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Article description:
USB ZigBee 3.0 / thread / matter gateway
The Home Assistant Skyconnect is designed in such a way that it fits perfectly with the home assistant users. The device offers a simple connection with ZigBee and will support matter specifications with a firmware update from Home Assistant in the future.
The product supports over-the-wire (OTW) firmware updates via the USB interface, which enables simple and quick firmware updates for both protocols. The device is an EFR32 Series 2 (Silicon Labs EZSP V8) adapter, which works with a transmission power of +20 DBM.
The stick supports USB 2.0 at full speed if it is connected to the supplied USB-Exterender.
NABU CASA will regularly provide firmware updates to ensure the best user experience with a ZigBee/Matter adapter.
The USB stick will be plug and play and will be closely integrated with the ZigBee home automation integration, which enables an entry-friendly experience.
The hardware is based on a Silicon Labs EFR32MG21 SOC (the same chip that is used in sonoffs ZBDOLLLE-E), an IEEE 802.15.4 Multi-Protocol 2,4GHz Funk-MCU, which is able, at the same time both ZigBee 3.0 (Emberznet/EZSPS ) as well as thread (Openthread/Spinel Inc. Matter/Chip Over Thread) to carry out stacks/protocols by using firmware in the RCP RCP (Radio Co-Processor) mode. Direct local serial communication takes place via an integrated USB-to-UART bridge/a converter (presumably a chip of the CP210X series from Silicon Labs).
The Home Assistant / NABU CASA Team also works on several add-ons that enable these adapters to act as a ZigBee coordinator and as an opent thread border router (OTBR) for thread-based matter / chip-compatible devices (the locally above Communicate a USB-Erial port using the OpentThread RPC Spinel interface via uart). Silabs Emberznet EZSP interface for ZigBee Via Zigpy libraries also enable the support of the ZHA (ZigBee Home Automation) integration out-of-the-box.
Note on thread/matter:
Skyconnect comes with experimental support for the simultaneous use of thread (used for some matter devices) and ZigBee networks. The integrated radio chip from Home Assistant Skyconnect supports ZigBee by default. By updating the firmware, the radio chip can be used in a multi-protocol setup that supports the ZigBee and thread at the same time!
There are two restrictions: the two networks have to be on the same channel and share the range. Before you activate the multi-protocol support, read the documentaion on the official Home Assistant Sky Connect Page:
https://skyconnect.home-assistant.io/documentation/
Specifications:
Support for ZigBee, matter and thread
Over-the-wire (OTW) firmware updates
Power supply: 5V DC / up to 150mA
USB: V2.0 full speed (12MBPS)
Bridge: USB to Uart, Silabs CP2102N
Dimensions (LXBXH): approx. 38.5 x 18 x 4.5mm
Weight: 4G
Sender/recipient: Silabs EFR32MG21
Frequency: 2.4GHz
Antenna: PCB
TX performance: up to +20dbm
RX sensitivity: -104dbm (250kbps)
Protocols: ZigBee, matter, thread
Stack: Emberznet serial protocol (EZSP)
