely, residential access lock (Figure 6).
keyless system, based on UWB
control and the tracking of personal technology, has a 20cm localisation
devices, as mentioned in the Smart keys accuracy and, similarly to the
previous segment.
Digital car keys allow users to
unlock/lock their car door or start
Smart lock the engine using a smartphone.
Physical and information security is LG Innotek has developed a digital
a growing concern in the connected car key module that utilises UWB
world. Smart locks are one piece technology. The digital key can
of the puzzle in controlling access detect the location of a smartphone
to both information and physical five times more precisely than
spaces. existing key modules. The module’s
A smart lock can use UWB to error range between the actual Figure 7: Perfectly keyless system
smartphone’s location and the uses UWB technology to automatically
communicate with a user’s
unlock a car. Credit: Bosch

we get technical
23
Is Ultra-Wideband (UWB) the next big wireless technology for smart homes?

Figure 8: SmartThings Find uses

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and ultra-
wideband (UWB) technologies to help
people find select Galaxy smartphones,
tablets, smartwatches and earbuds.
Credit: Samsung

Smart sensing

One of UWB’s unique aspects is

that is can be used in radar type
functions. NOVELDA, developer
above, can unlock the user’s car applications, Samsung’s Galaxy of the world’s most accurate and
automatically as they approach, Note20 Ultra features UWB reliable human presence sensor,
start the engine, and even technology. The smartphone released a UWB sensor for the
guide users to their car in large contains NXP’s Secure UWB fine- smart home that uses impulse
parking areas. The smartphone ranging solution, bringing users radar to give any device the
only connects with the digital powerful tools to help maximise ability to accurately sense human
system when it is within the their time and simplify their daily presence.
communication range of the vehicle routines.
By detecting the tiny movements
(Figure 7).
UWB is also enhancing Samsung’s humans make when we breathe, the
Nearby Share app for device-to- sensor can detect human presence
Smartphone device file transfers. Users simply even if subjects are lying under a
need to point their phone at another duvet or wearing layers of clothing.
Smartphones are set to lead the
UWB market [1]. The first company UWB-equipped device and Nearby
This level of presence detection
to apply the technology was Apple, Share automatically lists that
will provide more accurate touch-
which integrated UWB into its U1 device at the top of their sharing
free interaction with smart home
chip for the iPhone 11 in September panel.
devices such as touchless-screen
2019. Samsung has also integrated displays, lighting, HVAC control and
UWB into its SmartThings Find wireless health monitors.
The technology can also be found
in Apple’s AirDrop. With AirDrop, application (Figure 8) which
UWB provides spatial awareness uses augmented reality (AR) to
The future of UWB
capabilities, enabling two UWB- show users the exact direction,
enabled iPhones (or other devices distance, and location of other As this discussion has highlighted,
in the future) to register that they UWB-equipped devices. For UWB is ideally suited for the
are pointed at each other, allowing example, the Galaxy SmartTag+ high-precision ranging, low power
for wireless data transfer. Apple is currently being equipped with consumption, high data rates and
is also expected to release UWB- UWB technology so it can pinpoint wide bandwidth requirements
enabled personal trackers, AirTags, the location of items such as bags, for next generation consumer
which will allow users to locate lost keys, and purses with greater electronic devices and smart home
items with an UWB-enabled iPhone. accuracy. appliances.

Now switching to Android However, whilst the technology is

24
not new, consumer awareness is UWB industry, initiated a joint In summary, it has been noted
still lacking. This need for greater effort to test the coexistence by Zhang that “UWB is fast
awareness is just one of many and aggregation capabilities of becoming a pillar of wireless local
hurdles the technology still needs UWB technology in environments connectivity technology alongside
to overcome – others include where other UWB or other wireless Wi-Fi and Bluetooth” and it has
standardisation, interoperability protocols and radio devices are in been predicted that UWB’s adoption
and widespread chipset and device use. Preliminary results of phase within smartphones and vehicles
availability. one with multiple UWB devices will be a catalyst for large scale
indicate generally good coexistence adoption across a range of IoT
Having said that, UWB is on its way
performance, with the tested applications [1].
to becoming the next big wireless
devices showing no measurable
technology for smart homes.
performance impact from other
A major milestone was reached in interfering UWB devices.
August 2020 with the publication
of the next-gen IEEE 802.15.4z
UWB standard. The standard saw
References:
improvements in ranging integrity
and multiple other technical 1. Zignani, Andrew; Tomsett, Stephanie. Ultra-Wideband (UWB) For The IoT
advances with updates to the High - A Fine Ranging Revolution ABI Research
Rate PRF (HRP), and Low Rate PRF 2. Iman Khajenasiri; Peng Zhu; Marian Verhelst; Georges Gielen Low-
(LRP) UWB PHY Physical layers, as energy UWB transceiver implementation for smart home energy
well as the MAC layer clauses in the management Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
IEEE 802.15.4 standard. 3. P.S, Sharma; Vijay Sandeep; Shukla, Manoj. Ultra-Wideband Technology:
Standards, Characteristics, Applications Research Gate August 2020
2021 saw the FiRa Consortium 4. Zignani, Andrew How UWB Expands Into the IoT - Where We Stand Today
launch the initial phase of its NXP Semiconductors
certification programme. The
programme is the first to provide
baseline testing and certification
focused on UWB’s pinpoint location
and spacing capabilities, one of
the key steps needed to facilitate
interoperability of devices. The
first products were certified at the
end of 2021 and many more are
expected to be certified over the
coming years.

In 2022, SPARK Microsystems, a

Canadian fabless semiconductor
company specialising in next-
generation UWB, and the UWB
Alliance, an international non-
profit organisation dedicated to
the promotion and growth of the

we get technical
25
Wi-Fi 6: Offering smart
connections to smart
homes
Written by:
Sam Holland,
Editor at IoT Insider

26
Wi-Fi 6 is the name given to the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers) standard known as 802.11ax, and it follows Wi-
Fi 5 (IEEE 802.11ac). Due largely to its hardware offering much higher
efficiency than its preceding iterations, Wi-Fi 6 is equipped to benefit
and optimise smart homes in ways that can only be achieved with the
802.11ax standard.

This discussion considers both carrier control terminal including setting the air conditioner,
the technical specifications and ■ An intelligent control system switching on and off lights,
benefits of Wi-Fi 6 in the context of ■ The Wi-Fi module controlling doors and windows, and
smart homes. so on.
The intelligent control system
comprises an audio-visual In addition, users can utilise the
Wi-Fi 6 hardware equipment control system, home Wi-Fi-connected smartphone to
lighting intelligent control system, gain access to the real-time data
To consider the principles of Wi-Fi
home appliances intelligent provided by the CPU about the
6 in smart homes, it is necessary to
control system, and an Android smart home system. Designers
explore the overall design of a Wi-
smartphone system, which work incorporate a CPU, Wi-Fi 6 module,
Fi-connected smart home system.
together to ensure the proper and a control terminal into the
The Institute of Physics-published
functioning of the smart home. smart home design.
journal ‘The Application of Wifi
The intelligent control system
Technology in Smart Home’[1] The control terminal, which
sends control commands to the
identifies the key elements of a Wi- includes the smartphone, transmits
CPU using a Wi-Fi 6 network.
Fi connected smart home system: information to the Wi-Fi 6 module
After receiving the command, the
■ A central processing unit (CPU)
CPU parses it to perform several connected to a similar network
■ A smartphone that serves as a
functions in the smart home, through Wi-Fi 6. The module then

Home lighting
intelligent control
system

Audio-visual equipment
intelligent control
system
Intelligent control Control terminal
CPU WiFi module
system (Smart phone)

