Silicon Labs - Experts & Thought Leaders

The Z-Wave Alliance, the standards development organisation dedicated to advancing the smart home and Z-Wave® technology, announces that pioneering silicon providers Silicon Labs and Trident IoT have both achieved the Alliance’s newly established Z-Wave Protocol Certification. As the silicon solutions providers currently supporting the Z-Wave ecosystem, this certification ensures that all products developed on their platforms maintain the required levels of interoperability, heightened security, and continued innovation across a global Z-Wave marketplace. Z-Wave Protocol Certification The new Z-Wave Protocol Certification contributes to and further validates the rigorous standards The new Z-Wave Protocol Certification contributes to and further validates the rigorous standards set by the Z-Wave Alliance, ensuring that core tenets of Z-Wave technology, such as interoperability, backwards compatibility, enhanced security, and robust developer resources, remain across all Z-Wave-enabled products. Trident IoT brings a focused, developer-first approach to Z-Wave innovation. Founded by long-time pioneers within the IoT space, the company was established to meet growing demand for streamlined silicon, certification, and design support tailored to the Z-Wave ecosystem. Innovative Z-Wave products “Achieving Z-Wave Alliance certification for our semiconductor solutions and SDK is a testament to our dedication to quality, interoperability, and developer empowerment,” said Mariusz Malkowski, CTO at Trident IoT. “This milestone enables our partners to confidently accelerate their time-to-market with fully certifiable and innovative Z-Wave products.” Latest Z-Wave software release Z-Wave Protocol Certification enables Silicon Labs customers to develop and certify Z-Wave products Silicon Labs, a pioneering innovator in low-power wireless solutions, builds upon its extended pedigree of Z-Wave innovation through this certification achievement.  The Z-Wave Protocol Certification enables Silicon Labs customers to develop and certify Z-Wave products using its EFR32ZG23, EFR32ZG28, and ZGM230S hardware platforms along with their latest Z-Wave software release (v7.23.1). Open Z-Wave technology “When Silicon Labs made the strategic decision to open Z-Wave technology up to the community in the name of open-source advancement, the goal was always to drive member contribution, broader adoption, and strengthen the ecosystem,” said Abitzen Xavier, Staff Product Manager for Proprietary & Z-Wave at Silicon Labs. “Z-Wave continues to be a pioneering platform in the smart home and beyond. Silicon Labs is pleased to provide this new certification and its accompanying enhancements to help our customers continue to build secure, reliable, and interoperable Z-Wave devices.” Smart home and IoT innovation Avi Rosenthal, Chairman of the Board for the Z-Wave Alliance, praised the contributions of both companies, stating, “The achievements by Trident IoT and Silicon Labs mark significant milestones, reinforcing the strength and versatility of the Z-Wave ecosystem." "By taking the necessary steps to certify their solutions, these companies now provide manufacturers and developers with essential tools for accelerating smart home and IoT innovation.”

The Connectivity Standards Alliance ("Alliance") Product Security Working Group is pleased to announce the release of their IoT (Internet of Things) Device Security Specification 1.0, with the accompanying certification program, and Product Security Verified Mark. This groundbreaking initiative aims to establish a unified IoT cybersecurity standard and certification program, providing manufacturers with a one-stop solution to certify their devices, enabling them to comply with multiple international regulations and standards more easily. Diverse international regulations "The unveiling of the IoT Device Security Specification 1.0, alongside its certification program and the Product Security Verified Mark, signals an important milestone in bolstering IoT security and building confidence with consumers," said Tobin Richardson, Alliance President & CEO of the Connectivity Standards Alliance. "By bringing together diverse international regulations into a cohesive specification, the Product Security Certification Program streamlines the process, reduces redundancy, and provides manufacturers with a singular, respected avenue for certifying their devices globally." IoT Cybersecurity baselines The Product Security Working Group aims to meet this challenge by consolidating requirements With the increasing adoption of consumer IoT devices, there is a heightened emphasis on security due to a rise in incidents involving breaches and malicious device hijackings. The Product Security Working Group aims to meet this challenge by consolidating requirements from the three most popular IoT Cybersecurity baselines from the United States, Singapore, and Europe into a single specification and certification program. This unifying effort helps manufacturers more easily and efficiently address these regulatory regimes' requirements aiming to instil confidence in consumers and regulators. Value of IoT devices "As consumers embrace the convenience and value of IoT devices, the Alliance is dedicated to helping to create more comprehensive protection for consumers. This initiative aims to establish a robust baseline for all consumer IoT devices," said Steve Hanna of Infineon Technologies AG and Chair of the Product Security Working Group Steering Committee. "The Alliance's Product Security Verified Mark and IoT Device Security Specification 1.0 will make it easier for manufacturers to address consumer IoT security requirements around the world." IoT Device Security Specification 1.0 requirements The Product Security's IoT Device Security Specification includes dozens of specific device security provisions. IoT Device Manufacturers must demonstrate compliance with those provisions, supplying justifications and evidence to an Authorised Test Laboratory with expertise in security evaluation and experience certifying products relative to this specification. Highlights of the specific requirements include: Unique identity for each IoT Device No hardcoded default passwords Secure storage of sensitive data on the Device Secure communications of security-relevant information Secure software updates throughout the support period Secure development process, including vulnerability management Public documentation regarding security, including the support period Driving requirements and specification These units spearheaded the process by driving needs and specification action Nearly 200 member companies — including  Amazon, Arm, Comcast, Google, Infineon Technologies AG, NXP Semiconductors, Schneider Electric, Signify (Philips Hue and WiZ), and Silicon Labs —  have collaborated, pooling related technologies, expertise, and innovations enabling the IoT Device Security Specification 1.0, the accompanying certification program, and Product Security Verified Mark to meet the diverse needs of stakeholders, including consumers, device manufacturers, and regulators. Together, these companies spearheaded the process by driving requirements and specification development and ultimately helping validate the final specification. The Product Security Certification Program and Verified Mark Product Security Verified Mark is proof a product meets the specification's security needs Encompassing a broad spectrum of smart home devices such as light bulbs, switches, thermostats, doorbell cameras, and more, the Product Security Certification Program establishes minimum requirements for IoT devices. By consolidating several international regulations into a single set of requirements, the Certification Program streamlines the process, helping manufacturers meet certification criteria from multiple countries or regions with a single evaluation. The Product Security Verified Mark is confirmation a product meets the specification's security requirements, with the goal of inspiring consumer confidence. When displayed prominently on certified product packaging, store signage, and online platforms, this Verified Mark builds trust by serving as a marker for secure IoT devices. A printed URL, hyperlink, QR code, or a combination of these representations on the Product Security Verified Mark gives consumers access to more information about the device's security features. Looking ahead As technology advances and new threats emerge, the Product Security Working Group remains committed to continuously enhancing the IoT Security Device Specification and the accompanying certification program. To learn more about how to be a part of the next generation of the IoT, visit here and become a Member of the Connectivity Standards Alliance.

