Silicon Labs is the first to support Matter 1.4 to take the smart home to the next level

The Connectivity Standard Alliance (CSA) has released version 1.4 of the Matter 1.4 standard. As a key member of the Connectivity Standards Consortium, and a longtime supporter and active promoter of the Matter standard, Silicon Labs is providing comprehensive solutions that include wireless hardware, software, tools, and the newly launched Matter Extension suite. It was the first to implement support for the Matter 1.4 standard, especially for new features and device types.

Matter 1.4 adds and enhances a number of core features

The Matter 1.4 update is an important step for the Matter ecosystem, bringing a number of core new and enhanced features designed to take smart home connectivity to the next level.

Long Idle Time (LIT) protocol to optimize battery life: One of the key updates to Matter 1.4 is the introduction of LIT, an improvement pioneered by SMIC that helps intermittently connected devices (ICDs), such as switches, buttons, and sensors, optimize battery life. LIT allows devices to sleep for up to 18 hours while still maintaining a reliable connection to the network, significantly reducing power consumption and bringing battery life to a level comparable to devices such as Zigbee and Z-Wave, which for years have been the gold standard for long battery life in button battery-powered devices.

Home Routers and Access Points (HRAP) Enhance network infrastructure: Devices such as home routers and modems, access points and set-top boxes can now be developed or upgraded to power the Matter-based smart home. Matter-certified HRAP devices combine a Wi-Fi access point and a Thread border router to ensure that both Matter over Wi-Fi and Matter over Thread are supported in the home. Provides network infrastructure for Matter products using Wi-Fi and Thread technology. In addition, HRAP devices have a feature that allows users to add new Thread border routers to their existing networks, simplifying their home networks and improving their reliability.

Enhanced multi-administrator capabilities enable interoperability across ecosystems: Enabling interoperability across ecosystems is central to Matter's vision, and Multi-Admin capabilities are central to that vision, allowing users to connect Matter devices to different smart home ecosystems. Matter 1.4 provides enhanced multi-administrator capabilities that allow users to configure their Matter network to automatically connect existing and new devices to multiple ecosystems, greatly simplifying the configuration process and enabling seamless support between ecosystems in their homes.

Matter 1.4 supports multiple new device types

Matter 1.4 not only optimizes equipment functions, but also expands its energy management capabilities by adding support for new equipment types, including solar panels, batteries, heat pumps, and water heaters. The addition of these devices allows users to integrate the most energy-consuming devices and energy sources in their homes into a unified system. With Matter, users can now monitor the electricity and energy consumption of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC), water heaters and electric vehicle charging devices (EVSE) and make informed usage decisions based on electricity prices and offers. With the addition of new device types and improved enhancements to energy management and thermostat feature sets, Matter 1.4 lays the foundation for smarter, more automated energy management in the home.

Core Technology continuously and comprehensively supports the Matter standard

As a manufacturer focused on wireless technology for the Internet of Things, Chip Technology is deeply involved in the formulation of the Matter standard, is the largest semiconductor manufacturer with Matter code contributions, and has always been committed to promoting the development and deployment of the Matter standard. From the release of the Matter standard to multiple version updates, Core Technology has been providing comprehensive support to Matter device manufacturers in wireless products, software development tools, certification support, etc., helping them simplify the Matter development process and reduce development costs and time.

In terms of wireless products, Chip Technology can provide the most comprehensive multi-protocol wireless SoC and module product portfolio, such as MG24, MG26, SiWx917, SiWx915 SoC, which can support Matter over Thread and Matter over Wi-Fi. And Matter bridge to Zigbee and Z-Wave. In terms of software development tools, Core provides software and tools including the Simplicity Studio iot development environment and the Matter SDK, as well as the Matter Developer Journey training and support program. It helps developers better apply Matter and cope with its evolution. In terms of certification support, Chips can help Matter device manufacturers plan for Matter certification more easily during the development process with pre-certified chips for Thread, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth Low Energy, while our technical experts provide advice and guidance throughout the product development cycle. This makes it easy to meet the requirements of the Matter specification.

Join hands to create the future of smart home

With the continuous iteration and update of the Matter standard, and the full support of manufacturers such as Chip Technology, smart home connectivity has entered a new stage of development. By enabling seamless connectivity and interoperability between different brands and different ecosystems, the Matter standard is driving the smart home sector towards a more open, collaborative and intelligent direction. In the future, with the addition of more new device types and the continuous optimization of core functions, smart homes based on the Matter network will bring users a more rich, convenient, efficient and intelligent life experience. Chip Technology will continue to work with partners to promote the development and wide application of Matter standards, and inject a steady stream of new impetus into the field of smart home.