Household appliances
intelligent control
system

Figure 1. Architecture of a Wi-Fi-

incorporated smart home system
Video real-time Credit: Jie Ding et al. (2018)
monitoring system

we get technical
27
Wi-Fi 6: Offering smart connections to smart homes

Figure 2. A diagram of the beamforming process achieved by Wi-Fi 6 (right) in

comparison to a standard Wi-Fi connection that does not use beamforming (left)
Credit: Intel

transmits this incoming signal to through the serial port. Depending QAM, OBSS management, and
the CPU through a serial port. The on the designer’s chosen Wi-Fi beamforming for improved quality
CPU assumes control over the module within the smart home of service
smart home appliances in line with system, users may enjoy high-
Wi-Fi 6 offers a dense QAM
the smartphone-initiated incoming frequency applications with a high
(quadrature amplitude modulation)
instructions. From all indications, likelihood of extending to 5G dual-
of up to 1,024, which translates to
Wi-Fi remains an essential element band and LTE (Long Term Evolution)
improved throughput and enhanced
of the overall process of the smart data module applications, which
capacity for various applications
home system. Figure 1 presents the can dramatically improve the
in both smart homes and smart
structure of an example of a Wi-Fi- performance and memory, as well
buildings. This capability allows
connected smart home system. as radiofrequency optimisations.
the encoding of more data bits
The primary role of the CPU and offers the Wi-Fi 6 wireless
includes communicating with Technical details of Wi-Fi 6 access point a 25% increase in data
the host computer to collect and when compared to Wi-Fi 5. The
Unlike Wi-Fi 5 and older versions
analyse real-time instructions from 1,024 QAM specification of Wi-Fi
of the technology, Wi-Fi 6 exhibits
the smartphone and use such 6 enables the technology to offer
several improvements to wireless
instructions to carry out relevant improved quality of service (or QoS)
connectivity, making it ideal
operations. in densely populated locations,
for the increasingly demanding
such as stadiums, convention
In addition to providing power requirements of smart home
centres, transportation hubs, and
for the Wi-Fi 6 wireless module, applications. This section explores
auditoriums.
the CPU also ensures effective several technical specifications of
communication with the module the Wi-Fi 6 technology. Other technical specifications of

28
the Wi-Fi 6 technology include high security option ever. a high-rate data stream into a
speeds of up to 9.6 gigabytes per number of low-rate streams
On top of this, Wi-Fi 6’s target wake
second, 75% less latency than Wi-Fi that are transmitted on parallel
time (TWT) feature allows Wi-Fi 6
5, and a high integration of wired subcarriers [secondary modulated
technology to increase the device’s
and wireless signals. Similarly, signal frequencies within the
battery life. Devices can spend less
the OBSS management feature primary frequency, i.e. carrier]”[2];
time and energy searching for a
of Wi-Fi 6 is able to minimise and the system by which “a set
wireless signal through the TWT
network congestion (OBSS stands of … wireless stations [access
feature that allows Wi-Fi 6 routers
for overlapping basic service sets, points] forms a user group and
to effectively communicate with
which is when neighbouring access uses different spatial streams for
the Wi-Fi radio of the devices and
points interfere with each other simultaneous transmission and
only activate it when it needs to be
and affect the performance of the reception”[3].
awake.
given wireless local area network,
OFDMA grants Wi-Fi 6
or WLAN).
unprecedented throughput
Unlike older versions of Wi-Fi
OFDMA and MU-MIMO for multi-device, bi-directional
technology that wait for a clear for multiplexing and bi- connections across the given smart
channel before transmitting, directional connections home network; moreover, MU-
the Wi-Fi 6 technology can MIMO allows the optimal use of
Wi-Fi 6 has the ability to connect
identify and ignore noise within both Wi-Fi 6 routers as well as Wi-Fi
to devices with better efficiency
the local network and enable 6-enabled smart devices. Both
than its predecessors. This is
continued signal transmission. MU-MIMO and OFDMA therefore
chiefly due to Wi-Fi 6’s ability to
The combination of OBSS and facilitate Wi-Fi 6’s capacity for
carry 12 spatial streams (also
OFDMA (discussed in the next multiplexing (discussed below),
known as data streams), on the
section) features in Wi-Fi 6 offers which is the networking technique
two frequency bands: 2.4GHz and
the technology high efficiency that allows multiple analogue and
5GHz (this is known as a dual-band
for effective communication in digital signals to be transmitted
configuration).
crowded networks. over a shared connection.
In contrast, Wi-Fi 6’s closest
Additionally, conventional Wi-Fi
counterpart, Wi-Fi 5, has a limit of
routers send wireless signals in Multiplexing and its benefits
eight spatial streams. Such streams
all directions. However, Wi-Fi 6
are independent streams of data to smart homes
offers a beamforming feature,
that travel between a transmitter Naturally, if too many connected
which allows its router to efficiently
and a receiver. 802.11ax’s capacity devices are introduced to any
detect the location of a device
to carry multiple spatial streams is Wi-Fi network, the data speed of
requesting data and transmits a
a product of its two core features: each product slows as a result.
more localised data stream in the
OFDMA (orthogonal frequency- Wi-Fi 6 is designed to combat this
direction of the device. With an
division multiple access) and MU- problem by offering, not only four
improved Wi-Fi Protected Access
MIMO (multi-user, multiple-input, more spatial streams than Wi-Fi
3 (WPA3) security protocol and
multiple-output). 5, but both downlink (router to
an added Dragonfly Key Exchange
system (or SAE – Simultaneous The IEEE defines OFDMA and device) and uplink (device to router)
Authentication of Equals), Wi-Fi 6 MU-MIMO as respectively “a multiplexing.
offers the highest and most robust modulation scheme that converts

we get technical
29
Wi-Fi 6: Offering smart connections to smart homes

This is in contrast to Wi-Fi 5, paper ‘Design and Implementation Further efficiency and
which despite being the first Wi-Fi of Low-Cost Smart Home System
security benefits of Wi-Fi 6
iteration to offer MU-MIMO, offers with Sensor Multiplexing’[4], the
a downlink connection only. This researchers explain how the The technical specifications of
means that Wi-Fi 5 routers can detection of hazards (such as the Wi-Fi 6 technology make it
only send more than one stream dangerous gases and intruders) in beneficial to a plethora of smart
simultaneously to multiple users’ the smart home can be carried out home applications. For instance,
devices (e.g. laptops) – but such Wi-Fi 6’s said OBSS feature
using their “extendable, cheap, and
devices cannot transmit multiple (namely BSS [basic service sets]
multi-faceted” sensor multiplexing
streams to routers. colouring) minimises interference
system. The researchers explain
within the wireless network from
In other words, Wi-Fi 6, by that the sensors’ data can be
a neighbour’s router by ignoring
being the first Wi-Fi standard[2] efficiently uploaded to an IoT cloud
unwanted signals, allowing for a
to offer an uplink connection, platform and go on to consider Wi-
more efficient smart home system.
offers bi-directional connectivity Fi for remote observance a “major
between routers and devices, development” in home automation Another key benefit of Wi-Fi
therefore allowing more reliable systems. 6-connected smart home systems
multiplexing than that of previous is its improved WPA3 256-bit
iterations. Such an advancement By offering the benefits of both encryption security technology
in communications efficiency OFDMA and MU-MIMO, Wi-Fi 6 has that gives users a higher feeling
opens the door to advancements the potential to prove integral to of security. The WPA3 (Wi-Fi
in smart home safety and security further research and development Protected Access 3) security
applications. into the use of multiplexing within protocol enhances Wi-Fi security
smart home automation and for home users, therefore providing
This is especially in terms of
security systems. them with a similar connection
connected sensors, which are
integral to the data collection The next section explores further
capabilities offered by smart efficiency and security benefits of Figure 3. A diagram that shows a
homes. For instance, in the 2021 Wi-Fi 6. reduction in overlapping basic service
set interference with Wi-Fi 6’s BSS
colouring feature. Credit: tp-link

30
experience to that of previous ■ Faster Wi-Fi speeds These improvements from its
technologies but with the SAE ■ The higher capacity needed predecessor make Wi-Fi 6’s
(Simultaneous Authentication of to handle more smart devices, capabilities ideal for demanding
Equals) protocol exchange, which higher data rates, and increased smart home systems and even
protects user passphrases from stability and efficiency offer a platform for further research
brute-force ‘dictionary attacks’. ■ Higher bandwidth of up to and development into revolutionary
160MHz domestic safety technologies,
Taking stock of the smart home
■ Minimised latency and reduced such as connected home security
benefits and applications of Wi-Fi 6
power consumption (particularly sensors, data encryption, and much
Ultimately, Wi-Fi 6 offers the owing to Wi-Fi 6’s target wake more.
following benefits and more: time capability)

References:
1. Jie Ding et al. The Application of Wifi Technology in Smart Home IOP
Science 2018
2. Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) Institute of
Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
3. Raja Karmakar; Samiran Chattopadhyay; Sandip Chakraborty. Intelligent
MU-MIMO User Selection With Dynamic Link Adaptation in IEEE
802.11ax Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
4. Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 6™ Release 2 adds new features for advanced Wi-Fi®
applications Wi-Fi Alliance January 2022
5. S. Nagendram, P. Kanakaraja, M. S. R. KiranNag & K. Akhil. Design
and Implementation of Low-Cost Smart Home System with Sensor
Multiplexing Springer Link 2021

we get technical
31
How to use multiband
embedded antennas in IoT
designs
Contributed By: Antenna design can make or break major challenges. First, space
Steven Keeping, a wireless product. The challenge is typically at a premium, so
Contributing Author, Digikey is even greater for an increasingly accommodating a relatively lengthy
diverse array of wireless Internet antenna is difficult. Second, IoT
of Things (IoT) designs where products typically access multiple
regulations limit the transmit power radio frequencies to connect to
in the allocated frequency bands, Bluetooth low energy (Bluetooth
even as the engineer strives to LE), Wi-Fi, GPS, and/or cellular. This
maximise throughput and range. means having to accommodate
multiple antennas, each requiring
Conventional design guidelines
their own impedance matching
advise strip antennas with a length
circuit, which adds to the cost,
of half the wavelength of the signal
complexity, and bulk of the design.
it is intended to receive. For a
dipole antenna, this translates to Embedded antennas offer a
6.25cm for the 2.4GHz frequency solution to the space and cost
band. But for wireless IoT products, constraints of multiband IoT
this design advice presents two product design. These monolithic