The Z-Wave Alliance, the standards development organisation dedicated to advancing the smart home and Z-Wave® technology, announces a burst of updates including an exciting new member, availability of in-demand educational resources, and support for dozens of Z-Wave Alliance member companies at CES 2024. On the heels of announcing the newly elected Board of Directors, the bevy of announcements from the Z-Wave Alliance marks an explosive start to 2024. OliverIQ joins the Z-Wave Alliance Officially launched at CES 2024, OliverIQ (Venetian Expo Booth #51932) is on a mission to put smart home automation in reach for everyone with their Smart Home as a Service (SHaaS) solution. With OliverIQ, a single user-friendly app unites third-party connected devices within the home, backed by unlimited always-on support. With OliverIQ, a single user-friendly app unites third-party connected devices within the home OliverIQ has joined the Z-Wave Alliance at the manufacturer level and has meticulously engineered their Smart Home as a Service solution to seamlessly integrate user’s most desired smart home devices – many of which are Z-Wave-certified – into a single streamlined experience. This new solution provides users with a consolidated app and access to control over third-party devices, optional live security monitoring, remote monitoring, and management, as well as comprehensive technical service and support. New Z-Wave long-range resources Z-Wave Long Range (Z-Wave LR) has been engineered to provide significantly extended wireless range, support robust networks, and extend Z-Wave connectivity beyond the interior boundaries of the home to improve the wireless transmission range of peripheral Z-Wave devices. The technology responsible for ushering in a new era of Z-Wave connectivity and bringing expanded options for the smart home, multi-dwelling units, and hospitality use cases is the chosen topic for the latest round of published educational content produced by the Z-Wave Alliance. The Z-Wave Alliance announces the availability of the Z-Wave Long Range eBook and Alarm.com Water Dragon and Z-Wave Long Range case study. Benefits of Z-Wave LR ZWLR is the latest addition to the “WHY Z-WAVE” educational eBook series made by Z-Wave Alliance Z-Wave Long Range (ZWLR) is the latest addition to the “WHY Z-WAVE” educational eBook series created by the Z-Wave Alliance and is now available via the Alliance website. Produced for industry partners, members, and the market at large, the WHY Z-WAVE eBook series serves as the definitive guide to Z-Wave technology and how the Z-Wave protocol addresses existing and emerging markets.  As the latest published volume, the Z-Wave LR eBook covers network topology, showcases how the technology increases range, coverage, scalability, and dynamic power management, and discusses the benefits of Z-Wave LR for everyone including manufacturers, developers, installers, and consumers. Future-proof Z-Wave installations To showcase Z-Wave LR applications and benefits in the market, the Z-Wave Alliance announces the availability of the Water Dragon™ case study, published in partnership with Alarm.com and Silicon Labs. Available for download now, this informative case study examines the challenges faced by Alarm.com during the product development process and highlights how the Z-Wave 700 Series module from Silicon Labs with support for Z-Wave LR presented a clear solution to those challenges. The unique blend of these two parts is critical in helping future-proof Z-Wave installations As one of the premier brands in smart security and technology, the case study explores why Alarm.com chose to implement Z-Wave LR within the Water Dragon solution to achieve increased range capabilities and dynamic power control offered by the technology. The unique combination of these two features is critical in supporting future-proof Z-Wave installations since one of the most compelling use cases for sensors, especially those needing increased battery life, is the ability to deploy them in hard-to-reach places such as attics, basements, or behind walls. CES 2024 presence and support With over 30 member companies exhibiting at CES 2024, Z-Wave technology will be broadly displayed at the event. The full list of exhibiting Z-Wave Alliance membership companies will be available within the Z-Wave Alliance suite located at Tech West, Venetian and Palazzo Hospitality Suite #32-139. The Z-Wave Alliance is hosting a series of informative fireside chat sessions designed to excite and educate attendees about the state of Z-Wave technology and explore opportunity-rich verticals. Each of the three sessions will feature a unique presentation topic followed by a cocktail and networking event. The fireside chat series and topics are as follows: 1/9/24: The State of Z-Wave Chips 1/10/24: Parks Associates Presents: The Rise of Smart Homes in Multifamily Living 1/11/24: Learning to Build Smart Home Devices with Z-Wave Long-Range