Feature: Embedded
A step-by-step guide to developing Matter devices for
smart home automation By Martin Looker, Applications Training Manager, Silicon Labs
T
here is no doubt that Matter has emerged as a highly effective means of connecting home automation platforms from different providers,
reducing fragmentation across IoT device vendors. By allowing existing wireless protocols such as Thread, Zigbee and Wi-Fi to share the same application layer, Matter plays a critical role in creating seamless communication with the Cloud, enabling manufacturers to make devices that are compatible with smart home and voice technologies like Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, Google Assistant, and others. This connectivity provides exciting
possibilities for device developers and end users alike. For example, a new Matter device can be controlled and be part of multiple ecosystems simultaneously. A light bulb can connect to established systems and services like Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit and
12 May 2024
www.electronicsworld.co.uk
Google Home. Meanwhile, standardised Bluetooth commissioning, including device authentication, results in secure and easy installation. End users can add new products and brands to their smart home network without the time- consuming effort of determining if they will work together. With Matter, interoperability is built in, and that reliability can supercharge the market for smart home automation.
From ‘why’ to ‘how’ The Matter initiative was launched by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) as a collaborative, pan-industry standard, involving some of the leading names in the smart home ecosystem, including Amazon, Apple, Google, Comcast, Silicon Labs and many others. CSA says “Matter provides an industry-unifying, IoT-compatible approach to reliable and secure connectivity”. Matter supports both Wi-Fi and
Thread. In simple terms, these protocols
provide the connection between devices, with Matter being the common language between them. Thread, in particular, has emerged as a crucial technology for connecting low-power, low-bandwidth ‘things’ to the Internet, and is seen by many as the future of wireless mesh networking. Matter is, therefore, driving the
convergence between IoT ecosystems to create one common wireless protocol to connect all IoT devices and networks. However, for engineers looking to
gain experience developing Matter devices, it’s important to explain the ‘how’, too; i.e., how to best develop and use these devices. Fortunately, as the Matter standard has evolved, so have the resources available to engineers to help them on this journey. Now it is possible to align Matter starter and development kits with how-to information and tutorials – assisting organisations to get Matter products to market as quickly as possible. This means Matter development
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