32
32
antennas feature compact Antenna basics VSWR of six or more indicates poor
dimensions and can cope with efficiency and the design should be
several different frequencies An antenna converts voltage and revised (Table 1).
while offering good performance. current to produce the transmitted
RF signal, and in turn, it converts an A further complication is that
However, there is a trade-off:
incoming RF signal to voltage and antenna impedance changes with
in a like-for-like application, the
current at the receiver. Optimising frequency. This is not a problem
performance of a multiband
the antenna’s efficiency ensures it when the system is tuned to a
embedded antenna will fall short
converts as much of the transmitter single frequency, but IoT products
of a single-band strip antenna. This
power into radiated radio energy often use radios operating at
makes it even more important that
and harvests as much energy as multiple frequencies. This is
the designer closely adheres to
possible from the incoming signal necessary to accommodate a mix
key design guidelines to maximise
to feed the receiver. The efficacy of multiple interfaces, such as
the embedded antenna’s efficiency
with which it performs these roles Bluetooth LE (2.4 GHz), Wi-Fi (2.4,
across all operational frequencies.
largely determines the range and
These guidelines extend beyond throughput of an IoT device.
just antenna selection and VSWR Loss (dB)
positioning; the embedded Antenna efficiency (typically
component forms just one part measured in decibels (dB)) is
1:1 0
of the ‘antenna system.’ To determined by several factors, but a
construct an efficient system, key factor is impedance. Significant
2:1 0.51
the antenna must be carefully mismatch between the antenna’s
paired with a suitable printed impedance (which is related to the
3:1 1.25
circuit board (PC board) ground voltage and current at its input)
plane and impedance matching and the impedance of the voltage
6:1 3.1
circuit to optimise performance. source driving the antenna, results
The design of each part of the in poor antenna efficacy. The key to
boosting efficacy is to equalise the
10:1 4.81
system significantly affects the
overall antenna system efficiency, two impedances.
20:1 7.41
and the design of the impedance
Any power reflected by an antenna
matching circuit can be particularly
on a transmission line due to
challenging for multiband Table 1: High VSWR causes greater
impedance mismatch interferes losses. The designer should consider
embedded antennas.
with the forward traveling power revising the design if VSWR exceeds 6:1.
This article provides a brief and creates a standing voltage Image source: Steven Keeping
introduction to antennas and wave. A common measure of how
the challenges facing designers well the impedance is equalised
of wireless IoT devices. It then is the voltage standing wave ratio
5, and increasingly 6 GHz), LTE-M/
introduces multiband embedded (VSWR). A VSWR of 1 indicates no
NB-IoT cellular (operating on
antennas and explains how to impedance mismatch loss, while
several bands in the 700 to 2,200
design them in and ensure they higher numbers indicate increasing
MHz allocation), and GPS (1,227
are matched with the ground plane losses. For example, a VSWR of
and 1,575MHz).
and impedance matching circuit to 3.0 indicates about 75% of the
optimise performance. power is delivered to the antenna. A One option for multiband

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33
How to use multiband embedded antennas in IoT Designs

products is to use a separate Figure 1: The Ignion NN03-310 is an embedded

impedance-matched antenna for antenna for cellular, GNSS, short-range RF, Wi-
Fi, and UWB. Image source: Ignion
each frequency, but that adds
considerable complexity, size, and
expense. An alternative is to use
a single embedded antenna and
design circuitry to ensure good
impedance matching to cover a
range of operational frequencies.

Antenna selection and

placement
but adds GNSS, Bluetooth LE, Wi-Fi The position of the antenna on the
There are several vendors offering
6E, and ultrawideband (UWB). It pc board also has a large influence
mature embedded antenna
measures 30 x 3 x 1mm and has on the design’s transmit power and
designs. With knowledge of the
performance figures similar to receive sensitivity. Manufacturer
end product’s intended operational
its sister product with efficiency guidelines recommend placement
frequency band(s), it is relatively
approaching 65%, a VSWR of less at the corner of the IoT device. It
simple to narrow down the shortlist
than 3:1, and an omnidirectional is also important to place the chip
of suitable antennas from a supplier
radiation pattern (Figure 1). antenna as far as possible from
catalogue. For example, Ignion
other active components that
(formerly Fractus Antennas) offers Once the embedded antenna has
could generate electromagnetic
a range of components suitable been selected, the next step is to
interference (EMI) during operation.
for IoT products, including the consider the ground plane. The
For the transmission power levels
ALL MXTEND NN02-220 antenna size of the ground plane has a
typical of cellular IoT devices,
and the TRIO MXTEND NN03-310 large impact on antenna efficiency.
a minimum clearance area of
antenna. For example, at an operational
20mm from other components
frequency of 900MHz, in a like-for-
The NN02-220 is a multiband is satisfactory. The ground plane
like comparison, a 10cm2 ground
antenna suitable for cellular 2G, should also be kept clear of this
plane might exhibit 30% efficiency,
3G, 4G, and 5G, plus NB-IoT/LTE-M area.
whereas a 40cm2 ground plane
cellular applications and is supplied
would boost the efficiency to 60%. The PC board pads and traces
in a 24 x 12 x 2mm package. With
Therefore, within the constraints connecting the chip antenna to
appropriate system design, the
of the end-product form factor, it is the rest of the circuitry should
antenna can reach an efficiency
good design practice to use as large be the only copper conductors in
approaching 70% and a VSWR
a PC board as possible and then the clearance area. It’s also good
of less than 3:1. It features an
dedicate one complete layer of the practice to keep the antenna away
omnidirectional radiation pattern,
pc board to the ground plane. Note from housing screws, brackets, and
providing approximately equal
that as the frequency increases, the other metallic parts. For example,
transmission and reception in all
ground plane size has less impact on the Nordic Semiconductor
directions.
on antenna efficiency. Above a few nRF6943 cellular IoT development
The NN03-310 covers the same GHz, the impact is negligible. board, the antenna is placed
frequency bands as the NN02-220 at one side of the board with a

34
 frequency bands, the matching
The nRF6943 is designed to assist
circuit becomes much more
engineers in the development of IoT devices complex.
using short-range wireless (Bluetooth LE), To assist designers, antenna
LTE-M/NB-IoT, and GPS. suppliers such as Ignion offer
software that makes the job much
easier. Armed with knowledge
of the pc board size, choice of
chip antenna, frequency band
gap between it and the other by matching the impedance of the
requirements, and S11 parameters
components, and at a distance from transmitter power sources with that
(the reflection coefficient for the
the mounting screw (Figure 2). of the antenna (typically 50 Ω for a
system which is a proxy for the
low-power IoT product).
The nRF6943 is designed to assist target efficiency), designers can
engineers in the development of IoT The engineering task is to not use Ignion’s software package
devices using short-range wireless only design the appropriate circuit to not only design the matching
(Bluetooth LE), LTE-M/NB-IoT, and topology, but also to select the circuits, but also determine the
GPS. appropriate inductor and capacitor exact component values needed
values to ‘transform’ the voltage to approach the S11 parameter
source impedance such that it target. With the assistance of the
Matching circuit design matches the antenna impedance. software, provided the PC board is
The most important part of the The use of high-quality factor (Q) large enough, it’s possible to design
antenna system design is the and tight tolerance components an antenna system with just one
impedance matching circuit, which enhances performance. For a embedded antenna and matching
sits between the chip antenna and single operating frequency band, circuit that meets the needs of a full
the IoT device’s transceiver. The for example 2.4GHz, the design is multiband system.
purpose of the matching circuit relatively straightforward, but for
However, if the PC board (and
is to limit transmit/receive losses an IoT product operating in multiple
hence the ground plane) is small,

Figure 2: The nRF6943

cellular IoT development
board showing the
position of the multiband
antenna at the top, with
wide clearance area
(partially covered by
white label) between
the antenna and
other components.
Image source: Nordic
Semiconductor

