SMLIGHT SMHUB Essential Multi-Radio Linux Smart Home Hub CC2652P+EFR32MG21

Linux-based Smart Home Hub

The SMLIGHT SMHUB Essential is a Linux-based Smart Home Hub designed for local operation. It features two integrated Zigbee/Thread radios and can be used as a standalone Smart Home Hub or as a network gateway for systems like Home Assistant.

Product description

Operating system and functionality: The SMHUB-OS allows Smart Home services to run directly on the device, eliminating the need for a separate computer. Supported applications include Zigbee2MQTT, the Mosquitto MQTT broker, Node-RED, and Matterbridge.

Two independent radios: The hub is equipped with a Texas Instruments CC2652P and a Silicon Labs EFR32MG21, allowing for the operation of two separate Zigbee networks or using one of the radios as a Zigbee coordinator and the other as a Thread radio.

Expandable storage capacity: The SMHUB Essential features 512 MB RAM and 8 GB eMMC storage, which can be expanded with a microSD card of up to 2 TB.

Network connections: The hub supports 10/100 Mbps Ethernet and dual Wi-Fi 6 (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) as well as Bluetooth 5.0 for flexible network connectivity.

Modular design: The modular design allows for expansion with optional Z-Wave, 4G/LTE, and PoE modules to integrate additional communication and power supply options.

Passive cooling: The SMHUB Essential is designed in a passive, fanless manner, allowing for continuous operation 24/7.

Compatibility and protocols

Zigbee: The two separate radios can be used to manage Zigbee networks. The CC2652P and the EFR32MG21 are independent radios that enable the operation of up to two separate Zigbee networks.

Thread: The EFR32MG21 can be used with OpenThread firmware for Thread networks. Support for the CC26xx radio is currently in development.

Matterbridge: Compatible Zigbee devices managed by Zigbee2MQTT can be integrated into Matter-compatible systems via Matterbridge.

Home Assistant and other platforms: The SMHUB can be connected to Home Assistant over the network. Zigbee2MQTT and MQTT services can run directly on the SMHUB.

Smart features

Zigbee2MQTT: Pairing, configuration, and control of Zigbee devices can be done directly through the Zigbee2MQTT application running on the SMHUB.

Local automations: Node-RED can be used directly on the SMHUB to create local automations based on Zigbee2MQTT, MQTT, schedules, and other events.

Web interface: The settings, applications, and radios of the SMHUB-OS can be managed through a web interface on the local network.

OTA updates: The SMHUB system and installed applications can be updated via the web interface.

Power supply and network connections

Power supply: The hub can be powered via USB-C. An optional PoE module allows for power supply over Ethernet (IEEE 802.3af).

Network ports: The SMHUB is equipped with an RJ45 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0.

USB ports: The hub features one USB-A port and two USB-C downstream ports for peripherals.

Technical specifications

Product type: Linux-based modular Smart Home Hub

Processor: 2 separate C906 RISC-V cores, 1 GHz for the Linux system and 700 MHz for the RTOS system

NPU: 0.5 TOPS INT8

RAM: 512 MB

Internal storage: 8 GB eMMC

Memory card: microSD, up to 2 TB

Operating system: Linux-based SMHUB-OS

First Zigbee radio module: Texas Instruments CC2652P

Second Zigbee/Thread radio module: Silicon Labs EFR32MG21

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz

Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.0

Ethernet: 1 × RJ45, 10/100 Mbps

USB ports: 1 × USB-A, 2 × USB-C downstream and 1 × USB-C power/upstream

DIY interfaces: UART, I²C, SPI, and GPIO

Zigbee antenna: External antenna

Thread antenna: External antenna

Wi-Fi antenna: Internal antenna with IPEX connector, expandable

Bluetooth antenna: Internal antenna with IPEX connector, expandable

Infrared interface: Transmitter and receiver

Buzzer: Integrated

RGB status indicator: 12 × WS2812B addressable RGB LEDs

Audio output: 3.5 mm

Controls: 3 buttons and 4 service LEDs

Operating temperature: 0–50 °C

Cooling: Passive, fanless

Firmware update: OTA