Analog semiconductor maker Skyworks Solutions Inc of Woburn, MA, USA is partnering with SMC Networks, a customer premise equipment (CPE) manufacturer for multi-service operators (MSOs), to develop wireless connectivity solutions for security, monitoring and automation (SMA) applications in the emerging connected home market. SMC is using Skyworks' wireless networking and ZigBee front-end solutions for security sensors, smoke alarms, motion detectors and touch pads.
"With MSOs in the United States and Canada making full-scale deployments this year, SMC sought to collaborate with the industry leader in analog solutions to deliver best-in-class, energy-efficient products," says Max Brogi, VP of product management at SMC Networks. "Together with Skyworks' front-end modules, SMC is creating platforms that integrate effortlessly with existing security systems and devices, operate and back up wirelessly, are easy to install, and give MSOs a great opportunity to present revenue-generating services to their customers," he adds.
"As more and more devices within the home become connected, we look forward to a long and successful partnership with SMC to supply a wide range of wireless solutions and next-generation technologies addressing this enormous market opportunity," says Liam K. Griffin, executive VP & corporate general manager at Skyworks.?
As cited in the GSMA's report 'Vision of Smart Home: The Role of Mobile in the Home of the Future', the combined revenue from the smart metering, home automation and home energy management segment is forecasted to be more than $44bn in 2016, according to market analyst firms ABI and Berg Insight. The overall revenue potential of the smart home is expected to be even higher as devices from the entertainment, health and home security sectors also become connected.
Related front-end solutions from Skyworks include the following:
SE2432L is a 2.4GHz fully integrated RF front-end module (FEM) for ZigBee and smart-energy applications. Designed for ease-of-use and maximum flexibility, it contains integrated, fully matched input baluns, integrated inter-stage matching and harmonic filter, and digital controls compatible with 1.6–3.6V CMOS levels. The RF blocks operate over a wide supply voltage range of 2.0-3.6V, allowing the device to be used in battery-powered applications over a wide spectrum of the battery-discharge curve. SE5003L is a 5GHz power amplifier (PA) offering high linear power for wireless local-area network (WLAN) applications. Incorporating a power detector for closed-loop monitoring and control of the output power, it contains high integration for a simplified design, providing quicker time-to-market and higher application board production yield. The PA also integrates the input, inter-stage and output match and power detector with 15dB of dynamic range and a 3.8GHz notch filter. Only six external decoupling capacitors are required to complete the design. For WLAN applications, the device meets the requirements of IEEE 802.11a/n, and delivers about 23dBm of linear power at 5V. The PA also integrates the reference voltage generator.
Skyworks' front-end solutions are currently available for both sampling and production.