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35
How to use multiband embedded antennas in IoT Designs

a multiband antenna system with Figure 4: Matching circuit

a single matching circuit can fail for sections a, b, and c
to perform well. One solution – (cellular operation) shown
employed on Nordic’s nRF6943 in Figure 3 with component
values calculated using the
– is to incorporate more than
Ignion design software.
one matching network, with each Image source: Ignion
accessed as needed through
an MCU-controlled switch. The
benefit of doing this is improved
performance across all frequency
ranges, with the downside that
cost, and complexity increase when
compared to a single matching
circuit. These downsides are
mitigated to an extent because
each matching circuit only needs
to transform the impedance for
a single frequency band and will
consist of just a few components.
MN sections d and e suit the 1,561 Testing the antenna system
Figure 3 shows an example of – 1,606MHz GNSS frequencies;
the NN03-310 used in a reference and MN section f is the matching Even though the matching circuit
design on a small PC board network for 2.4GHz (Bluetooth LE software will provide a good
using three matching circuits (or or Wi-Fi) operation. Figure 4 shows estimate of antenna system
matching networks (MN) as Ignion the design and component values frequency response and efficacy,
calls them). MN sections a, b, and for the cellular matching circuit an actual prototype must be tested
c form the matching circuit for (section a, b, and c), and Figure 5 to ensure it demonstrates not only
operation in the 824 – 960MHz and shows the simulated performance the predicted radiative efficiency,
1,710 – 1,990MHz cellular bands; of the complete design. but that it is also approximately
omnidirectional.

The first test can be done by

connecting a 50 Ω micro-coaxial
cable to the antenna, grounded at
three or four points on the pc board,
and then connecting that cable to
a network analyser. The results will
not only indicate efficiency but also
frequency response and bandwidth.
The test typically reveals if some
adjustment to the matching circuit
Figure 3: Reference design using the NN03-310 antenna in components is needed.
a multiband design showing the matching circuit positions.
Image source: Ignion Ignion has made initial testing
easier by supplying evaluation

36
boards for both the NN02-220 and ground plane and clearance area assistance, the task is not trivial,
NN03-310 antennas, the EB_NN02- redesign, and/or matching circuit and antenna system design often
220-1B-2R-1P and EB_NN03-310- tuning. comes down to repeatedly testing
M+5G, respectively. In each case, a design’s performance and then
the evaluation boards include the refining the layout.
antenna, impedance matching
Conclusion
circuits, and the grounded 50 Ω The small size and multi-frequency
micro-coaxial cable (Figure 6). operation of many IoT products
A designer can plug the evaluation makes antenna implementation
boards into a network analyser to a challenge. Separate antennas
familiarise themselves with the and matching circuits for each
frequency response they might frequency can be tough to
expect from a similar prototype accommodate, and they add
design, before moving on to product complexity and cost.
testing.
Embedded antennas offer an
The final examination of the cellular option to save space by using a
IoT device’s performance should single device to serve multiple
be made in an anechoic chamber. frequencies. The trade-off is that
This is the ultimate test of a design ground plane, clearance, and
which often reveals weaknesses matching circuit design becomes
in efficiency and omnidirectional even more difficult. However,
Figure 6: The Ignion antenna evaluation
performance that don’t show up embedded antenna suppliers offer
boards include a grounded 50 Ω micro-
during network analyser testing. proven design advice and software coaxial cable which can be connected
Deficiencies might require a revised modelling tools that can ease to a network analyser.
embedded antenna selection, the design cycle. Even with this Image source: Ignion

Figure 5: Simulated VSWR and efficiency results for the reference design shown in
Figure 3, using the NN03-310 and matching circuit’s component values calculated by
the Ignion design software. Image source: Ignion

we get technical
37
How to use GNSS modules
to create location aware
smart city
solutions
Written by:
Jeff Shepard,
Contributing Author, DigiKey

38
 Location-aware services This article reviews important
(LAS) in smart cities are being system design considerations
deployed across various areas, when using multi-constellation
including government services, GNSS receivers before
transport, traffic management, presenting GNSS platforms and
energy, healthcare, and water development environments from
and waste, and creating safer, u-blox, Microchip Technology,
more sustainable, and better- MikroElektronika, Thales, and
connected cities. There is often a Arduino for the efficient and cost-
need to understand the distances effective development of location-
between nearby devices in aware smart city applications.
these applications. The demand
Improvements in GNSS
for position-based capability
technology, especially reduced
using multi-constellation global power requirements, have been
navigation satellite system (GNSS) instrumental in the increased use
receivers for Europe’s Galileo, the of the GNSS and the proliferation of
USA’s GPS, Russia’s GLONASS, LAS in smart city applications. The
and China’s BeiDou navigation GNSS receiver power consumption
satellite systems is growing in LAS reduction has been from 120mW
applications. The benefits of using in 2010 to 25mW in 2020 (Figure
multi-constellation GNSS receivers 1). In fact, GNSS receiver power
include better availability of the demand has declined faster than
position, navigation, and timing the power needs of most other LAS
(PNT) signals, increased accuracy system components. Older GNSS
and integrity, and improved technologies were power-hungry
robustness. But developing multi- compared with the other system
constellation receivers is a complex elements. Today, GNSS power
and time-consuming activity. needs are often only a single-digit

GNSS receiver power consumption

reduction over 10 years

-40%

Figure 1: GNSS receiver

power consumption has
-70%
declined from 120mW in
2010 to 25mW in 2020.
Image source: u-blox

2010 2015 2020

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39
How to use GNSS modules to create location aware smart city solutions

percentage of the overall power

budget.

Power- Assisted
Power consumption
save modes GNSS
challenges

While GNSS receiver power

consumption has declined
dramatically, the complexities
of getting the optimal power/
performance solution have Mulit- Update
multiplied. Not every LAS design GNSS rate
needs continuous GNSS position
estimations or high levels of
position accuracy. Designers
have various tools to optimise
GNSS performance and power Figure 2: In addition to using the most efficient hardware solution, designers have
consumption, including hardware several firmware tools to optimise GNSS performance and energy consumption.
optimisation and firmware-based Image source: u-blox
approaches.

The use of low-power components,

a smaller active antenna while still multiple GNSS constellations
especially low-noise RF amplifiers
providing high position availability concurrently in challenging
(LNAs), oscillators, and real-time
and accuracy levels. environments. While receiving
clocks (RTCs), is the first step in
signals using various bands
developing energy-efficient GNSS Most GNSS receivers can provide
can ensure a robust position
solutions. The choice between update rates of 10Hz or higher,
determination, it also increases
active and passive antennas is a but most LAS applications work
power consumption. It’s important
good example. Passive antennas well with much slower and less
to understand the specific
are lower in cost and more efficient power-consuming update rates.
operating environment, especially
but don’t meet the needs of every Selecting the optimal update rate
how open the sky view is, and
application. An active antenna may can have the largest impact on
use the minimum number of
be a good choice in urban canyons, power consumption. In addition to
GNSS signals required to support
inside buildings, or other locations the hardware-based considerations,
the needs of the particular LAS
with poor signal strength. The LNA designers have a range of firmware
application.
in the active antenna significantly tools available when optimising
increases the ability to receive power consumption, including Turning the GNSS function off
weak signals but also consumes update rates, the number of saves the most energy but results
significant amounts of power. When concurrently tracked GNSS in a cold start every time it’s
power consumption is critical, and constellations, assisted GNSS, and turned on. The time to first fix
antenna size is not as important, a a variety of power-saving modes (TTFF) for a cold start can be 30
larger passive antenna can often (Figure 2). seconds, or longer, depending
provide the same performance as on the availability and strength
It may be necessary to track

