Qualcomm Atheros wireless new journey: smart connection, more than just interconnection

Since the “Internet of Things” proposed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the late 1990s, there has been no “wide consensus” on the precise definition of this concept. Some people say that the Internet of Things is to interconnect all physical objects that can be independently addressed. Some people say that the Internet of Things is a combination of many emerging technologies. The key words are sensing, interconnection, and digitization. Others believe that the Internet of Things is A larger network built on smart devices based on Internet technology...

Although IoT products have been around for many years, it is not difficult to see from the just-concluded International Consumer Electronics Show that the Internet of Things is increasingly forming a larger market. Especially since 2014, Google’s acquisition of Nest for 3.2 billion has set off a wave of smart homes. For a time, from smart wear to smart homes, from smart machines to smart cars, swept the world and throughout 2014. According to IDC, as of 2020, there will be 25 billion items of various types permanently connected to the Internet, and the Internet of Things has arrived.

Ms. Bei Xiaoshan, Qualcomm's Axis IoT Marketing Manager, gave a keynote speech on “IoE Connected Home Solution Overview”

Domestic and foreign manufacturers have introduced new technologies from wireless connectivity, sensing, and computing, and various technologies and new products have come to the fore. In order to open a new journey of innovative applications in the Internet of Things in 2015, on January 16, 2015, Electronic Enthusiasts brought together industry elites to hold the “2015 Internet of Things Technology and Innovation Application Conference” in Shenzhen to help layout the Internet of Things. Ms. Bei Xiaoshan, Qualcomm's ICT Marketing Manager, gave a speech on the topic “IoE Connected Home Solutions Overview”, telling us how to achieve a smarter IoT.

Technology diversification to help smart home ecosystem

Ms. Bei Xiaoshan pointed out that Qualcomm Atheros aims to provide a platform approach to end-to-end IoE solutions, and to meet the more diverse intelligence needs of the Internet of Things wave through the following five technologies and products.

Platform approach to end-to-end IoE solutions

The fiery concept of the "Internet of Things" has further promoted the development of smart homes. Based on this concept, various hardware used by consumers and enterprises can be equipped with computing modules, wireless communication modules and sensor functions. Qualcomm launched AllJoyn for the smart home ecosystem, an open source cross-platform IoT software framework based on WiFi and Bluetooth near-field communication technology that supports multiple programming languages ​​and is easy to integrate into existing applications. Bei Xiaoshan pointed out that "AllJoyn is mainly used in household appliances to realize the interconnection of smart homes, simplify the user operation process, and provide a more comfortable, safe and convenient lifestyle. Due to the cross-platform and programming language independence of AllJoyn, It can also run on the OpenWRT system, providing fast access and communication, mutual discovery and service functions for open source hardware and home devices.” She pointed out that “AllJoynTM is a product of Qualcomm InnovaTIon Center, Inc.. It has been delivered to AllSeen Alliance Management."

Qualcomm helps smart home ecosystem

In order to solve the interconnection between IoT devices, there is a unified method, based on the LAN, of course, the basic IP protocol is inseparable. It specifies the elements of communication, such as communication ports, broadcast discovery devices, data encryption methods, and message transmission mechanisms, but interconnects with many devices and uses network bandwidth as much as possible. Later, it was upgraded based on this protocol. The board introduces the concept of service. Different devices can support different services, but can communicate through a unified communication process. Users pay as much care as possible to the services provided by their devices, instead of spending more time on the transport, UI, and cloud services, enhancing the user experience.

More than interconnection, lower power consumption

The Internet of Things wireless connection technology has become increasingly mature, how to make the IoT product design more low-energy into the focus of chasing by various manufacturers. A variety of low-power technologies and products take turns. Qualcomm's low-power single-chip Wi-Fi platform, QCA4002/4004 and QCA4531, is a positive move in the highly competitive IoT market.

The QCA4002/4004 can be used in appliances such as washing machines, air conditioners, water heaters, consumer electronics, and sensors and smart sockets for home lighting, security and automation systems. Currently, Haier has adopted the QCA4004 on its washer/dryer and air conditioning equipment. The new platform is not just a chip, but also includes software applications, HTTP interfaces, and simple user applications. Prior to this, Qualcomm Atheros also launched the IoT chip, but they can not operate independently, need to be combined with the mobile phone processor, but also need to add other CPU or processor platform.

Bei Xiaoshan pointed out that "QCA4002 is a subsystem that can be used in some applications that require powerful MCU or high memory, and can be implemented by using various MCUs or memory. QCA4004 is used in some lower-end applications, built-in. The CPU can implement many applications independently. "There is a common highlight between the two is that they support the AllJoyn communication and service framework to make the interconnection more flexible.

Flexible system implementation services

The QCA4002/4004 is a Wi-Fi RTOS SoC for IoE, the difference being the QCA4531 for IoE Wi-Fi Linux SoC. But they all give you a low-power design experience. The three chips feature a green Tx function that dynamically reduces power by one-half as the device approaches other devices or access points. This dynamic power adjustment function, combined with the chip's sleep mode, enables a more energy-efficient communication method and extends battery life.

Green Tx minimizes Tx power consumption

The year 2014 has passed and the new journey of the Internet of Things has quietly opened in 2015. I believe that in this world of interconnected things, people and things will become more intelligent, people can adjust accordingly with the changes of smart objects, and smart items can become more like people's preferences and habits. intelligent.

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