13 September 2011
Wireless devices enable remotely managed home automation
Mixed signal specialist, Dialog Semiconductor has announced the world's first family of IC based devices interoperable with the DECT Ultra Low Energy (ULE) wireless standard. SmartPulse has been created for home automation, healthcare, security and energy monitoring consumer applications.
According to Dialog, end products integrating SmartPulse wireless sensors self configure to connect with a home's DECT ULE enabled hub device or IP gateway. The systems can also be managed remotely via a smartphone, laptop or tablet pc.
The devices consist of the SC14WSMDATA (data) and SC14WSMDECT (data and audio) wireless sensor nodes, which Dialog says can run for up to 10years on a single AAA battery; and the SC14CVMDECT base station device that can be integrated into standalone hub products or internet gateways - allowing the remote management of SmartPulse enabled systems over an internet connection.
The DECT ULE standard is backwards compatible; enabling SmartPulse sensor nodes to communicate with existing legacy DECT enabled hubs and internet gateways from multiple manufacturers, with a software update.
"The rise of the smartphone and tablet pc has led to a shift that enables ease of control. By connecting SmartPulse devices to the web consumers can seamlessly and securely control multiple home systems with ease from anywhere," said Jalal Bagherli, ceo of Dialog. "Our heritage in power efficiency, combined with our acquired expertise in DECT and IP communications, puts us in a unique position to enable these new consumer applications."
All the devices transmit 232bit packet data in the 1870 to 1930MHz licensed DECT band. With a link budget of 123dB, Dialog states that SmartPulse sensors can reliably stream data throughout large homes and gardens.
SC14WSMDATA and SC14WSMDECT sensor nodes integrate the baseband, radio transceiver, antenna and power amplifier into a single system in package IC. In sleep mode the programmable devices use less than 3uA. Potential home automation applications include wireless smoke detectors, door lock sensors, appliance energy monitoring and lighting control systems. The latter device also integrates audio functionality enabling the creation of battery powered voice devices.
The SC14CVMDECT base station device supports both voice and data, connecting with up to six voice and 256 data sensor nodes.
All three devices will be available in high volume quantities from October 2011 and meet certification standards for all global markets – FCC, EU and J-DECT. A small footprint variant is planned for the second half of 2012.
Author
Chris Shaw
Supporting Information
Websites
http://www.dialog-semiconductor.com
Companies
Dialog Semiconductors (UK) Ltd
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