40
of the GNSS signals and the size tracking mode is another important and on/off operation requires
and placement of the antenna. consideration when defining strong GNSS signals to minimise
Assisted GNSS can reduce the the performance of a specific the TTFF and, therefore, the power
TTFF while still providing accurate application. If operating conditions consumption following each sleep
information. Assisted GNSS can change, making the optimal period.
be implemented in several ways, power-saving mode unavailable,
Snapshot positioning saves power
including the current and predicted the system should automatically
by using the GNSS receiver for local
satellite location and timing switch to the next most energy-
signal processing combined with
parameters (called ‘ephemeris saving mode to ensure continuous
cloud computing resources for the
data’), almanac, and accurate time functionality.
more compute-intensive position
and satellite status correction
Continuous tracking is suited for estimation processing. When an
data for the satellite systems
applications that require a few internet connection is available,
downloaded over the Internet in
updates per second. The GNSS snapshot positioning can reduce
real-time or at intervals of up to
receiver acquires its position in GNSS receiver power consumption
several days. Some GNSS receivers
this mode, establishes a position by a factor of ten. This solution
have an autonomous mode that
fix, downloads almanac, and can be an effective power-saving
internally calculates GNSS orbit
ephemeris data, and then switches strategy when only a few position
predictions, eliminating the need
to tracking mode to reduce power updates per day are needed.
for external data and connectivity.
consumption.
However, using autonomous mode
can require that the receiver be Cyclic tracking involves several Embedded antenna
turned on periodically to download seconds in between position supports GNSS
current ephemeris data. updates and is useful when the augmentation
signals and/or the antennas are
sufficiently large to ensure position Designers can turn to the SAM-
Power save modes
signals are accessible as needed. M8Q patch antenna module from
In addition to connectivity options Additional power savings can be u-blox for systems that benefit
such as assisted GNSS, many achieved if the tracking does not from the concurrent reception
GNSS receivers enable designers require the acquisition of new
to select from a range of tradeoffs satellites.
between update rates and power
On/Off operation involves switching
consumption, including continuous
between acquisition/tracing Figure 3: Energy-saving operating
tracking, cyclic tracking, on/off
activities and sleep mode. The time modes need to be matched with
operation, and snapshot positioning
in sleep is typically several minutes required update rates to optimise GNSS
(Figure 3). Selecting the optimal system performance.
Image source: u-blox

Update rate Sub-second Seconds Minutes Hours

Continuous Cyclic On/Off Snapshot

Power-save mode tracking tracking operation positioning

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How to use GNSS modules to create location aware smart city solutions

of GPS, Galileo, and GLONASS Figure 4: The SAM-M8Q module

GNSS signals (Figure 4). Using supports concurrent reception of up
to three GNSS sources (GPS, Galileo,
three constellations at once
GLONASS). Image source: u-blox
results in high position accuracy in
challenging environments such as
urban canyons or when receiving 3GPP power saving mode (PSM)
weak signals. To speed positioning and extended discontinuous
and improve accuracy, the SAM- reception (eDRx) for power-
M8Q supports augmentation sensitive applications. PSM sleep
functions, including a quasi-zenith times tend to be much longer than
satellite system (QZSS), GPS eDRX. These longer sleep times
aided GEO augmented navigation allow the device to enter into a
(GAGAN), and indoor messaging deeper, lower power sleep mode
system (IMES), together with wide than eDRX. PSM sleep power is
area augmentation system (WAAS), under ten microamps, while eDRX
European geostationary navigation The PIC-IoT WG development board sleep power is up to 30 microamps.
overlay service (EGNOS), and the provides Google Cloud IoT users a
TX62 security features include
MTSAT satellite augmentation way to accelerate the development
secure key storage and certificate
system (MSAS). of secure Cloud-connected
handling to support trustful
applications. In addition, the PIC-
The SAM-M8Q module can also use enrolment in Cloud platforms while
IoT WG board provides designers
the u-blox AssistNow assistance
with analytics and machine learning Figure 5: The GNSS 4 click board
service that provides GNSS
tools. carries the SAM-M8Q patch antenna
broadcast parameters, including module from u-blox. Image source:
ephemeris data, almanac, plus time DigiKey
or rough position, to reduce the Multi-constellation GNSS
TTFF significantly. The extended plus wireless connectivity
validity of AssistNow Offline data
(up to 35 days) and AssistNow For small LAS devices such as
Autonomous data (up to 3 days) trackers that can benefit from
supports faster TTFF even after an multi-constellation GNSS support
extended time. (GPS/Galileo/ GLONASS) and
global LPWAN LTE connectivity
This Internet of Things (IoT) from a single module leveraging
Google Cloud development Rel. 14-second generation Cat. M1/
platform provides a simple way NB1/NB2, designers can turn to
to connect and secure PIC MCU- the Cinterion TX62 module from
based applications. GNSS 4 click Thales (Figure 6). Solution size
from MikroElektronika contains a can be further optimised using
SAM-M8Q module and is designed the module’s flexible architecture
with the PIC-IoT WG Development that supports running applications
Board from Microchip Technology using a host processor or inside
to speed the development of LAS the module using the integrated
smart city applications (Figure 5). processor. The TX62 supports

42
protecting the device and data, plus
trusted identities pre-integrated
into the root of the TX62 during
manufacturing. When needed,
designers can specify an optional
integrated eSIM that can simplify
logistics and manufacturing
processes and improve flexibility
in the field through dynamic
subscription updates and remote
provisioning.
Figure 6: The TX62 IoT module supports
LAS development in Arduino LTE-M, NB1, and NB2 communications
Portenta H7 applications is and multi-constellation GNSS.
simplified using the Portenta Cat. Image source: Thales
M1/NB IoT GNSS Shield (Figure
7). The shield combines the Edge
computing power of the Portenta Additional benefits of the Portenta Summary
H7 with the connectivity of the CAT.M1/NB IoT GNSS shield
include: Advances in low-power and high-
TX62 to enable the development
■ Ability to change connectivity performance GNSS technology are
of LAS asset tracking and
without changing the board factors driving the growth of LAS
remote monitoring in smart city
■ Add positioning plus NB-IoT, smart city applications. However,
applications as well as industrial,
CAT.M1 any Portenta-based simply using the most energy-
agriculture, utility, and other areas.
design efficient hardware is only the
The basic Portenta Cat. M1/NB
■ Significantly lowered starting point; it’s equally important
IoT GNSS Shield does not include
communication bandwidth to optimise the firmware to arrive
a GSM/UMTS antenna. Instead of
requirements in IoT devices at an optimal and energy-efficient
searching for a compatible antenna,
■ Compact 66 x 25.4mm format solution. There are numerous
designers can use the Arduino
■ -40 to +85°C operation (-104°F to combinations of hardware and
dipole pentaband waterproof
185°F) firmware available to choose from
antenna.
when developing GNSS-based LAS
applications and designers can turn
to a variety of eval tools to speed
the development process.

Figure 7: The Portenta CAT.M1/NB IoT

GNSS Shield includes the TX62-W IoT
module (large yellow square).
Image source: Arduino

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43
How to quickly connect
IoT nodes to Amazon
AWS and Microsoft
Azure Clouds
Written by:
Jeff Shepard
Contributing Author, DigiKey

44
 Cloud connectivity using services of the primary device functionality.
like the Amazon AWS and Microsoft
Instead of developing Cloud
Azure Clouds is highly valued in
connectivity from the ground
a range of Internet of things (IoT)
up, designers can turn to Cloud
applications, including industrial
connectivity development kits to
and building automation, smart
medicine and transportation, speed up the process. These kits
consumer appliances, and smart are available for microcontroller
cities. In these applications, Cloud unit (MCU)-based designs and field
connectivity is an indispensable programmable gate array (FPGA)-
support feature but not the device’s based designs and support all
primary function. Cloud storage of the elements needed for quickly
the zettabytes of data produced connecting IoT devices to the
by many IoT networks and Cloud- Amazon AWS and Microsoft Azure
enabled remote access to IoT Clouds.
devices are increasingly important
This article reviews the building
(Figure 1).
blocks and architectures for Cloud
Maintaining privacy, obtaining the connectivity, looks at event-driven
needed security certifications, Cloud architectures for gathering
ensuring interoperability, and and managing data from large-
managing communication scale sensor networks, and
latencies are important aspects reviews the International Standards
of developing effective Cloud Organisation/International
connectivity solutions. Each of Electrotechnical Commission (ISO/
these challenges can be dealt with, IEC) 27017 and 27018 guidelines
but they can also divert time and for Cloud security. It then presents
resources away from development Cloud connectivity development

Figure 1: Multiple types of

IoT networks require access
to the Cloud for remote
access and data storage.
Image source: AWS

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How to quickly connect IoT nodes to Amazon AWS and Microsoft Azure Clouds

kits from Renesas and Terasic for using the Internet, or they can Event-driven Cloud
MCU and FPGA-based IoT devices, connect indirectly using a gateway.
architecture for IoT sensor
along with an MCU from Renesas
Gateways – Provide data
and an FPGA from Intel.
communications platforms like
IoT sensor information derived
Cloud services are distributed Wi-Fi, Ethernet, cellular, or other
from medical devices, automotive
large-scale data processing and wireless protocols that support
systems, building automation
storage resources connected to access to and from the Cloud for
controls, and Industry 4.0 systems
the Internet. Elements in a typical devices and sensors that are not
can be automatically sent to the
Cloud environment include (Figure directly connected to the Internet.
Cloud for collection, analysis, and
2): Gateways can also provide initial
decision making using an event-
filtering, aggregation, and data
Devices and sensors – Devices driven Cloud architecture. The
processing before being sent to the
can include hardware or software basic architecture includes several
Cloud.
elements (Figure 3).

