Texas Instruments has introduced Matter-enabled software development kits for its wifi and Thread SimpleLink wireless microcontrollers (MCUs) that could streamline adoption of the Matter protocol in IoT applications.

The software builds on TI’s close involvement with Matter creator the Connectivity Standards Alliance and innovation in 2.4GHz connectivity.

Engineers can use the software and wireless MCUs such as the CC3235SF and CC2652R7 to create low-power and secure, battery-powered smart home and industrial automation IoT applications that seamlessly connect with devices across proprietary ecosystems.

“In a matter of weeks, we’re quickly seeing alliance members building on the new capabilities of Matter and bringing innovation to the ecosystem, in this case a streamlined approach for MCUs and IoT applications over wifi and Thread,” said Chris LaPre, head of technology at the Connectivity Standards Alliance. “TI’s new wireless MCUs for IoT applications will help designers seamlessly and securely connect with interoperable Matter devices.”

Anders Johanson, senior vice president at Grundfos Holding, added: “As a global leader in advanced pump and water technology, we are pleased to be a part of the alliance to drive Matter forward in the HVAC business. At Grundfos, we strongly believe that collaboration will be key to reaching our innovation and sustainability goals. Our collaboration with TI to bring low-power, Matter-enabled radio to the market will play an important role in delivering comfort to our end users and reducing energy consumption in HVAC systems, helping reduce carbon emissions.”

Matter is a royalty-free connectivity protocol developed by the alliance, formerly the Zigbee Alliance. Matter runs on Thread and wifi network layers and uses Bluetooth Low Energy for commissioning, allowing devices from different ecosystems to communicate, even if they are manufactured by different brands. By providing a unified application layer based on proven technologies, manufacturers can leverage this open-source protocol to accelerate IoT development.

As a board member of the alliance and one of the participants in the development of Matter, TI can help engineers build wider and more interconnected IoT ecosystems, overcoming compatibility problems caused by otherwise fragmented ecosystems. In addition to working alongside the alliance, TI is also a contributor within the Thread Group and the Wifi Alliance.

TI says its SimpleLink wireless MCUs can help designers reduce standby power consumption by up to 70% in Thread applications compared with competing devices, extending battery life up to four years while using five-second polling. For long-range connectivity applications, the integrated power amplifier in these wireless MCUs enables connectivity while consuming 101mA at +20dBm, further reducing battery power consumption at higher output power.

Designers of Matter-enabled wifi applications can leverage TI’s dual-band, multilayer security approach to protect device data and secure against cyber threats without the need for additional external components.

Engineers can start prototyping today by requesting LaunchPad development kits for Thread LP-CC2652R7 and wifi LP-CC3235SF.

TI plans to demonstrate the Matter protocol’s ability to enable smarter EV charging management at home on stand 157, Hall C4, at next week’s Electronica exhibition in Munich, Germany.