The Treehouse Platform Reduces the Cost of Wireless Sensor Networks and Accelerates the Internet of Things

January 9, 2012, Seoul – Treehouse Labs, a leader in transforming the way mobile networks and control, tracking, and monitoring applications are delivered, today unveiled its BiKN™ technology platform. This platform leverages low-power wireless chip technology from NXP Semiconductors (NASDAQ: NXPI) to enable the Internet of Things, opening entirely new markets and applications for low-cost wireless sensor and control networks. Las Vegas, Nevada, January 8, 2012 – Treehouse Labs will unveil the first consumer product based on the BiKN platform, BiKN for iPhone®. Innovative commercial applications based on BiKN will be demonstrated during CES, which runs from January 10 to 11 in Las Vegas.

“Imagine being able to build an end-to-end, low-power wireless sensor or control network in weeks instead of months, at a fraction of the traditional development cost,” said John Howard, President and CEO of TreeHouse Labs. “Every business has ‘endpoints’ they want to communicate or monitor. Our BiKN technology platform, leveraging NXP’s low-power wireless technology, enables the creation of large, scalable mesh networks. Built on standard protocols, BiKN interoperates across major smartphone OS software platforms, essentially eliminating the need for custom readers. TreeHouse Labs makes the process approachable and easy to achieve.”

The BiKN technology platform is driven by three fundamental principles: integrating hardware and software, operating on mobile and web-enabled devices, and leveraging the patented advantages of the IEEE802.15.4 low-power networking standard to reduce current development costs while enabling rapid creation and scalability of sensor and remote control networks.

“The BiKN technology platform is a revolutionary solution that demonstrates how ‘smart’ wireless technology can bring the Internet of Things closer to consumers, developers and commercial enterprises,” said Sean McGrath, general manager, Smart Home Product Line, NXP Semiconductors. “We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Treehouse Labs as they, along with their growing developer community, bring to market innovative applications that will change the way we interact with the world around us.”

Treehouse Labs uses the NXP JN5148 ultra-low-power wireless microcontroller and the JenNet IP wireless network protocol stack, which is optimized for low-power, low-data-rate, and cost-sensitive applications. By utilizing an enhanced 6LoWPAN network layer based on the IEEE 802.15.4 specification, the JenNet IP enables a robust, self-healing network that enables BiKN to track, monitor, and control up to 500 devices. The JenNet IP simplifies product development for application developers using a familiar methodology, with an elegant and extensible API, the Device Interface Protocol Layer (DIPL). Additionally, the NXP JN5148 solution also has support for other wireless network protocols, including ZigBee®, RF4CE, and other proprietary 802.15.4 protocols.

The BiKN platform includes custom apps, a web interface, gateways, routers, end-to-end management and security, enabling customers to build low-power wireless sensor networks that connect and control smart objects from smartphones, iPads, PCs, cloud servers, and more.

Smart Object Reference Hardware and Software
Anything a user wants to connect and control can become a smart object. The BiKN reference hardware and software development kit allows customers to easily integrate their 802.15.4-based smart objects into BiKN-enabled networks. These can be light bulbs, temperature sensors, RFID tags, or heat monitors. Ready-to-install BiKN tags, PCB modules, or customer-specific hardware are compatible with Treehouse Labs' open standard stack, allowing everything to be quickly connected.

BiKN Gateways and Routers
The BiKN technology platform offers three connectivity options. The BiKN Gateway, which operates a standards-based Genet IP 6loWPAN stack, provides an interface via Ethernet, WiFi, or directly to a smartphone. This gateway allows smart objects within a 3km range to communicate with the BiKN app and server. The BiKN case for iPhone is a short-range mobile version that allows users to connect and control smart objects from an Apple iPhone 4*. BiKN Routers create a mesh network with each other to achieve wide coverage and can track smart objects with BiKN distance technology.

User interface
With a legacy of over 5 million app downloads, Treehouse Labs understands the importance of a great user interface. The BiKN technology platform includes a web interface and easily customizable apps for Apple and Android devices, allowing customers to access and control smart objects from any internet-enabled device.

End-to-end security and management
The BiKN server can be set up locally or in the cloud for data collection and system-wide management. Its easy-to-use web interface provides numerous features, including user authorization and account control, billing management, viewing and downloading system performance metrics, firmware and software push notifications, and event trigger configuration.

The first product developed based on the BiKN technology platform is BiKN™ for iPhone®. This product combines an innovative, wireless-enabled smart case with the myBiKN app and a clip-on tag, allowing customers to stay connected to what matters most, even when their iPhone is off or in sleep mode.

To accelerate market entry, the iPhone BiKN can be used in commercial* applications that require a portable solution. Designed for iPhone authentication, this intelligent case acts as a gateway and interface for Wi-Fi, cellular, and Bluetooth wireless technologies, easily collecting 802.15.4 data. The solution uses NXP's Time of Flight (TOF) technology to accurately measure distances regardless of signal strength. It includes an embedded 32-bit NXP JN5148 microcontroller. It is a microcontroller with 128 KB of RAM and 4 Mb of flash memory. It supports 6LoWPAN, Genetic IP, Zigbee®, RF4CE, and proprietary 802.15.4 protocols. It is powered by a standalone, rechargeable lithium polymer battery. The 300 mAh rechargeable lithium polymer battery allows the case to collect data even when the iPhone is in sleep mode or turned off, without affecting the iPhone's battery life. The micro USB port and alarm sound allow the case to sync and charge the iPhone simultaneously, even when the iPhone is turned off or has a dead battery.

Commercial applications of the BiKN technology platform include home and industrial automation, smart energy management, improved equipment and inventory tracking and monitoring in retail and hospitality industries, and improved safety monitoring and security in healthcare, social services, athletics, and education settings.
Visit Treehouse Labs and NXP at their CES #CP8 booth in Central Plaza or visit the Treehouse Labs hospitality suite at The Venetian, Suite 215, to see demonstrations of products built using the BiKN technology platform.

A video explanation of the BiKN technology platform can be found at the following YouTube link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kJJSlYqSjU

More information about NXP low-power RF solutions can be found at the following link:
http://www.nxp.com/jennic/applications

* Applications must be approved by Apple.
BiKN is a trademark of Treehouse Labs LLC.
iPhone is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
App Store is a service mark of Apple, Inc.