The IoT sensor data is collected

Devices
using an IoT Edge runtime and
Cloud service that aggregates data
and performs initial analysis close
to the source. This Edge service
reacts autonomously when new
IoT Cloud data arrives, filters it, aggregates it
into the proper format, and securely
Sensors
Gateway sends it to the Cloud and local
network devices as appropriate.

An Edge-to-Cloud interface service

Figure 2: IoT Cloud services can be connected to ingests the data into the Cloud.
networks of sensors and devices through a dedicated
In addition to providing an Edge
gateway. Image source: Renesas
connection service, the interface
should be secure and scalable and
that interacts with the immediate IoT Cloud – Is a scalable, cost- connect with Cloud applications
environment or responds to effective way to support widely and other devices as appropriate.
communications from the Cloud. dispersed devices and sensors, The ingested data is then
Devices can range from actuators and provide large-scale storage, transformed as needed for
and motors to Human Machine processing, and analysis for big further processing and can
Interfaces (HMIs) like touch data. IoT Cloud services are third- be stored for future reference.
screens and apps on mobile party hosted infrastructures and Data transformation can include
handsets. Sensors measure platforms like Amazon AWS and enrichment and simple formatting
specific environmental parameters Microsoft Azure. They can include to support downstream analysis
and send the data to the Cloud for only hardware but often also and business intelligence reporting.
analysis, storage, and/or decision provide a wide range of software Initial analytics can also be used to
making. Devices and sensors can packages to support data analytics, prepare the data for the machine
be directly connected to the Cloud reporting, and decision making.

46
Figure 3: Example of an event-driven
reference architecture for IoT sensor
data. Image source: AWS

learning (ML) processing in the 27018 defines how to protect user ■ Virtual machine configuration
next step. In addition, anomalous privacy in the Cloud. They were responsibilities
data can be identified that may developed under the ISO/IEC JTC ■ Administrative procedures and
require accelerated analysis and 1/SC 27 joint subcommittee and operations to support the Cloud
decision making. are part of the IEC 27002 family of environment
security standards. ■ Monitoring and reporting Cloud
ML training and analysis are activity
ongoing processes as more and IEC 27017 provides recommended ■ Alignment and coordination of
more data becomes available. In practices for both Cloud service
the Cloud and virtual network
this final block of the architecture, providers and Cloud service
environments
mobile apps or business customers. It is designed to help
applications can be used to access customers understand the shared IEC 27018 was developed to help
the raw data in near real-time responsibilities in the Cloud and Cloud service providers assess
or look at the results of the ML provides customers with insights risk and implement controls
processing. Automatic reporting on what they should expect from for protecting users’ personally
and alerts can provide the insights Cloud service suppliers. For identifiable information (PII). When
needed to support manual or example, it adds seven additional combined with IEC 27002, IEC
automatic management of the controls for Cloud services to the 27018 creates a standard set of
devices that were the sources of 37 controls specified in the base security controls and categories
the original sensor data. IEC 27002 standard. The additional and controls for public Cloud
controls relate to the following: computing service providers that
■ Division of responsibilities process PII. Among its several
IEC 27017 and IEC 27018 – between service providers and objectives, IEC 27018 outlines how
why you need both Cloud users to provide a mechanism for Cloud
■ Return of assets at the end of a service customers to exercise
Developers of Cloud solutions Cloud contract audit and compliance rights. This
need IEC 27017 and IEC 27018. ■ Separation and protection of the mechanism is especially important
27017 defines information security user’s virtual environment where individual Cloud service
controls for Cloud services, while

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How to quickly connect IoT nodes to Amazon AWS and Microsoft Azure Clouds

Figure 4: Developers can use the eval

boards in the RX65N Cloud kit to quickly
implement IoT devices with connectivity
to the Amazon AWS and Microsoft
Azure Clouds. Image source: Renesas
IoT Node Cloud Server User Apps

edited and debugged. The included

application notes provide details of
the operation of the applications.
The sample programs are ported
Evaluation Board Web Dashboard
based on Amazon FreeRTOS and
can be freely expanded, changed,
of the world. Both provide quick and deleted using available
customer audits of data hosted in
connectivity to the Amazon AWS source code libraries. The kit
a multiparty, Cloud environment
and Microsoft Azure Clouds (Figure has AWS qualification, so it can
using virtualised servers can
4). Using these kits, designers who communicate with AWS safely and
be technically challenging and
do not have previous experience securely and includes (Figure 5):
increase risks to existing physical
with developing IoT devices can Cloud option board with
and logical network security
■

quickly start using a solution in a temperature/humidity sensor,

controls. The standard has several
Cloud connection environment. light sensor, and 3-axis
advantages, including:
accelerometer, plus a USB port
■ Increased security for customer
The RX65N Cloud kit supports for serial communication and a
PPI data and information
flexible development with several second USB port for debugging
■ Increased platform reliability for
sensors, user interfaces, and Wi-Fi communication module
Cloud users and customers
■

communication functions. It also based on the Silex SX-ULPGN

■ Helps speed deployment of
provides sample programs to Pmod module
global operations
speed application development. All necessary power
It defines legal obligations and
■
■
The sample programs can be management
protections for Cloud providers
RX65N target board that
and users
■

■ MCU-based Cloud connection

5V Buck Regulator Digital 3.3V Cloud
dev platform USB
ISL80019

The RX65N Cloud kit from Renesas Wi-Fi

UART
provides a platform for designers of MCU
Wi-Fi Module
Silex

industrial and building automation, RX65N

smart home, smart meters, LDO

ISL9021A
office automation, and general
I2C
IoT applications to prototype Analog 3.3V
for Sensor
and evaluate IoT equipment.
Two variations are available: Humidity &
Light Sensor Gas Sensor
Temperature Sensor
the RTK5RX65N0S01000BE, ISL29035 ZM0D4410
HS3002
which supports development of
Figure 5: The RX65N Cloud kit is AWS-qualified and
systems for use in the US, and the includes everything needed to connect IoT devices
RTK5RX65N0S00000BE for the rest securely. Image source: Renesas

48
 ■ 9-axis sensor with
accelerometer, gyroscope, and
magnetometer
■ Ambient light sensor
■ Humidity and temperature
sensor
■ UART to USB
■ 2x6 TMD GPIO Header
Figure 6: Terasic’s FPGA Cloud Connectivity Kit combines
the DE10-Nano Cyclone V SoC FPGA board and the RFS ■ Bluetooth SPP, using HC-05
daughter card. Image source: Terasic module with up to 10-metre
range
includes the R5F565NEDDFP secure IP (Trusted Secure IP) is
The Intel Cyclone SoC FPGA is
MCU rated for operation from integrated and realises a high
a customisable ARM processor-
-40 to +85°C level of root-of-trust
based SoC that supports lower
■ Available encryption engines
Renesas’ RX65N MCUs are well system power, lower cost, and
include AES, TRNG, TDES, RSA,
suited for Cloud and sensor less board space by integrating a
ECC, SHA
solution endpoint devices. Features hard processor system (HPS) that
■ Equipped with functions that
include: includes processors, peripherals,
protect Flash memory from
■ 120MHz operation with single- and a memory controller, with
unintended access
precision FPU a low-power FPGA fabric using
■ Cloud connectivity with an FPGA
■ 2.7 to 3.6 V operation a high-bandwidth interconnect.
■ Only 0.19 mA/MHz is needed to Designers that need FPGA These SoCs are especially suited
support all peripheral functions performance and Cloud for high-performance IoT Edge
■ Four low-power modes connectivity can turn to Terasic’s applications.
for power/performance FPGA Cloud Connectivity Kit,
optimization which combines an Intel Cyclone
■ Communication interfaces
Summary
V system on chip (SoC) FPGA, like
include Ethernet, USB, CAN, SD the 5CSEBA5U23C8N, with Cloud Adding Cloud connectivity to IoT
host/slave interface, and quad connectivity. This dev kit is certified devices and sensors need not be a
SPI with Cloud service providers, difficult task that diverts resources
■ Program Flash up to 2 MB, including Microsoft Azure, and from the design of the primary
SRAM up to 640 KB includes open source design device functionality. Designers
■ DualBank function simplified examples that walk designers can turn to MCU and FPGA-based
firmware updates through the process of connecting environments that support quick
an Edge device to the Cloud. The and efficient connectivity to the
Security:
FPGA Cloud Connectivity Kit Amazon AWS and Microsoft Azure
■ National Institute of Standards
includes (Figure 6): Clouds. These development kits
and Technology (NIST) Federal ■ DE10-Nano Cyclone V SoC FPGA
include comprehensive suites
Information Processing
Board of sensors, wired and wireless
Standards (FIPS) 140-2 Level 3 ■ RFS daughter card with:
communications options, and
Cryptographic Module Validation ■ Wi-Fi, using ESP-WROOM-02
sample application programs that
Program (CMVP) certification
module with up to 100-meter provide safe and secure Cloud
■ Renesas’ proprietary hardware
range connectivity.

