GreenPeak Technologies obtains ZigBee RF4CE certification

UTRECHT, THE NETHERLANDS: GreenPeak Technologies, a leading fabless semiconductor company offering innovative ultra low power wireless and battery-free data communication technologies for consumer electronics and sense and control applications, announced the successful completion of ZigBee RF4CE certification.

ZigBee RF4CE (Radio Frequency for Consumer Electronics) is the standard communication protocol for radio frequency-based remote controls for audio/video consumer electronics. The ZigBee RF4CE specification is based on IEEE 802.15.4 MAC/PHY radio technology in the wireless 2.4GHz unlicensed frequency band and enables worldwide operation, low power consumption and instantaneous response time.

It allows omni-directional and reliable two-way communication, frequency agility for enhanced co-existence with other 2.4GHz wireless communication systems (like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi) and provides specifications for robust data transmission, discovery, easy and intuitive pairing and security.

In comparison to traditional IR (infrared) remote controls, RF remotes are faster, more reliable and provide a greater range. RF also removes the line-of-sight barrier of today’s IR remotes. The additional benefits of ZigBee RF4CE include richer communication, increased reliability and interoperability between vendors.

GreenPeak is one of the first ZigBee members to obtain RF4CE certification. Frans Frielink, VP Business Development for GreenPeak says: "We have successfully implemented the ZigBee RF4CE specification, but we take the standard even further by adding ultra low power and low cost to our solution.

"This green solution enables remote controls to run on a single coin cell battery without ever having to change or recharge it, so they essentially become maintenance free. In combination with a single layer low cost PCB, the total bill of material will be less than two dollars per remote!"

GreenPeak is a member of the ZigBee Alliance and is committed to the RF remote control market with dedicated reference design software stacks and a dedicated ZigBee RF4CE specialist team supporting customers.

The GreenPeak reference designs will be delivered with a very small ZigBee RF4CE protocol stack which fits very well within small and low cost processors. The embedded IEEE 802.15.4 MAC layer allows a short time to market and a simple, stable and reliable software application. Additionally, the reference designs are based on a single layer low cost PCB with integrated antennas and a very low component count, guaranteeing a very low cost BOM.

ZigBee
ZigBee is the global wireless language connecting dramatically different devices to work together and enhance everyday life. The ZigBee Alliance is a non-profit association of more than 300 member companies driving development of ZigBee wireless technology.

The Alliance promotes world-wide adoption of ZigBee as the leading wirelessly networked, sensing and control standard for use in consumer electronics, energy, home, commercial and industrial areas.