Silicon Labs’ software options for its Wireless Gecko portfolio enables simultaneous sub-GHz and 2.4 GHz Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) connectivity on a single chip. The solution enables commercial and industrial IoT applications to combine long-range sub-GHz communications with Bluetooth connectivity, simplifying device setup, data gathering and maintenance. By avoiding the complexity of two-chip wireless architectures, developers can speed time-to-market and reduce bill-of-materials (BOM) cost and size by up to 40 percent.
The latest Wireless Gecko hardware and software combo enables users to set up, control and monitor sub-GHz IoT devices directly over Bluetooth with mobile apps. By adding Bluetooth LE connectivity to wireless networks in the sub-GHz band, developers can deliver new capabilities such as faster over-the-air (OTA) updates and deploy scalable, location-based service infrastructure with Bluetooth beacons.
Proprietary sub-GHz protocols are commonly used in low-data-rate systems, from simple point-to-point connections to large mesh networks and low-power wide area networks (LPWAN), where extended range, robust radio links and energy efficiency are top priorities. Sub-GHz connectivity is a good fit for long-range wireless sensor networks, smart metering, home and building automation, and commercial lighting. Silicon Labs’ Wireless Gecko solution makes it easy to add Bluetooth LE connectivity to these sub-GHz applications.
The multiprotocol software is available now to those using EFR32MG and EFR32BG Wireless Gecko SoCs. Silicon Labs provides comprehensive software tools to simplify sub-GHz and Bluetooth development, including a connected lighting demonstration and a sample mobile application. To get started and learn more, visit Silicon Labs.