we get technical
49
Use multiprotocol
wireless modules to
simplify IoT product
design and certification
Written by:
Steven Keeping,
Contributing Author, DigiKey

Figure 1: Bluetooth LE is well suited to smart home sensors

such as cameras and thermostats. Its interoperability with
smartphones simplifies the configuration of compatible
products. Image source: Nordic Semiconductor

50
Wireless connectivity allows discrete components and allows for
designers to turn dumb products flexibility in the choice of wireless
into smart, integrated elements of protocol. This module approach
the Internet of Things (IoT) that can presents designers with a drop-
send data to the Cloud for artificial in wireless solution, making it
intelligence (AI)-based analysis much easier to integrate wireless
while allowing devices to receive connectivity into products and pass
over-the-air (OTA) instructions, certification.
firmware updates, and security
This article considers the benefits
enhancements.
of wireless connectivity, looks at
share some similarities due to a
But adding a wireless link to a the strengths of some key 2.4GHz
shared DNA from the IEEE 802.15.4
product is not trivial. Before the wireless protocols, briefly analyses
specification. That specification
design phase can even start, hardware design issues, and
describes physical (PHY) and
designers need to choose a introduces a suitable RF module
media access control (MAC) layers
wireless protocol, which can be from Würth Elektronik. The article
for low data rate wireless personal
daunting. For example, several also discusses the certification
area networks (WPANs). The
wireless standards operate in process required to satisfy global
technologies generally operate at
the popular, license-free 2.4GHz regulations, considers application
2.4GHz, although there are some
spectrum. Each one of these software development, and
sub-GHz variants of Zigbee.
standards represents a trade-off introduces a software development
in terms of range, throughput, and kit (SDK) to help designers get Bluetooth LE is suited to IoT
power consumption. Selecting the started with the module. applications such as smart
best one for a given application home sensors where data
requires careful evaluation of its transmission rates are modest
requirements against a protocol’s
The advantages of
and occur infrequently (Figure
characteristics. multiprotocol transceivers 1). Bluetooth LE’s interoperability
No single short-range wireless with the Bluetooth chips hosted
Then, even with highly integrated
sector dominates because each by most smartphones is also
modern transceivers, designing
makes trade-offs to satisfy their a big advantage for consumer-
the radio frequency (RF) circuit
target applications. For example, oriented applications such as
is a challenge for many design
greater range and/or throughput wearables. Key downsides to the
teams, leading to cost and
comes at the cost of increased technology are the requirement for
schedule overruns. Moreover, an
power consumption. Other an expensive and power-hungry
RF product will need to be certified
important factors to consider gateway to connect to the Cloud
for operation, which in itself can be
are interference immunity, mesh and clunky mesh networking
an involved, complex, and time-
networking capability, and Internet capabilities.
consuming process.
protocol (IP) interoperability. Zigbee is also a good choice for
One solution is to base the design
Of the various established short- low power and low throughput
on a certified module that uses
range wireless technologies, applications in industrial
a multiprotocol system-on-
there are three clear leaders: automation, commercial, and the
chip (SoC). This eliminates the
Bluetooth Low Energy (Bluetooth home. Its throughput is lower than
complexity of RF design with
LE), Zigbee, and Thread. They Bluetooth LE, while its range and

we get technical
51
Previously, a designer had to choose one wireless technology and then
redesign the product if there was a demand for a variant using a different
protocol. But because the protocols use PHYs based on a similar
architecture and operate in the 2.4GHz spectrum, many silicon vendors
offer multiprotocol transceivers.

power consumption is similar. and MAC is perfectly capable of Thread network.

Zigbee is not interoperable supporting 2.4GHz proprietary
Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF52840
with smartphones, nor does it wireless technology.
SoC supports Bluetooth LE,
offer native IP capability. A key
The popularity of these three Bluetooth mesh, Thread, Zigbee,
advantage of Zigbee comes from it
short-range protocols and the IEEE 802.15.4, ANT+, and 2.4GHz
being designed from the ground up
flexibility offered by 2.4GHz proprietary stacks. The Nordic SoC
for mesh networking.
proprietary technology makes it also integrates an Arm Cortex-M4
Thread, like Zigbee, operates using difficult to choose the right one to MCU – which looks after the RF
the IEEE 802.15.4 PHY and MAC suit the widest set of applications. protocol and application software
and has been designed to support Previously, a designer had to – as well as 1 megabyte (Mbyte)
large mesh networks of up to 250 choose one wireless technology of flash memory and 256 kilobytes
devices. Where Thread differs and then redesign the product if (Kbytes) of RAM. When running in
from Zigbee is through its use of there was a demand for a variant Bluetooth LE mode, the SoC offers
6LoWPAN (a combination of IPv6 using a different protocol. But a maximum raw data throughput of
and low-power WPANs), making because the protocols use PHYs 2 megabits per second (Mbits/s).
connectivity with other devices and based on a similar architecture and The transmit current draw off
the cloud straightforward, albeit operate in the 2.4GHz spectrum, its 3-volt DC input supply is 5.3
via a network edge device called a many silicon vendors offer milliamps (mA) at 0 decibels
border router. (See, A Brief Guide multiprotocol transceivers. referenced to 1 milliwatt (dBm)
to What Matters in Short-Range of output power, and the receive
These chips allow a single
Wireless Technologies.) (RX) current draw is 6.4 mA at
hardware design to be reconfigured
a raw data rate of 1 Mbit/s. The
While standards-based protocols for several protocols simply by
nRF52840’s maximum transmit
dominate, there is still a niche uploading new software. Better
power is +8 dBm and its sensitivity
for 2.4GHz proprietary protocols. yet, the product could be shipped
is -96 dBm (Bluetooth LE at 1
Though they limit connectivity to with multiple software stacks,
Mbit/s).
other devices equipped with the with switching between each
same manufacturer’s chip, such supervised by a microcontroller
protocols can be finely tuned to unit (MCU). This could allow, for The importance of good RF
optimize power consumption, example, Bluetooth LE to be used to design
range, interference immunity, configure a smart home thermostat
or other important operational from a smartphone before the While wireless SoCs such as
parameters. An IEEE 802.15.4 PHY device switches protocols to join a Nordic’s nRF52840 are very

52
capable devices, it still requires point on an RF trace is related to trace from the load. As a result,
considerable design skill to the characteristic impedance of line losses are minimised, and
maximise its RF performance. In that trace, which in turn depends maximum power is transferred
particular, the engineer needs to on the printed circuit (pc) board from the transmitter to the antenna,
consider factors such as power substrate, dimensions of the trace, thereby boosting robustness and
supply filtering, external crystal its distance from the load, and the range. That makes it good design
timing circuits, antenna design load’s impedance. practice to build a matching
and placement, and crucially, network that ensures an RF
It turns out that when the
impedance matching. device’s impedance is equal to
load impedance – which for a
the pc board trace’s characteristic
The key parameter that transmitting system will be the
impedance. (See, Bluetooth 4.1, 4.2
differentiates a good RF circuit antenna and for a receiving system
and 5 Compatible Bluetooth Low
from a poor one is its impedance is the transceiver SoC – is equal
Energy SoCs and Tools Meet IoT
(Z). At high frequencies, such as to the characteristic impedance,
Challenges (Part 2).)
the 2.4GHz used by a short-range the measured impedance remains
radio, the impedance at a given the same at any distance along the The matching network comprises

Figure 2: The Nordic nRF52840 requires external

circuitry to exploit its functionality. External
circuits include input voltage filtering, support
for external crystal timing, and connected to the
SoC’s antenna (ANT) pin, impedance matching
circuitry between the SoC and an antenna.
Image source: Nordic Semiconductor

we get technical
53
Use multiprotocol wireless modules to simplify IoT product design and certification

one or more shunt inductors and

series capacitors. The designer’s
challenge is to choose the best
network topology and component
values. Manufacturers often
offer simulation software to help
with matching circuit design, but
even after following good design
rules, the resulting circuit can
often exhibit disappointing RF
performance, lacking range and
reliability. This leads to more design
Figure 4: The Setebos-I 2.4 GHz radio
iterations to revise the matching
module includes a pin for an external
network (Figure 2).
antenna (ANT) to extend the radio’s
range. Image source: Würth Elektronik

