Multiband SoCs support 2.4GHz, sub-GHz connectivity

Article By : Silicon Labs

The flexible architecture enables developers to work with one set of software tools while supporting proprietary stacks and standard protocols.

Expanding its Wireless Gecko portfolio, Silicon Labs has launched the industry's first multiband, multiprotocol wireless system-on-chip (SoC) devices for the Internet of Things (IoT) market.

The new multiband Wireless Gecko SoCs enable developers to use the same multiprotocol device for operation in 2.4GHz and multiple sub-GHz bands, simplifying connected device designs, reducing cost and complexity, and speeding time to market.

Multiband Wireless Gecko SoCs are ideal for IoT connectivity products in application areas such as building and home automation, smart metering, security, health and fitness monitoring, connected lighting, electronic shelf labels and asset tracking.

[Wireless Gecko]
__Figure 1:__ *Industry’s first multiband, multiprotocol SoCs for the Internet of Things (Graphic: Business Wire)*

The multiband Wireless Gecko SoCs are designed to support standards-based and proprietary 2.4GHz protocols for short-range connectivity and proprietary sub-GHz protocols for long-range connectivity.

A single hardware design can support multiple connectivity scenarios based on the firmware/software running on the SoC. This flexible architecture enables developers to work with one set of software tools while supporting proprietary stacks and standard protocols such as ZigBee, Thread and Bluetooth low energy. The Wireless Gecko SoCs also enable developers to future-proof their designs. Next-generation connected device products can embed a combination of protocols such as Bluetooth to commission and configure devices with a smartphone or tablet and sub-GHz protocols to communicate over long-range star networks.

The new multiband, multiprotocol Wireless Gecko portfolio features three SoC families optimised for real-world IoT use cases and the most popular wireless protocols:

  • Mighty Gecko family – Supports ZigBee, Thread and Bluetooth low energy connectivity at 2.4GHz and proprietary protocols in both 2.4GHz and sub-GHz bands
  • Blue Gecko family – Supports Bluetooth low energy connectivity at 2.4GHz and proprietary protocols in both 2.4GHz and sub-GHz bands
  • Flex Gecko family – Supports flexible proprietary wireless protocols in 2.4GHz and sub-GHz bands for diverse applications

Samples of multiband Wireless Gecko SoCs are available now in 5mm x 5mm QFN32 and 7mm x 7mm QFN48 packages; production quantities are planned for Q3 2016. USD pricing in 100,000-unit quantities begins at $2.98 for multiband Mighty Gecko SoCs; $2.74 for multiband Blue Gecko SoCs; $2.70 for multiband Flex Gecko SoCs; and $2.05 for sub-GHz Flex Gecko SoCs.

The SLWSTK6000A Mighty Gecko Mesh Development Kit is priced at $499. The SLWSTK6020A Blue Gecko Starter Kit is priced at $99. The SLWSTK606x Flex Gecko Wireless Starter Kits are priced at $276 each. Multiband radio boards that plug into the Wireless Gecko starter kit main boards are priced at $49 each.

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