GreenPeak Offers RF4CE-Compliant Software and Reference Designs

Utrecht, The Netherlands -- GreenPeak announced the availability of the first ultra-low-power RF4CE-compliant software stack and set of reference designs for radio frequency (RF)–based remote control devices based on its Emerald GP500C chip. This GreenPeak offering allows a total solution cost less than $2.00, excellent range, robustness against interference, lifetime battery, and a small and simple to adopt software environment. GreenPeak is a fabless semiconductor company, offering innovative ultra-low-power wireless and battery-free data communication technologies for sense and control applications.

RF4CE is an open standard for radio-based remote controls in the field of audio/video consumer electronics. It was originally developed by the RF4CE Alliance, founded by Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, and Sony. RF4CE recently joined forces with the ZigBee Alliance to launch the RF4CE standard under the ZigBee umbrella. It provides low power consumption, easy and intuitive pairing, instantaneous response time, frequency agility, co-existence with other IEEE802.15.4 (2.4 GHz) communication systems, robust connection, security, and support for multiple applications.

GreenPeak is a member of the ZigBee alliance and is committed to the RF4CE remote control market, with dedicated reference design software stacks and a dedicated RF4CE specialist team supporting customers.

GreenPeak's RF4CE reference designs provide omni-directional (no point-and-shoot), high-speed, low-latency two-way communications, with high throughput, allowing fast content browsing, touchpad operation, gaming, as well as high-resolution displays on the remote control. With a 30-meter range and contrary to IR-based remote controls, RF4CE remotes can control equipment anywhere in a home or business. RF4CE remotes can also control systems hidden inside cabinets or closets, as well as home automation systems, monitoring and managing air conditioning, heating, and security.

According to Cees Links, CEO of GreenPeak, "By using GreenPeak's RF4CE software stack and reference designs, manufacturers are now able to build interactive, long-distance remotes that are essentially maintenance free—able to run on a single coin cell battery without ever having to change or recharge it. All this for less than two dollars per remote!" Links adds: "By joining the ZigBee Alliance, RF4CE establishes itself as a truly global standard that allows interoperability of systems and applications."

The GreenPeak reference designs will be delivered with a very small protocol stack that fits well within processors with 16 KB of program memory. The embedded IEEE 802.15.4 MAC layer allows a short time to market and a simple, stable, and reliable software application. GreenPeak's solution also includes IR as secondary use for legacy systems and allows the use of a single universal remote control for both IR and RF devices. Additionally, the reference designs are based on a single-layer low-cost PCB, with integrated antennas and a low component count, guaranteeing a low-cost BOM.

About GreenPeak
GreenPeak is a fabless semiconductor company, and is a leader in battery-free communication technology for wireless sense and control applications. This revolutionary technology, based on the IEEE 802.15.4/ZigBee wireless networking standard, uses energy harvesting to facilitate battery-free operation in a totally wireless environment, without the need for either communications or power connectivity.

GreenPeak was selected by the World Economic Forum as 2009 Technology Pioneer for its accomplishments as innovator of the highest caliber, involved in the development of life-changing technology innovation, with the potential for long-term impact on business and society.

GreenPeak is based in Utrecht, The Netherlands and has offices in Belgium, Japan, Korea, and the U.S.

GreenPeak is backed by venture capitalists: DJF Esprit (U.K.), Gimv (Belgium), Motorola Ventures (U.S.), and Allegro Investment Fund (Belgium).