The advantages of a
module and end-device packaging downsides, then a module is the
– can dramatically affect RF answer.
There are some advantages to
performance.
designing a short-range wireless One example that uses the Nordic
circuit using discrete components, An alternative approach is to base nRF52840 at its heart is Würth
notably lower bill-of-material (BoM) the wireless connectivity around a Elektronik’s Setebos-I 2.4GHz
costs and space savings. However, third-party module. The modules radio module 2611011024020. The
even if the designer follows one are fully assembled, optimised, compact module measures 12 ×
of the many excellent reference and tested solutions that enable 8 × 2mm, has a built-in antenna, a
designs from SoC suppliers, other ‘drop-in’ wireless connectivity. cover to minimise electromagnetic
factors – such as component In most cases, the module will interference (EMI), and comes
quality and tolerances, board layout already be certified for use in global with firmware to support Bluetooth
and substrate characteristics, markets, saving the designer the 5.1 as well as proprietary 2.4GHz
time and money needed to pass RF protocols (Figure 3). As described
regulation certification. above, the SoC at the heart of
the module is also capable of
There are some downsides
supporting Thread and Zigbee –
to module use. These include
with the addition of appropriate
increased expense (depending on
firmware.
volume), larger end-product size,
reliance on a single vendor and The module accepts a 1.8-to-3.6-
its ability to ship in volume, and volt input, and when in sleep mode,
(sometimes) a reduced number of draws just 0.4 microamperes (µA).
Figure 3: The Setebos-I 2.4 GHz radio accessible pins relative to the SoC Its operating frequency covers the
module comes in a compact form upon which the module is based. Industrial, Scientific, and Medical
factor, has a built-in antenna, and
But if design simplicity and faster- (ISM) band, which is centred on
comes with a cover to limit EMI.
time-to-market outweigh these 2.44GHz (2.402 to 2.480GHz).
Image source: Würth Elektronik

54
 Pin Pad Description I/O

MODE_1 9 Operation mode pin Input

BUSY 10 Busy pin Output
LED_1 11 RF transmit indication Output
LED_2 12 RF receive indication Output
UTXD 13 UART transmit Output
URXD 14 UART receive Input
/RTS 15 Request to send Output
/CTS 16 Clear to send Input
WAKE_UP 17 Wake-up from sleep Input
GND 18 Negative supply voltage Supply
Radio protocol selection (Proprietary or Bluetooth Low
RPS B1 Input
Energy 5.1)
B2 B2 Programmable GPIO I/O
B3 B3 Programmable GPIO I/O
B4 B4 Programmable GPIO I/O
B5 B5 Programmable GPIO I/O
B6 B6 Programmable GPIO I/O

Table 1: Shown are the Setebos-I 2.4GHz radio module’s

pin designations. LED outputs can be used to indicate radio
transmission and reception. Image source: Würth Elektronik

In ideal conditions, with 0 dBm programmable GPIOs that are (TELEC) in Japan. Passing the
output power, the line-of-site range useful for connecting sensors such regulations requires submitting a
between the transmitter and the as temperature, humidity, and air product for testing and certification,
receiver is up to 600m, and the quality devices. which can be time-consuming and
maximum Bluetooth LE throughput expensive. If the RF product fails
is 2Mbits/s. The module features any part of the test, a completely
a built-in quarter wavelength
Short-range wireless new submission must be made. If
(3.13cm) antenna, but it is also product certification the module is going to be used in
possible to boost the range by Bluetooth mode, it will also need a
While the 2.4GHz band is a license-
connecting an external antenna to Bluetooth listing from the Bluetooth
free spectrum allocation, radio
the aforementioned ANT terminal Special Interest Group (SIG).
devices operating in the band
on the module (Figure 4).
are still required to meet local Certification for the module doesn’t
The Setebos-I radio module regulations such as those dictated automatically confer certification
provides access to the nRF52840 by the US Federal Communications onto the end product using the
SoC’s pins via solder pads. Commission (FCC), European module. But it does typically turn
Table 1 lists the function of each Declaration of Conformity (CE), the certification for end products
module pin. Pins ‘B2’ to ‘B6’ are or Telecom Engineering Centre

we get technical
55
Use multiprotocol wireless modules to simplify IoT product design and certification

Figure 5: Example of an ID label appended to development environment (IDE)

the Setebos-I module to show that it has passed in which to run the nRF Connect
CE and FCC RF certification. Certification
SDK. It is also possible to use
can generally be inherited by the end product
without retesting through some simple
the nRF Connect SDK to upload
paperwork. Image source: Würth Elektronik an alternative Bluetooth LE or
2.4GHz proprietary protocol to the
nRF52840. (Refer to comments
above about the impact this has on
module certification.)

into a paperwork exercise rather stack, or one from an alternative The nRF Connect SDK works with
than an extensive retesting task – commercial supplier, they will need the nRF52840 DK development kit
providing they don’t use additional to start the certification programs (Figure 6). The hardware features
wireless devices such as Wi-Fi. from scratch for the regions of the nRF52840 SoC and supports
The same is generally true when intended operation. prototype code development
obtaining the Bluetooth listing. and testing. Once the application
Once certified, products using the software is ready, the nRF52840 DK
module carry a label indicating FCC,
Development tools for the can act as a J-LINK programmer to
CE, and other relevant ID numbers Setebos-I radio module port the code to the Setebos-I radio
(Figure 5). module’s nRF52840’s flash memory
For advanced developers,
via the module’s ‘SWDCLK’ and
Module makers typically go Nordic’s nRF Connect SDK offers
‘SWDIO’ pins.
to the extent of obtaining RF a comprehensive design tool for
certification (and Bluetooth listing building application software Application software built using
if appropriate) for their modules for for the nRF52840 SoC. The nRF Nordic’s development tools is
the regions in which they intend to Connect for VS Code extension designed to run on the nRF52840’s
sell the products. Würth Elektronik is the recommended integrated embedded Arm Cortex-M4 MCU.
has done this for the Setebos-I
radio module, though it must be
used with the factory firmware. In
the case of Bluetooth operation, the
module is pre-certified, provided
it is used with Nordic’s S140
Bluetooth LE factory stack or a
stack supplied via the company’s
nRF Connect SDK software
development kit.

The Würth and Nordic firmware

is robust and proven for any
Figure 6: Nordic’s nRF52840 DK can be used to develop
application. But if the designer and test application software. The development kit can
decides to reprogram the module then be used to program other nRF52840 SoCs, such as
with either an open-standard the one used on the Setebos-I module.
Bluetooth LE or 2.4GHz proprietary Image source: Nordic Semiconductor

56
But it might be the case that the The Setebos-I radio module
end product is already equipped uses a ‘command interface’ for Customer Host MCU
with another MCU, and the configuration and operation tasks.
Customer application
developer wants to use that to run This interface provides up to
application code and supervise 30 commands that accomplish
wireless connectivity. Or, the tasks like updating various device Wireless
Connectivity
developer might be more familiar settings, transmitting, and receiving SDK driver
with development tools for other data, and putting the module into
popular host microprocessors, one of a variety of low-power
Host peripherals (UART, GPIOs)
such as STMicroelectronics’ modes. The connected radio device
STM32F429ZIY6TR. This processor must run in command mode to use
is also based on an Arm Cortex-M4 the Wireless Connectivity SDK. UART
core.
Radio Module
To enable an external host Conclusion Radio module peripherals
microprocessor to run application (UART, GPIOs)
It can be tricky to decide on a single
software and supervise the
wireless protocol for a connected Command Interface
nRF52840 SoC, Würth Elektronik
product, and even more challenging
offers its Wireless Connectivity
to design the radio circuit from
SDK. The SDK is a set of software
scratch. A radio module such as Radio stack
tools that enable quick software
Würth Elektronik’s Setebos-I not
integration of the company’s
only offers flexibility in the choice
wireless modules with many
of protocol, but it also offers a
popular processors, including the
drop-in connectivity solution that
STM32F429ZIY6TR chip. The SDK
meets the regulatory requirements
consists of drivers and examples
of various operating regions. The
in C that use the UART, SPI, or
Sebetos-1 module comes with
USB peripherals of the underlying
Würth’s Wireless Connectivity SDK,
platform to communicate with the
which makes it simple and quick for
attached radio device (Figure 7).
developers to control the module
The developer simply ports the Figure 7: The Wireless Connectivity SDK
using their own choice of host
SDK C code to the host processor. Driver makes it easy for developers to
MCU. drive the Setebos-I radio module via
This significantly reduces the
a UART port using an external host
time needed to design a software
microprocessor.
interface for the radio module.
Image source: Würth Elektronik

we get technical
57
58