Analog semiconductor maker Skyworks Solutions Inc of Woburn, MA, USA is partnering with Asia-based original device manufacturer (ODM) Wistron NeWeb Corp (WNC), which supplies connected home solutions for a number of branded original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). WNC is leveraging Skyworks’ power management and ZigBee front-end modules for several of their low-power RF devices that, among other things, allow consumers to turn lights on and off, automate appliances, monitor security cameras and control other things around the home from anywhere via their smartphone.
“WNC is pleased to be collaborating with Skyworks to deliver easily integrated products for the connected home,” says Fa Yu Chen, VP of automotive and digital media business at WNC. “Our ability to develop well thought out platforms from conception to volume production complements Skyworks’ best-in class solutions.”
“With the connected home market expanding, Skyworks is delighted to work closely with WNC, a leading global manufacturer of products for smart home applications,” says Bradley C. Byk, senior VP of worldwide sales at Skyworks. “Together we are creating innovative wireless solutions for brand-name enterprises, system operators and content service providers – ultimately allowing consumers to enjoy the full power of mobile connectivity.”
As cited in GSMA’s Vision of Smart Home: The Role of Mobile in the Home of the Future report, the combined revenue from the smart metering, home automation and home energy management segment is forecasted to generate more than $44bn in 2016, according to market research companies 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.
The partnership with WNC expands Skyworks presence in the fast-growing connected home market. Earlier this year, Skyworks similarly announced it is supporting SMC Networks for home security, monitoring and automation solutions.
Skyworks’ connected home solutions include the following products:
AAT4712 - a programmed, current-limited, P-channel, metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) power switch designed for high-side, load-switching applications. With the programmed current limit, the integrated circuit ensures that the power ratings of the host are not exceeded and balances the system load and supercap-charging current automatically to provide enough system-load current in top priority. The integrated discharge-path control assures that the system load can be supported in the short term until the input power has fully charged the supercap. SE2432L - a 2.4GHz fully integrated RF front-end module (FEM) designed for ZigBee and smart-energy applications. Designed for ease-of-use and maximum flexibility, the FEM 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.
