Skyworks, Ember to deliver next-gen ZigBee system solutions

WOBURN, USA: Skyworks Solutions Inc., an innovator of high reliability analog and mixed signal semiconductors enabling a broad range of end markets, and Ember Corp., a leading provider of low-power, wireless mesh networking technology, introduced innovative solutions for ZigBee applications targeting the growing energy management, home area network and industrial automation markets.

ZigBee is a wireless network standard that solves the unique needs of remote monitoring and control, and sensor-network applications. Specific wireless applications range from lighting control, to door and window sensors, to appliance and temperature controllers.

“Ember is a global leader for ZigBee networking systems and is known for delivering the highest levels of performance. Continuing our partnering with Skyworks with our latest generation of ZigBee solutions was an obvious choice,” said Dennis Natale, Ember’s vice president of sales. “These industry-leading platforms are designed to power the next wave of energy management and home automation applications while delivering exceptional performance and long battery life. To this end, we are excited to be utilizing Skyworks’ field-proven front-end solutions.”

“Ember is the undisputed ZigBee market leader and we are delighted to be combining Skyworks’ front-end modules with their next-generation system-on-chips (SoCs) to offer customers best-in-class, turnkey solutions,” said Liam K. Griffin, Skyworks’ senior vice president of sales and marketing. “Given the momentum and demand for green technologies, enhanced security and energy conservation, we are thrilled to be leveraging our scale and analog integration capabilities with the industry leader to serve multiple end markets.”

ON World Inc., a market research firm that provides business intelligence for smart-technology markets, is forecasting more than 100 million 802.15.4 and ZigBee units to ship annually within the next few years. The largest markets are expected to be advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), home automation and consumer electronics.

In addition, ON World anticipates that many emerging vertical markets --- including medical devices, health and wellness monitoring, building automation and municipal/transportation --- will also leverage ZigBee/IEEE 802.15.4 technologies.