NXP Semiconductors announces new RW612 and K32W148 devices supporting the Matter standard to simplify smart home device design.

On the 20th, NXP Semiconductors announced new RW612 and K32W148 devices designed to simplify the development of IoT and industrial IoT solutions. The two devices are additions to NXP's end-to-end Matter solution portfolio, combining advanced edge processing capabilities with integrated security.

Matter is a communication standard announced by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) and is expected to be essential for facilitating device interoperability in smart homes. Through Matter, devices from various brands can communicate securely.

The RW612 is a new tri-radio MCU that simultaneously supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) 5.3, and 802.15.4. It supports Thread or Zigbee and targets smart home appliances such as thermostats, garage door openers, door locks, IP cameras, and robot vacuums.

The tri-radio of the NXP K32W148 and RW612 provides multi-protocol support once native support for Matter is secured, making it easier to integrate Matter functions into smart home devices.

The K32W148 wireless MCU supports multiprotocol enabling across Thread, BLE 5.3, and Zigbee for devices such as smart plugs, smart lights, low-power smart devices, and sensors. Additionally, Thread and Zigbee support can be added to home routers, hubs, and bridges. Multiprotocol support reduces costs and simplifies antenna design by utilizing a single antenna.

Larry Olivas, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Wireless Connectivity Solutions at NXP Semiconductors, said, “Next-generation consumer and industrial devices require the right combination of secure connectivity and advanced MCUs across the most critical protocols, including Thread, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Matter. Combining NXP’s advanced edge processing capabilities, the industry’s best Tri-Radio portfolio, and advanced security performance simplifies designs and reduces the complexity of Matter support. This enables smart device manufacturers to bring innovative next-generation products to market faster.”